Summer Safety Series: Wet Pets and Ways to Stay Safe

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Introduction

​Summer is upon us! If last year was anything to go by (as well as a worldwide pattern of steadily rising temperatures) we’re going to see some real scorchers come July and August. For many of us, that means pulling the cover off our backyard pool or taking a trip to the beach or local swimming pool. In other words, where there’s heat there’s water—lots of water. But as pleasurable as a long swim on a hot day can be, pools, oceans and lakes introduce a particular set of safety concerns, especially for pet owners. In this post, we take a deep dive (pun intended) into best practices for water safety, ensuring that your animal gets to enjoy a good dip without compromising their safety and well-being.

Courtesy of AustraliaWide First Aid

Lifeguard On Duty: Restrict and Supervise!

The golden rule of pet-centered water safety is never to leave your pet unsupervised near water. Ever. Whether it's a pool, lake, river, or even a bathtub, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and owners need to stay vigilant, especially if the pet in question is not a strong swimmer. This means restricting your animal to a certain vicinity if visiting a lake or the ocean and ensuring that any backyard swimming pools are covered or fenced off when you aren’t present. In some cases, you may be able to set  your pool with an alarm that sounds when something has breached the fence, gate or covering. Additionally, consider investing in flotation devices designed with pets in mind. These can include life jackets or vests specially made for dogs and cats. Make sure that the flotation device fits properly and doesn't restrict your pet's movement. This way, if your attention lapses for a moment, and your pet gets into trouble, they’ll have some solid protection against drowning, giving you time to step in and help. Speaking of which, make sure you know pet CPR and first aid. These skills can make a lifesaving difference in an emergency. You can enroll in a pet CPR and first aid course to learn the essentials and there are many additional guides and resources online.

From: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/other-veterinary-advice/cpr-for-dogs-and-puppies

Wet Your Paws Slowly!

If you do decide to let your pet swim, make sure to introduce them to water gradually. Not all domestic animals are natural swimmers, and some may feel apprehensive about taking a plunge, either for the first time, or if it’s been a while since they last swam. In either case, start with shallow water in a controlled environment (i.e. not an open ocean), and let your pet get comfortable at their own pace. Once your pet is comfortable in smaller, contained bodies of water, teach them some basic swimming skills. Support them gently while encouraging them to paddle and avoid forcing them to continue if they seem tired or uncomfortable. It’s crucial to insulate your pet from anything that might create fear and anxiety, ultimately causing them to panic and tire themselves out.

WARNING! Some breeds of dogs simply don't do well around water--especially those with short legs and muzzles. Make sure you know the particulars of your dog's breed before letting them even attempt to swim.

​Provide Easy Exit Points

​Wherever they’re swimming, make sure that your pet always has easy access to an exit point. This is especially important for pools, where pets can struggle to find the stairs or ramp. Clearly mark easy exit areas and train your pet to identify and use them. Be wary of pools equipped only with metal ladders, as few animals will be able to use these effectively and may slip and injure themselves when attempting to climb up. In these cases, consider purchasing a separate ramp to attach to the side of the pool. Any ramp will suffice, but some are designed specifically with swimming pools in mind, although these can be expensive.

Ryan Hilary with Canva

Monitor Pool Chemicals

If you have a pool at home, be cautious about the chemicals you use to maintain it. Chlorine and other pool chemicals can be harmful if ingested by pets. Keep pool chemicals securely stored and bear in mind the following additional safety points:

1. Beware of Blue-Green Algae, also known as cyanobacteria. This can be toxic to pets if ingested. It is often found in stagnant or slow-moving bodies of water, such as ponds and lakes. Keep your pet away from areas where blue-green algae blooms are present, and seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your pet has ingested contaminated water.
2. Rinse Off After Swimming: After your pet has been swimming, it's essential to rinse them off with fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, bacteria, and other contaminants from their fur and skin. Pay special attention to their ears, as water trapped in the ear canal can lead to infections.

The Ocean is Beautiful…and Dangerous

While all these tips apply to a seaside setting, bear in mind that the ocean is often something else entirely, presenting its own set of challenges and dangers. Sudden changes in weather or tide can make an initially safe swimming situation dangerous in an instant. Learn about any beach you and your pet want to visit, consulting an on-duty lifeguard, if possible. You should be aware of any stretch of water that might conceal a rip tide or other dangerous “pull” capable of sweeping your pet away from shore. Remember, that these dangers can depend on the time of day. What was safe in the morning might be dangerous in the afternoon. Generally, only the strongest swimmers should wade out of their depth in the ocean. And while it’s usually perfectly safe for your animal to play on the edge of the surf be mindful of large waves, which might knock your pet over, or drag them out of their depth.

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Be Aware of “Dry Drowning”

​Dry drowning, also known as secondary drowning or near-drowning, may occur if your pet inhales even a small amount of water. This can irritate their throat and cause the vocal cords to spasm. In severe cases, portions of the animal’s airway might swell, restricting their ability to breathe. Though your pet may initially look okay, it’s important to monitor them closely for a period following any near-drowning incident. If they seem to be in discomfort of any kind, get them checked by a veterinarian. Dry drowning symptoms to look for include:

• Blue gums
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting

 

If your dog falls into water and is submerged for any period, this is a medical emergency that should be addressed immediately. 

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conclusion

​Swimming on a hot day is one of summer’s great pleasures—for pets and their owners alike. But as with young children, water can pose a real threat to unprepared animals. Knowing your pet’s habits is important, as is evaluating their ability to swim and their overall comfort level around water. Even if an animal is technically strong enough to navigate a lake or pool, becoming submerged in water can sometimes cause them to panic, diminishing their ability to make it safely back to dry land. Proceed cautiously, stay present and observe closely, taking whatever physical precautions are necessary to ensure your animal doesn’t enter the water without a competent guardian present. In this way, you can ensure your animal enjoys the best summer has to offer.