Beaches, Boats, and Lake Safety for Dogs

Q: My family loves spending time at the beach and in our boat. We would love to have our newly adopted dog join us. He is about one and is friendly and well behaved.

Most pups love to go to the beach. Before you go, consider your dog's experience in water, listening skills, breed, age, and health. Not all dogs swim naturally — some have webbed feet, perfect for a swim, while dogs with short snouts (brachycephalic breeds) are not the best swimmers. Lots of dogs really don't like to swim, while others are so excited they swim to exhaustion!

As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, I advise that before taking your dog to the beach, teach a solid recall and stay. I highly recommend that every pet owner learn K9 first aid and CPR and watch for signs of heat stroke or hypothermia. A doggie visor is a good idea for light-colored dogs with pink noses and fine hair, because they are sensitive to harmful UV rays.

Brooks' Doggie Water Adventure Safety Tips

• Check leash laws regarding dogs at state and local beaches.
• Never been off leash? Use a 20–30-foot (non-retractable) leash to test the waters.
• Always bring fresh water and a bowl.
• Bring doggie sunscreen, an umbrella, and even doggie sunglasses.
• Carry a first aid kit with saline solution to rinse sand out of the eyes.
• Teach your pup to wear booties — if the sand is too hot for you, it's too hot for Fido.
• Cool to warm water temps (65–80°F) are best.
• Rinse your dog off after swimming and check paws and coat for foreign objects.
• Use a properly fitting doggie life jacket with handles on top for easy lifting.
• Talk to your vet about seasick pills.
• Give Fido a potty break before boarding a boat, and bring a pee pad for emergencies.
• Casting a fishing line? Beware of sharp hooks. I once had a dog dive for the bobber on the end of my line, thinking it was a fun toy. Luckily, his "come" was so good that he flipped a U-turn and swam safely to shore.

Remember to have fun, but never force your dog into the water.

Keep Fido away from blue-green algae and from drinking lake, pond, or stagnant water to avoid parasites and amoebas. Don't let your dog eat raw fish or crabs that wash up onshore, or drink salt water — excessive amounts can make them sick. Beware of riptides and fast-moving water. Watch for wildlife, mosquitos, and fleas and ticks too!

Gradual exposure to water is always best. Just like kids, canines should never be unsupervised near water.