Dog Water Safety By Anita R. Weidinger, DVM It's the time of year for boating, swimming, and playing in and around the water. We would like to let our canine friends share in the fun. They, of course, enjoy being involved and it's important to us "dog families" to be able to include our dogs in our recreation. And we don't have to feel guilty about leaving them behind while we're out having fun. It's a win-win situation, but there are some safety precautions that need to be addressed. Backyard Pools Dogs, especially Golden Retrievers, enjoy a quick dip in the pool. If they are allowed in, remember they will need supervision, just like the human kids. Most dogs are natural swimmers, but swimming is strenuous exercise and it may take your dog awhile to build up its strength to handle swimming across the pool. Be your dog's lifeguard at first, watch them for fatigue and get them out for rest periods. Most dogs like to dive in and swim out toward the steps, if the pool has them. Make sure they know how to get out of the pool. You may have to guide them toward the steps or place a non-slip pad next to the pool that they can pull them-selves out onto. The chemicals used in pools can be, of course, irritating to the skin. Rinse your dog off when they are finished swimming for the day. Drying out their ear canals is important at the end of their swimming sessions also. You can use a commercially available ear cleanser or in a pinch you can mix together white vinegar (one part) and water (3 parts) and wipe out the ears to dry them. Numerous ear infections are a result of not drying the ear canals after baths and swimming. Boating A water dog out on the water? It can be the perfect fit. Just as your dog may need help getting used to the pool, be patient with them on the boat. Start slow, let them just walk around on the boat while it is still docked and work up to traveling on the water with your canine friend on board. Gradually increase the time you spend on the water with your dog as well as the speed you travel at on the water. I would recommend that you invest in a life preserver for your dog, they may jump in when you least expect it and turning around the boat to pick them up takes time. Know how you will get your dog back on the boat - lifting a ninety pound dog out of the water will not be good for your back. Provide shade for your dog on the boat, not only will it help them with the heat, but it will also help prevent sunburn. Remember your leash - there will be lots of inviting distractions for your dog while you are preoccupied with handling the boat before and after your trip. Take fresh water for your dog and snacks if it will be a long trip. When you take your dog anywhere, always remember to clean up after it. If we dog owners are clean about our dogs, the public won't mind them being around. Ocean/Beach Another fun place for water dogs and their human companions. Playing in the waves is great entertainment, both for the dogs and for the humans watching. Check with the authorities to make sure dogs are welcome at the beach you plan to attend. Keep them leashed. Retractor leashes and long rope leads make this much easier than before. Again, a gradual introduction goes a long way in making this a positive experience for your dog. Remember to watch for biting insects, jellyfish and plants with burrs. Again, you'll need to rinse the salt water off of them and dry out their ears. Have fun with your dogs this summer! It provides exercise and enjoyment for our dogs and it's a great stress reliever for their humans.

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