Ways To Keep Your Dog From Drowning

Fifty-eight million dogs and sixty-two million cats are thought to exist in North America and most unfortunately, every year thousands of them will drown needlessly. Due to the fact that many people do not report these drownings, there is no way to know exactly how many pets actually die this way. Since 99% of all dogs are able to swim, we typically are not concerned when our dogs are playing at the water's edge at the lake or around our swimming pool. Dogs, and even some cats, grow tired after swimming short distances in water. When they are not able to find purchase anywhere with their paws, a debilitating panic sets in quickly, and this is what will cause them to drown. Our beloved pets are not the only victims of drowning, devoted pet owners will risk their own lives to go after their animals after they have fallen into a frozen lake or a swiftly flowing river.

What can we do to prevent our pets from becoming a drowning victim? These are some worthy suggestions:

1. Do not make the assumption that your dog is able to swim.

2. Keep a close eye on your dog especially if he or she is older. They cannot swim quite as long or as far as they were once able to.

3. Never toss a cat or a dog into the water. They will panic from the initial shock.

4. Obtain a pet life jacket or one of the canine flotation devices (CPD) for your pet. Ensure that they are wearing the device whenever they are close to the water. It is not uncommon for a pet to fall off of a moving watercraft or dock and not be seen.

5. Things like solar blankets and pool covers appear to be a solid surface for your pet. Remove them whenever possible when your pets are around the pool.

6. Install a pet safety gate near the pool area.

7. Be certain that your canine and feline friends cannot easily access a neighboring pool.

8. A pool alarm is a good idea for your pool or pond.

9. Keep your pet away from rapidly flowing water.

10. Keep your pets away from frozen lakes & rivers.

Observing your pet drown fills one with a guilt that is devastating and an event that will remain with you forever. I highly recommend that you go out and inspect your property for any water hazards. It doesn't matter if it is winter or summer where you live. Go fix any water hazards NOW, and protect your pet from a fate of drowning. If your pet is going to be anywhere near water, make sure they are wearing a canine floatation device or pet life jacket.

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