Boating and swimming pools require special consideration and safety issues.

Many people like to boat with their dogs.  There are special consideration that should be taken into account before boating with your dog.

Dogs can get tired in water!  Just as people tire, especially when not conditioned, so do our dogs!

If you are planning on taking your dog out on the boat be sure the have a life vest on.  The vest should have a loop large enough to reach and hook with a gaff or be able to tie a safety line to.  Know what types of water your dog will swimming in as far the tides and currents.  Dogs can become very tired in waters that are swift or have strong under currents.

It is always best to long line a dog when first teaching to swim off the back end of a boat.  Be sure they have a platform or easy access to the back of the boat and out of the water.

 If a pool is your only source of water, then be sure the dog is able to easily get out.  Swimming pools can be dangerous for dogs.  If they fall in, they will not know to find the ladder or steps but rather panic trying to get out at the closet side.  It is best to keep access to the pool limited to only times when you can be there and see them while in the pool.  The same safety factors you would use with your children should be implemented with your dogs.  Age and frequency of pool use is not a gage for a dog being safe in or around the pool!

A good cooling pool are the little hard plastic kiddy pools which can found in the beginning of the summer season at most home garden centers.  The kiddy pools are a great way to cool, they can play with toys in them and its a good start for water introduction.  Since dogs can only cool through their tongues and the bottom of their feet, standing or laying in a kiddy pool can lower body temperatures on hot days.

Always keep a watchful eye on your dog in the pool!