Summer Safety Tips for Pets and People

Summer Time Safety Tips for Pets and People!

It’s Summer time and everyone is excited to have their holiday plans realized.  But, what about Man’s Best Friend?  There are so many Summer Safety Tips that are not only for our families, but for our pets as well.

Dogs and cats if they are travelling with us, need to be looked after just as much on the road, as when we are home.  Sometimes, I would say,  that we need to be extra vigilant in our care.  Children and pets love playing in the sun, on the beach and at the pool.  The last thing we want to have happen is an accident.  So being prepared will be a step in the right direction for all concerned.

Let’s focus on playing and staying safe near or in the water.

Children should never be left without adult supervision at any time when they are in or near the water.  It doesn’t take very long for a nice dip in the pool or lake to become a dangerous situation.  Young children that do not know how to swim at least two lengths of a pool or about 50 meters and be able to tread water for 1 minute, should be wearing a PFD (personal flotation device).  Children on boats and adults as well, should be wearing life vests when they are on a lake or large body of water.  This should be enforced by all adults when they are getting into their boats, the same way that you wear your seat belt to protect you in a car.

Children should never be left alone near the water.  An adult should always be present.  Even if your children know how to swim they should never ever swim alone.  Always swim with a buddy.  There is safety in numbers.  This goes for our pets too.  Never ever let your dog out in the pool area alone.  Dogs love water and sometimes they will just jump in.  We are their care givers, so we need to watch out for them too!

What is available for my children and my pets?

These are just a few of the Life Vests that are available to you for your summer water safety needs. Full vests are the best choice and they come in adult and child sizes. Puddle jumpers are flotation devices that wrap around the middle of the child as well as the arms. These are good choices too. They allow plenty of movement and are not at all cumbersome. Sometimes children don’t want to wear their life vests. Then it is up to the parents to ensure that once sunscreen is on, the life vest goes on next.

One thing we know for sure is that sun, sand, water and play can make a person very tired. Playing is good and playing with safety in mind is even better. A great day at the beach or swimming pool is a day where everyone comes home tired and happy. Everyone comes home!

Now I’m not saying that you can’t have other toys at the pool or beach. As a matter of fact, having toys available will make the day even more memorable. Sand pails, shovels, trucks and inflatables make the day even more special. Just remember not to replace true Summer safety with toys that are meant to entertain.

These are toys that are meant for play. Please do not ever use these as Safety Gear for your children. They are toys and are meant to be fun, but they will not keep you safe near the water like your life vest.  Great fun will be had by everyone playing with these inflatables.  The hours will melt away while the sun is shining and everyone will be laughing and enjoying the most of the summer days.

What about Fido?

If you are travelling around with your family’s best friend, then keeping him or her safe is just as important as  keeping the children safe.  Dogs love water (at least all the ones I know do)!  Just as humans become tired from all the fresh air and exercise, so will your dog.  Pool time is great if it lasts an hour or so, but the whole day can take it’s toll on Fido.

Keep your pet safe around water especially if you are boating.  An animal can easily fall into the water and then try as hard as they might, they cannot swim after a boat.  Pet drownings are not what summer holidays should be about.  Fido can be safe on the water as well.

While playing on the shore with a dog the need for a life vest is minimal.   That changes when Fido gets  on the boat, then he needs a life vest.   Too many times people forget that sun and fresh air can also make Fido tired too.  If he falls into the water, he might not last as long as you think.  Better to be safe than to be sorry in my humble opinion.  They are an integral part of our families and deserve to be watched over as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is only one other point I would like to make in terms of our pets and having fun in the summer time.  Thirst is something that every dog suffers from and cannot tell you about.  Our children are running around with juice drinks and frozen popscicles, while Fido just looks longingly at them.  Be sure to pack a few travel items for him too.  Collapsible water bottles, are easily available so that thirst should not become a problem at all.  Add a couple of ice cubes to his water bottle and Fido will thank you a hundred times over.  Amazon has a multitude of portable water dishes for your own Fido.  Just check the link right here:  Supplies for your Dog.

 

Pictures courtesy of Tara Hocaliuk and Tanookie!  (My niece and her dog) 

Pets and Family are two of the most important things in our lives.  Let’s make it a great, wonderful, safe summer.  Enjoy!