Pet Drowning Prevention - 10 Tips You Can Use

 It is estimated there are 58 million dogs and 62 million cats in North America and sadly, thousands of these pets drown unnecessarily each year.

Many of these downing's go unreported, so there is no way of knowing the exact number of fatalities. Although, 99 % of dogs can swim, we have a false sense of security when we see our dogs running and jumping in and out of the water at the lake or our back yard pool.

Most dogs (and yes some cats) can only swim for short distances, before they grow tired. If they can't find a quick way of getting their paws back on firm ground, they will go into a panic state and that is what causes them to drown.

Pets are not the only ones that are losing their lives, dedicated pet parents will throw caution to the wind and jump into a frozen lake or fast moving river to try and save their beloved pets.

What can we do to prevent our pets from becoming a drowning victim? Here are a few valuable tips:

1. Don't assume your dog can swim.

2. Keep a close eye on your aging pet. They cannot swim as long or as far as they once did.

3. Never throw a dog or cat in water.

They will panic from the initial shock.

4. Purchase a canine floatation device (CFD) or pet life jacket for your dog or cat. Make sure they wear it anywhere near water. Many pets fall off docks and moving boats undetected.

5. Solar blankets/pool covers look like a solid surfaces to a pet. Remove them whenever possible when your pets are around the pool.

6. Install a pet safety gate near the pool area.

7. Make sure your pet can not gain easy access to the neighbor's pool.

8. Have a pool alarm installed in your pool or pond.

9. Don't let your pet play or walk near fast flowing water.

10. Keep your pets away from frozen lakes & rivers. The guilt associated with watching your pet drown is truly overwhelming and one never really recovers from that experience. I strongly encourage you to have a look around your property for obvious water hazards.

Whether it is summer or winter, you need to drown proof your home as well as your vacation property NOW. If your pet is going to be anywhere near water, make sure they are wearing a canine floatation device or pet life jacket. It's better to be safe than sorry.

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