PET GUIDE TO #LAKELIFE
If you have a canine camper on your hands, enjoying the outdoors can be TWICE as fun, especially if you have boating and swimming adventures planned. However, getting ready for your vacation, requires a little extra planning for your canine companion when you’re planning to spend a day at the lake.
Bretz Capital Sports Sales wants to help you keep your furry friends safe this summer!
Here are 5 ideas of what to bring on a lake trip for enjoying the water with your furry friend.
The essentials
Any lover of the outdoor knows that gear makes or breaks a trip. Unsurprisingly, the same goes for trips with your pup. When it comes to enjoying the water with your dog, there are some unique needs that you need to consider.
Collapsible water bowl
This is an absolute must as your dog can’t drink from a canteen or water bottle. Even if the lake is freshwater, it’s also not a good idea to let your dog companion drink from it. In fact, some types of algae are downright toxic to dogs and can turn your fun day at the lake to a trip to the pet emergency room! Make sure to pack a collapsible water bowl so your dog can enjoy plenty of cool fresh water and ward off potential dehydration. The nice part about this is that it can pop up and collapse easily while you’re having fun on your 2020 SUNCHASER GENEVA FISH 22 FISH DLX!
Waterproof bag
Keep treats and other snacks dry while boating with a waterproof bag. A day full of swimming and boating burns a lot of calories and just like humans, dogs need to refuel. Remember to keep feedings small when your dog is active to avoid the potentially life-threatening condition known as bloat.
Extra towels
Don’t skip this step! Even if it’s an older less comfy towel that you wouldn’t use, your dog will be thankful! Plus, it will help you keep the smell of wet dog at bay!
First aid items for dogs
You probably have human first aid covered; however, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has put together this list to make sure you have any possible dog emergencies covered. A few essential first aid items for dogs that probably aren’t in your regular kit include:
3% hydrogen peroxide
Milk of Magnesia
Muzzle
Extra leash
Vet information and prescription list
Pet digital thermometer (They go higher than those used for people.)
Animal Poison Control phone number (888-426-4435)
Canine life jacket:
Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs are natural swimmers. Some dogs can’t swim at all! While there are always exceptions to the rule, breeds that are notoriously bad swimmers include bully breeds, basset hounds, dachshunds, pugs, and other Brachycephalic breeds.
Even if you have a strong swimmer on your hands, you should fit them with a dog life vest if they will be joining you on the boat. The reason for this is that it can sometimes be difficult to get a dog back in the boat if they jump out. They may make a beeline to the shore, not realizing it is too far for them to be able to swim. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Saddlebag harness:
Saddlebag harnesses come in many styles designed to provide your dog with comfort for both short and long hikes. Roomy pockets on either side of these adventure harnesses allow you to pack items, such as ponchos, treats, kibble, portable water bowls, leash, sunscreen, and anything else that may come in handy on the trail. This is a nice way to have the essentials your dog needs without having to pack it in your own backpack.
Be sure not to overpack your dog with too many items as they will tire out and it can cause joint issues. In addition, try to balance the load left to right for comfort and safety. Finally, take the harness off on breaks to make sure your dog has a chance to cool off, especially in warm, humid weather.
Waterproof Toys
We cannot stress this enough; tennis balls sink when wet and you could lose your dog’s favorite toy! Make sure you bring some waterproof toys to keep them busy!
Floating skipping stones
Floating stones by Kurgo have the built-in advantage of flat sides, just like river rocks, so that you can skip them along the surface of the water with each toss.
Floating disc
If your dog is a fan of Frisbees, you may be disappointed to find out that most flying disks will turn over and sink in the water. The Zogoflex by West Paw solves that problem!
Dog float lounger
If you plan on enjoying your day by floating on the lake, make sure you don’t have to leave your dog waiting for you back on the shore! This dog flotation device is made with durable fabric that is built to withstand dog claws. Plus, it folds up easily to take up very little room in the trunk.
Campfire bliss: visibility after hours
One last thing to consider that many pet lovers leave off their camping list? Nighttime visibility! You’ll (hopefully) have a flashlight to make it from the campfire to the cabin, but your four-legged friend will be using all four of his or her hands for walking.
Luckily, there is this awesome LED harness to help light up the dark night. The harness lasts 12 hours or more on a single charge (via USB cable), you’ll get peace of mind when you’re able to keep track of your dog when it’s time for fun campfire activities.
Note that this harness is water-resistant, not waterproof.
We hope this helped you gather some ideas on how to keep your dog safe while you are having fun on the lake! We love our canine friends and have a great inventory of dog-friendly boats! Check it out here.
