This has been an unusually rainy summer here in New England. Bubbling brooks are now rushing like rivers. Rivers currents are at spring thaw speeds. Ponds and lakes are also above normal levels, hiding hazards beneath. Also the ocean can be churned up with storms lingering far off the coast. Therefore, before heading out to enjoy the dog days of summer, let’s review a few dog water safety reminders.
Sink or Swim: First off, don’t assume every dog can swim. Just like with people, some dogs are better at it than others. Even if a breed is known for swimming, it doesn’t mean each individual dog is an olympic swimmer. Always keep an eye on your dog around water, and consider having them wear a life jacket. Even the best swimmers can get caught off guard and a life jacket can give that extra layer of security making the dog more visible in the water, keeping them afloat if they get tired or find themselves struggling against a current, and many come with handles, making the dog easier to grab hold of if they need rescuing.
Condition Critical: Know the water conditions before you get in it. Rip currents, undertows, or fast moving currents can be extremely dangerous for dogs and humans. Fast river currents can sweep dogs under in seconds, and hidden rocks beneath the high water level can cause serious injuries. Ocean rip currents can be difficult to spot, and conditions can change without notice. However, some clues to look for in the ocean are areas of water where waves are not breaking, especially narrow gaps of darker, calmer-looking water extending offshore. Because rip currents look calm, many people think they are the safest place for a dog to swim and often choose to enter the water right in the middle of the rip current! For a visual description here is a video produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association on “How to Spot a Rip Current.” If your dog gets caught in a rip current, do NOT try to swim against the current. Instead, swim parallel to the shore and swim back to land at an angle.
Too Chill: It may be a hot day out, but even with a fur coat, the water can be too cold. A quick dip to cool off is normally alright, but a prolonged day of swimming could lead to hypothermia. Some common symptoms of hypothermia in dogs are shivering, stiff muscles, stumbling or lack of coordination, low heart rate or breathing, or collapse. So a good rule of thumb is if the water is too cold for you, then it is too cold for your dog too. Keep the trips into the water to short intervals, with breaks in-between.
Don’t be a Blooming Fool: Toxic algae blooms are one of the most common problems in lakes and ponds of all sizes, and usually develop in the summer months, when sunlight and rising water temperatures create ideal conditions for growth. They have a characteristic appearance, often described as “pea soup-like” or “spilled paint.” Algae blooms can be blue, green, gray, red, brown or a number of additional colors. Not all algae is toxic, but the kind that is can be deadly for dogs, within hours to days of swimming in it. VCA Animal Hospitals warn that it is impossible to tell if an algae is toxic just by looking at it. Therefore, it is best not to take the risk if the water has signs of algae bloom.
Watch What You Drink: It is good to stay hydrated, but what your dog drinks matters. Drinking ocean water, lake water, and puddles can all make your dog sick. Puddles should especially be avoided due to Leptospirosis. Also known as Lepto, Leptospirosis is a disease caused by drinking standing water, found in a puddle or a pond, and can be fatal. It is caused by infected wildlife urinating in the stagnant water. You can also discuss with your veterinarian vaccines that help fight against Lepto. Another danger lurking in puddles is Giardia, which is difficult to treat and can return even after treatment, not to mention could potentially be transmitted from dogs to humans. So when packing your water for the day, be sure to bring along enough for your dog too, and don’t forget the bowl! Sometimes there will be bowls left at beaches and lakes by well meaning friends, but if they are not regularly cleaned that can also cause tummy issues.
Turn Around Don’t Drown: We’ve all heard this saying when it comes to driving, but it also applies to hiking trails too. Due to the unusual number of torrential downpours this summer, some hiking trails have been washed out, or are flooded. If the water is deep on you, imagine what it is on your dog, and it conceals hazards below for unsteady footing, or worst yet could have an unexpected strong current.
Rinse and Repeat: Finally, after a day of enjoying the water rinse off your dog. Seawater minerals, salt, algae, and pollutants that have run off into the water from heavy rains can irritate their skin and fur. It can also make them sick if they lick it off of their fur. It is a good idea to rinse them off immediately after swimming, and follow up with a bath when convenient. And don’t forget the ears! Make sure they are clean and dry to avoid ear infections.
This has been an above average rainy summer here in New England. Please remember these dog water safety tips, so that you can all enjoy the dog days of summer! Also don’t forget to keep these places dog friendly by following Dog Etiquette!
