Just Add Water
Photos by Tara Lynn, owner, InBetween the Blinks Photography
by Tara Lynn owner, InBetween the Blinks Photography
Vest courtesy of Phydeaux
Your bathing suit is on. Sunscreen is packed and sandwiches and cold drinks are loaded in the cooler. And the dog...well he's already hopped in the car ready for a day on the water. You're prepared and so are the kids, but is your dog? Just like humans, dogs can overheat, become sick, and even get sunburnt, but they don't have the words to tell you something is wrong. One of the most important supplies to keep handy while on the water with your pup is plenty of fresh water. Drinking too much salt water can lead to diarrhea, nausea, and further dehydration said Dr. Rick Fish, associate professor at the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. If you're at the lake or the pond, there's a chance the water could contain chemicals from run-off. He said a good rule of thumb is for dogs to have one ounce of water per pound of body weight a day. Also, provide a shaded space for your pet to rest from the sun and avoid overheating. Excessive panting and drooling could mean your dog is too hot. In addition, "severe heat stroke might involve vomiting or weakness," explained Dr. Fish. Shade can also help your dog avoid sunburn, said Dr. Barbara Sherman, also with the College. "You can use a zinc type sunscreen on a dog's muzzle. In some dogs, that area is not as densely haired," she added. Also, check to make sure the boat’s deck or the sand isn't too hot. Dogs' foot pads can easily burn. Both veterinarians agree that when boating, you should have a "dog overboard plan," and know how you can get your dog back on the boat if he or she jumps off. One option is to fit your dog for a life jacket. Most pet
lifejackets have handles on the top so you can lift your dog out of the water. "They [lifejackets] have to be fit properly. If it's too loose it can be dangerous. If it forces their head down into the water it can be dangerous. Try it out on them in small doses," Dr. Fish advised. "You don't want to play games where the dog can jump off the boat at any time. Have some safety rules in place," advised Dr. Sherman. She suggests having a mat or towel on board and training the dog to stay there so that the mat becomes his or her “safe spot." "Using a leash to train dogs and teach them where to go is always helpful, but you don't ever want to tie a dog to the boat," she cautioned. If you plan to spend all day out in the sun, plan potty breaks for your dog. If there won't be dry land around for a while, consider training your dog to use a puppy potty pad while on the boat. Keep in mind that as much as you enjoy the water, not all dogs do. Introduce them to the water and the boat slowly and in small doses. This assimilation will help keep you and your family safe during summer fun in, on, and around water. Sources: Richard E. Fish, DVM, Ph.D., DACLAM, Associate Professor of Laboratory Animal Medicine and Barbara L. Sherman, Ph.D., DVM, DACVB (Behavior), Clinical Associate Professor, both of North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. The Triangle Dog
T Volume 2 • Issue 3 21