Anchors Away! Boating and Lake Safety Tips for Pets

Nothing is better than spending a hot summer day at the lake, and, with a little planning, you can include your pet. Here are five boating and lake safety tips to follow.

 

#1: Fit your pet for a life jacket

Although your pet may be an excellent swimmer, accidents can happen that cause them to forget their swimming abilities. Ensure your pet’s head stays above water with a well-fitting life jacket that they’ve become accustomed to before their first boating adventure.

 

#2: Keep your pet leashed when the boat is in motion

If your dog sees another dog, smells a hot dog, or notices a large splash, they may be enticed to jump in the water as you’re pulling away from the dock. Keep your pet safely confined inside the boat with a leash when the motor is running.

 

#3: Provide shade on and off the boat for your pet

Out on the water, the scorching sun can cause your pet serious discomfort and possible heatstroke, especially if they do not have the ability to jump in and out of the water to cool off. Provide your furry pal with shade on and off the boat, so they have a cool place to relax. 

 

#4: Bring plenty of fresh water

Since your pet is next to, or in, a handy body of water, they may be tempted to quench their thirst with large amounts of lake water. However, lake water can contain pathogens and toxins that can be hazardous to your pet. Encourage them to drink fresh water from a portable bowl instead. Also, always check algae levels before heading out to a lake to minimize your pet’s risk.

 

#5: Watch for signs that your pet is tired

Although your dog may be a water-loving breed, they cannot spend all day in the water without becoming exhausted. Closely monitor their energy level to prevent any mishaps caused by fatigue, and pull them out of the water when you notice them struggling to swim or trying to latch onto nearby swimmers.

 

With proper precautions, you and your pet can enjoy a fun day cruising around the lake. But, if an accident occurs, contact our team right away for help.

We are happy to welcome you back into our building for appointments with our doctors! Following the most recent recommendations, masks are no longer required inside, but our staff is happy to wear them if you prefer, just let us know during your visit. We ask that ALL appointments continue to call to check in from the parking lot as this has greatly reduced lobby traffic, leading to less stressful visits for our more timid patients. We continue to be glad to accommodate curbside appointments at your request.