Pet Water Safety: Must-Haves and To Dos
Find out the essential items that you must have and the basic things that you must do to ensure your pet’s safety in any water sport or activity.
Must-Haves:
We all know that swimming and other water activities offers a lot of fun and socialization to our pet dogs, but water activities are also associated with health risks that ranges from obtaining minor wounds to drowning. Below are some must-haves that you should bring with you when engaging your pet into water activities.
First Aid Kit. Beaches and rivers may contain sharp objects such as stones, sea shells, fishhooks, broken glass or metal that lies unseen beneath its water. Such objects may pose risks of your pet obtaining lacerations, cuts and puncture during swimming. Always keep a first aid kit on hand that contains iodine and antibiotic ointment for treating superficial wounds, and sterile bandage material for dressing. However, deep wounds require immediate medical attention and your pet should be taken into an animal clinic as soon as possible.
Life Vests. When your dog is going swimming in water that is too deep for him or if he can hardly swim, it is recommended that you provide your pet with a life vest. Have your dog wear a life vest that is sized and designed for his proper fit to avoid drowning.
To Dos:
You might find it inconvenient and discouraging to bring your dog to water activities with all the precautions and dos and don’ts that you have to follow to ensure his safety. But it would be cruel to deprive him with the fun and benefits he can get from participating in water activities. In order to help you through, safety tips are provided below in every water activity you are getting your pet into.
When Boating. Ensure that your dog is wearing his life vest and is secured with a leash when the boat starts moving. You do not want your pet to fall from the boat and drown or get injured with the boat’s propeller just because you think he is super cute being perched on the boat unsecured.
When Swimming in the Beach. Remember that the sea holds various dangers for your pet compared to lakes and swimming pools. Hazards such as drowning brought by strong tides and underwater currents, jellyfish sting, and poisonous sea shells can endanger your pet. Never forget to bring your pet’s life vest when swimming in open waters. Be keen in observing warnings for dangerous water conditions.
When Swimming in the Pool. Do not allow your pet to go to the stairs of the pool alone. Lead him in going down the pool’s steps and teach him how to get out from the water. Avoid having your pet drink too much water in the pool, chemicals in pool water can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Observe your pet’s emergency reflexes while swimming so that you can determine how capable a swimmer your pet is.
When in frozen water with thin ice. Be very cautious when getting near a frozen body of water with thin ice sheets. Even a Chihuahua’s weight is enough to possibly break a thin ice in a frozen lake. Avoid following your pet when he is stubborn enough to stray onto the ice. If falling accidents happen, immediately call 911 or your area’s emergency number for professional help. After your pet is safely rescued from the danger zone, dry him thoroughly to avoid attack of hypothermia. Wrap your pet with blankets to keep him warm.
