Water Safety

For a lot of families, summertime means swimming time. If your pooch will be joining you on your adventures, be it lakeside, oceanside or poolside, please read our following tips:

- Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool.

- Not all dogs are good swimmers, so if water sports are a big part of your family, please introduce your pets to water gradually.

- Make sure all pets wear flotation devices on boats.

- Try not to let your dog drink pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause GI upset.

A day at the beach is a no-no, unless you can guarantee a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water for your companion. Salty dogs should be rinsed off after a dip in the ocean. So make sure to bring a large shade cover or don't stray very far from your hotel so you don't run into trouble! We bring a fold up gazebo with us on our trips to the beach so when we need to rest out of the sun its right there. It also makes a great marker for the pups playing on the sand to know right where their fresh drinking water is located.

Some tips for ocean safety:

Have your dog visit his vet to ensure overall health before heading out.

If your dog is not an experienced swimmer, the ocean is NOT the place to learn

Check with a lifeguard for daily water conditions. Dogs are easy targets for sea lice and jellyfish.

Running on the sand is strenuous exercise. A dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament, so keep a check on your dog's activity.

Do not let your dog drink seawater; the salt will make him sick.

Salt and other minerals in ocean water can damage your dog's coat, so rinse him off at the end of the day.

Not all beaches permit dogs; check local ordinances before heading out.