Summer Water Activities & Pet Safety

Brought to you by the AKC GoodDog! Helpline – the AKC’s 7-day-a-week training support service
By: Hilarie Erb

Summer is here, and it’s time to head for the lake, the beach, or the pool! There are so many ways to enjoy being in or on the water, and of course, this is the best time of year for them.

Whether coming along on boating, kayaking, and fishing trips or participating in dog-centric pastimes like retrieving toys and the sport of dock diving, many dogs love nothing more than being in the water with their people. But don’t forget about their safety; it’s just as important for them as it is for you.

Boating Safety

Any dog might enjoy being on a boat with the family, but not every breed is built for swimming. And it’s not true that all dogs naturally know how to swim. Learning to swim should be a good experience; a bad one can cause a dog to never want to go near the water. They should be first introduced to shallow water, and wear a life jacket designed for dogs while learning. For tips, read How to Teach a Dog to Swim.

Boating trips can be fun for dogs. The same rules that apply to humans, regarding lifejackets, should also be followed for dogs. Invest in a good-fitting one for your dog and always use it when boating or kayaking.

Fishing Safety

Should you take your dog fishing? Sitting on a dock with a line in the water and Rover at your side might be nice for both of you, but on the beach or in a boat, there are fish hooks flying around, tempting bait to get into and, hopefully, fish flopping onto the deck. When the angler’s attention is on the fish, it’s easy to lose track of the dog. So, home might be the best place for all but the most obedient dogs with great stays while you are after the big ones.

Now let’s talk about doing what the dog wants to do! A trip to the lake or beach to play fetch in the water or to just sniff around are just the things to show your best friend a good time, safely.

Fresh-Water Safety

When playing fetch, use flat toys rather than balls, which can make it easy for dogs to take in too much water. Water Intoxication is potentially deadly. Another serious danger is blue-green algae, something that has been in the news over the last few summers. Read Blue-Green Algae and Dogs: Symptoms and Prevention to learn how to avoid it. It is found in non-flowing fresh water during hot weather, and dogs are at risk of consuming a potentially fatal amount when playing in it.

Beach Safety

Going to the beach? Taking Your Dog to the Beach: Tips & Safety is a good place to start. Many beaches do not allow dogs during the summer or have special hours for them. Be considerate of other people on the beach. Don’t let your dog drink salt water or consume sand, sea critters like jelly fish, or seaweed.

As you would on any outdoor summer outing, bring plenty of clean water and have shade available for your dog, whether you are playing in salt or fresh water. Just because you’re in or on a body of water, it doesn’t mean that your dog won’t need fresh drinking water.

Sport Safety

How about a sport that offers an exciting and safe way for your dog to enjoy water? Dock diving has become very popular, and the AKC Diving Dogs title recognition program is the best place to start. Every breed, including mixed breeds, can play. Visit North America Diving Dogs to learn about it and find a training facility in your area.

For more tips and advice on training your dog, join the AKC GoodDog! Helpline, a seven-day-a-week telephone support service staffed by experienced dog trainers: www.akcgooddoghelpline.org.