OldDogPaws: pool water danger for dogs

Friday, November 11, 2011

Water Safety for Older Dogs--Pool Dog Ramps, Boat Dog Ramps & Dog Life Preservers!

It is a fact that the owner of a senior dog must face, your dog's eyesight is not what it used to be. The dog that has chased kids and squirrels around the pool deck for years, could fall right in. And if you are not home, he might not be able to get himself out.

Then there is the dog that has for years spend the summer afternoon on the deck of the boat. If he fell into the lake, would you be able to rescue him before his older muscles and joints gave out? 120 pounds of wet, frightened dog would be hard to pull in out of the water. And senior dogs cannot dog paddle as well or as long as they could as pups.

I have discovered a few great safety devices that are extremely cool and a must have for anyone with a senior dog that likes to be on-board with the family or strolls around the pool deck.

Dog Life Preserver or Life Jackets are essential for the senior dog that still loves to swim and ride in the family boat!

A Skamper Ramp attaches to the deck of the pool, walled pond, most docks and some boats. It provides a way for the swimming dog to pull himself out of the water and skamper to dry ground. And it works for dogs up to 200lbs so it is perfect for Yorkies or Labradors!

Another device has been created by PAWS ABOARD Doggy Boat Ladder . It is a portable, durable and light weight dog ladder that will attach to almost any boat ladder to easily get a stranded older dog out of the water.

Three amazing tools that give peace of mind to an old dog owner when his lovable senior dog is near water!

Monday, August 1, 2011

Dog Pool Safety Reminders During the Summer Heatwave!

The heat of the summer is continuing across the country. Can you imagine having to wear a fur coat out in this continued heat and humidity? No doubt your older dog will continue to suffer silently until the weather shifts.

Heat does present a danger to humans young and old, but also to our very young and old pets. One thing that is very important to keep our dogs happy and healthy in this warm weather is keeping fresh water available. Now if you have a swimming pool, that would appear refreshing to any dog, but is it a healthy way for your dog to stay cool? Well now, that depends.

Taking a drink or two from a just filled kiddie-pool isn’t a big deal for most dogs. The problem comes in when the water is “shocked” with chlorine to keep the bacteria levels down. Or, when the untreated water has been swam in by young children and then left to heat up in the sun. In the first case, the chemicals can be very harmful to your dog because they are not meant for consumption on a regular basis. In the second case, the lack of chemicals will cause the bacteria from any leaking diaper to grow quickly and cause serious illness.

How about if Fido wants to go for a swim? Is that a problem? It is if your dog cannot swim! If the water is too deep for his legs to touch and he cannot readily climb out of the pool, it can be deadly. If you are not sure, get your pet a life jacket when you are going to be pool side. It is also a good idea to brush up on your mouth to snout resuscitation skills.

Best defense in this summer heat, treat your dog like you would any very young or very old family member around a pool. Keep a watchful eye for safety’s sake. And keep clean fresh water available at all times so your senior dog is not tempted to drink from the pool!