Boat Safety for Pets:
When warm weather outings include activities like boating, make sure to include your pets in your safety plans. From life jackets to fresh drinking water for them, even experienced boat dogs need safeguards to stay comfortable and safe. PCVM Founding Dean, Dr. Steven Marks, recommends these safety tips to keep top of mind to make sure every trip is smooth sailing.
- Ensure your dog has a well-fitting life jacket
- Let your dog acclimate to the boat with short trips first
- Ensure your dog is always supervised
- Know how to retrieve your dog if they accidentally fall into the water
- Use a leash
- Keep a first aid kit for dogs and people on board the boat
- Be aware of sun and provide shade; make sure decks on and off the boat are not too hot for their paws
- Keep fresh water available for them
- Plan for potty stops throughout your adventure
Water Safety for Pets:
A splash in the lake or a swim at the beach can be refreshing for pets, and risky without preparation. Before letting your dog dive in, consider these simple precautions to keep them safe in and around the water. Awareness and supervision can make all the difference in your pet’s health and well-being all summer long.
- Never leave pets unattended in or near the water
- Make sure they know how to swim well
- Consider life jackets
- Prevent dogs from drinking from bodies of water
- Don’t let your pet swim in stagnant water
- Rinse dogs off with fresh water after swimming and dry the inside of their ears
- Pay close attention if your boat engine is running due to propeller hazards
Toxic Algae Warning
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) has issued an algae bloom warning for several sections of Lake Hartwell. According to SCDES: ‘Harmful algae blooms happen when tiny organisms in the water, called phytoplankton, grow rapidly under the right conditions. While not all algae blooms are harmful, some can produce toxins that can impact people, animals, and the environment. These blooms can appear as thick scums, mats, or layers on the water’s surface and may be blue, green, blue-green, brown, or red in color. Sometimes, they also give off a musty smell. Not all harmful algae blooms are visible, and you can’t tell whether a bloom is toxic just by looking at it. If water looks discolored or unusual in any way, it’s safest for you and your pets to avoid activities like swimming, boating, or fishing in that area.’
The SCDES Algae Bloom Monitoring app is a helpful tool to monitor the situation this summer.
Stay safe this summer and Go Tigers!
Dog featured: Roo, who belongs to PCVM faculty member, Dr. Cortney Curtis
