Summer is here, and we cannot wait to enjoy the great outdoors with our furry friends. Whether you're heading to the lake or beach, it's essential to prioritize your dog's safety to ensure a fun and worry-free experience.

Childhood Memories

My first memory of a swimming dog was at my grandfather's orchard. He's always had a mutt guarding the orchard. I don't even recall the dog's name. No matter how much I begged my grandfather to bring the dog home with us, it was a working dog, not a pet. I remember visiting the orchard; Grandfather said the dog needed a bath. He turned on the water pump, filling up the ground well. He picked up the dog and dunked him in the well. The well was not deep; the dog swam to the edge of the well and climbed onto land. Grandfather pronounced that the dog was now cleaned. 

My grandfather said that swimming is second nature to dogs and that they'll learn to swim as long as they keep paddling. It was not until we started immersing ourselves in our pet dogs' world that I realized that not all dogs can learn how to swim.

Popcorn

When Popcorn was 1 or 2, we were invited to a family friend's cottage for Thanksgiving. This was our first proper "Canadian" Thanksgiving, and their cottage was on one of the Muskoka Islands. We were excited that Popcorn was also invited. We drove north, and our friends picked us up in their boat. As new immigrants experiencing the quintessential Canadian culture and as pet owners, seeing our dog riding in the boat was quite a hoot. We spent the whole time wondering if Popcorn would take to the water, but he just couldn't be bothered. Our friends said it might as well; the lake was freezing in mid-October, and the water was choppy. It was not safe for anyone to dip in the water anyway. 

After our cottage trip, we took Popcorn to the beach a few more times during summer. We watched other people's dogs run after the sticks into the water, showcasing their incredible swimming skills. At the same time, Popcorn just stood on the shore, letting the water wash over his feet. We've thrown a stick or two into the water, hoping that'd encourage him to go in a bit further. Still, no, he'd go in as deep as his knees, waiting patiently for the waves to wash the sticks back and happily bring them back to us, beaming with pride.

Doctor

Another cottage invite, another dog. This time, we visited Kawartha Lakes during the Canada Day Week. The summer temperature had climbed year after year, and by 2018, it had reached an unbearable 35C on Canada Day. I bought a life jacket for Doctor from Amazon to prepare for our cottage trip. He did not appreciate the added clothing on this already sweltering day. Perhaps the hot weather would prompt him to get in the lake, and maybe he'd learn to swim. I had hoped.

Doctor joined us on the deck. Camera at the ready, I was hoping to capture his first swim. He leaned over the side of the deck, looking at his reflection with a puzzled look. It was hard to tell what he was thinking. I saw him leaning closer and closer to his reflection, then suddenly, "plop" into the water he dropped like a sinking stone. Despite the life jacket, his weight kept him under for longer than I'd like. Abandoning the camera, I had a split second to decide if I should go in after him. That was when he surfaced, paddling hard with panic on his face. He had quickly found his footing and climbed onto the rocks under the deck, afraid to come out. It took some maneuvering, but I managed to grab his life jacket and help him from under the deck. 

I returned the life jacket after the cottage trip. He will never be a water dog. We've since treaded shallow water on our hikes, just enough for him to enjoy the cooling aqua or quench his thirst in the creeks. 

Then, he was diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy. 

There was no cure for this disease. One could only hope to delay the progression of muscle atrophy by keeping the dog as active as possible. One of the best rehabilitation exercises suggested was the underwater treadmill. Initially, I was worried that Doctor would refuse to go in the tank. Still, despite his hesitation, he seemed to accept that this was just one of the chores he had to do. It also helped that he'd get dotted on by the staff at the rehabilitation centre. 

As he got used to the underwater exercise, we slowly raised the water level in the tank so that he would be swimming. Eventually, he graduated to the big pool. It was still not his favourite thing in the world, but he quickly learned that we were always there, hanging onto his life jacket to keep his head above water. I think he mostly does it to make me happy.

Water activities can bring joy or challenge to our canine companions. Just as each dog has its own relationship with water and swimming, it's crucial to ensure our furry friends stay safe during the summer, particularly around bodies of water. Here are some valuable tips I've gathered through these experiences:

1. Supervision is Key: Like Doctor's initial venture into the lake, it's essential to supervise your dog closely around water. Some dogs may be hesitant swimmers, while others may dive in without considering the dangers. Always keep a watchful eye.

2. Know Your Dog's Comfort Level: Understanding your dog's comfort level with water is crucial. Not all dogs are natural swimmers; forcing them into deep water can cause stress. Gradually introduce them to water and monitor their reactions.

3. Invest in a Life Jacket: If your dog joins you on boat rides or swims in unfamiliar places, consider investing in a well-fitted life jacket. This provides an extra layer of safety, especially in situations like Doctor's, where the strap on the life jacket allowed me to "fish" him into safety.

4. Be Mindful of Water Temperature: Dogs can be sensitive to water temperature. Extremely cold or hot water can be uncomfortable or even harmful. Before allowing your dog to swim, test the water and avoid icy or scalding conditions.

5. Beware of Strong Currents: Be cautious if you're near rivers or areas with strong currents. Even dogs with solid swimming abilities can struggle in fast-flowing water. Keep them close and avoid areas with strong undertows.

6. Provide Shade and Fresh Water: Hot summer days can take a toll on dogs. Hot summer days can take a toll on dogs. Having access to shade and plenty of fresh water can help to prevent dehydration. The lake water may not be safe for drinking. If you're spending a day at the lake or cottage, create a comfortable space for your dog to relax.. The lake water may not be safe for drinking. If you're spending a day at the lake or cottage, create a comfortable space for your dog to relax.

7. Check for Hazards: Lakes and beaches may have hidden hazards, such as sharp rocks, broken glass, or toxic plants. Before letting your dog roam freely, inspect the area for potential dangers. I have found the off-leash beach in my old neighbourhood full of sharp rocks. Poor Doctor came out of the water with a bleeding paw, and the cut got further aggravated with each step he took on the sandy beach on the way back to our car. I have since stopped taking him to that beach.

8. Know the Emergency Vet Options: When away from home, it's crucial to know the location of the nearest emergency veterinary clinic. Familiarize yourself with their contact information and address in case of any accidents or health emergencies.

9. Beware of Blue-Green Algae: Lakes and ponds may sometimes harbour harmful blue-green algae, which can be toxic to dogs if ingested. Discourage your dog from drinking water from stagnant sources, and be cautious of discoloured water. If you suspect algae exposure, seek veterinary attention immediately.

10. Practice Leash Safety: Keeping your dog on a leash near water is crucial, even if your dog is a strong swimmer. Strong currents, unexpected waves, or wildlife encounters can pose risks. A leash ensures you have control and can prevent your dog from wandering into potentially dangerous situations.

11.  Know the Beach or Lake Rules: Different lakes and beaches may have specific rules regarding pets. Some may have designated dog-friendly areas, while others require dogs to be on leashes. Familiarize yourself with the laws of the location you're visiting to avoid any issues.

Conclusion:

Summer adventures by the water can be a blast for you and your four-legged companion. Still, safety should always be a top priority. By following these tips, you can ensure a memorable and worry-free experience for you and your dog. Have a paw-some summer!