Summer Water Safety for your Dog

The heat is on in Massachusetts and now is the time when families are heading to their favorite swimming spots to find relief.  Whether you are heading to the pool, lake, or ocean, if you are bringing your beloved four-legged companion along for some fun, please remember these safety tips offered by the ASPCA:

• If on a boat, use a pet life preserver. Pets can easily slip or fall off a boat. Provide your dog with fresh water.
• Keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset. Also keep pets from drinking any stagnant water, which can contain algae or salt water.
• If you and your dog are visiting a river, keep an eye out for snakes. Even if they’re not poisonous, snakes can deliver nasty bites if curious dogs get too close.
• If you’re visiting the beach, supervise your dog closely when venturing into the water. Many dogs aren’t prepared for the motion of the waves.
• Watch out for rip currents, which are most dangerous during high surf conditions. A strong current can quickly carry a swimming dog away from shore.
• Learn about marine life native to the area you’re visiting. Jellyfish, lionfish, stingrays, Portuguese man-of-war and other animals on the shore or in the water can be dangerous to both people and dogs.
• Continually monitor dogs for signs of heat stroke when spending time outside in the heat.

Happy Summer Everyone!