play & EXERCISE

Keep Your Dog Safe Around Water This Summer

by Marti Hopson, DVM
In the heat of the summer, it’s a good idea to allow your dog to cool off with a quick dip in
the pool or a lake. But before you let him take the plunge, know how to keep him safe.

In a Lake

• Not all dogs can swim and some may require positive reinforcement training to get used to the water.
• Do not throw your dog from a dock or boat, as this will likely scare him from ever entering the water on his own. Instead, use encouragement, toys and treats to make him feel safe. In gradual steps, you may be able to acclimatize your dog to the water.
• Carry small dogs into the water if they are not too upset by this. Once you are deep enough that swimming is possible, point your dog’s nose to the beach and have someone call him back to shore. This way, the dog learns that his feet will touch the ground if he just swims toward land.

At the Pool

• Never leave your dog unattended in or around a pool. When the pool is not in use, it
  should be fenced off, covered, or your dog should not be allowed access to the area
  (kept on leash or indoors).
• There should be a wide ladder or stairs for your dog to use to exit the pool and you
  must train him to use these. Not only is this a safety issue, but if his nails punch holes into the pool liner, it will be an expensive accident!
• Always rinse chlorinated water off your dog. This can irritate the skin, as well as the
  stomach if he drinks it or grooms his wet fur.

Rough Waters

• Strong currents or undertows can drag your dog far from shore. Often, dogs become
  so focused on retrieving a toy from the water that they can easily drown. Make sure your dog has a good recall command (comes when he is called back to shore).
• There are floatation devices made just for dogs in a variety of sizes. If your pet is
  going to be spending a lot of time around a pool, open water, or boating, a lifejacket may be a good investment.
• While boating, you may want to keep your dog restrained, using a short harness (such
  as the type used as ‘seat belts’ in cars). If your dog is leaping around a boat, he can
  knock people down or overboard, upset the entire vessel, or jump into the water. Many
  injuries can occur as a result of a dog swimming into a turning propeller.

Dry Off
Many dogs with thick coats are prone to developing ‘hot spots’ in humid weather, especially if they stay damp. Hot spots are areas of moist dermatitis – skin that is damp and breaks down into a bad rash, which can quickly become infected, forming an oozing, red, itchy,
open sore.

• Avoid infection by drying your dog thoroughly.
• Consider having long-haired dogs clipped.
• Check the skin on your dog’s neck, belly, armpits, groin and behind the
  ears for red spots.
• If you suspect a hot spot, you can try trimming hair away from the area, washing with a mild soap and drying the skin well, but if your dog becomes itchy or the area starts to worsen, consult your veterinarian.
• Your dog may need antibiotics and other medical treatment. If your dog’s ear canals are not dried properly, this will predispose him to yeast or bacterial infection of the outer ear. Clinical signs include shaking the head, scratching at ears or rubbing head, pain when you try to touch the ears, and redness, brown discharge or a bad odour from the ear itself. If any of the above signs develop, your vet can help you deal with this problem.