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5 Boating safety tips from the experts at Trupanion

ByKimberley Spinney|
LOUTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 16: Wayne Cohen is seen with his dog Wonka in his fishing boat on April 16, 2020 in Louth, Australia. With a population of approximately 29, residents of Louth on the Darling River in outback New South Wales are having very different experiences adjusting to restrictions in place due to COVID-19. Strict measures are currently in place across Australia due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with all non-essential business closed and public gatherings limited to two people. New South Wales and Victoria have enacted additional lockdown measures to allow police the power to fine people who breach the two-person outdoor gathering limit or leave their homes without a reasonable excuse. Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory have all closed their borders to non-essential travellers and international arrivals into Australia are being sent to mandatory quarantine in hotels for 14 days. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)
LOUTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 16: Wayne Cohen is seen with his dog Wonka in his fishing boat on April 16, 2020 in Louth, Australia. With a population of approximately 29, residents of Louth on the Darling River in outback New South Wales are having very different experiences adjusting to restrictions in place due to COVID-19. Strict measures are currently in place across Australia due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with all non-essential business closed and public gatherings limited to two people. New South Wales and Victoria have enacted additional lockdown measures to allow police the power to fine people who breach the two-person outdoor gathering limit or leave their homes without a reasonable excuse. Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory have all closed their borders to non-essential travellers and international arrivals into Australia are being sent to mandatory quarantine in hotels for 14 days. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Summer is here and for some of us that means hitting the beach and even dealing with boating safety. With the help of Trupanion, we have some tips for keeping our pups safe near and on the water.

As the medical insurance leader for dogs and cats in the United States, Trupanion is here for us when we want to keep our pets safe and healthy. And when they offer up safety tips for our pups, we try to pay attention.

Just in time for summer Dr. Caroline Wilde, a staff veterinarian for Trupanion is helping us with some boating safety tips that are also important for a beach trip with the pup as well. Basically, this is both a water safety and boating safety roundup of tips.

5 tips for water and boating safety from the experts at Trupanion

  • Make sure that your dog has been fully vaccinated before heading to the beach or the water in general, as there are some highly infectious diseases that can be transmitted through the water, including Leptospirosis.
  • Sunscreen is important for dogs, especially hairless pups. But before slathering on the sunscreen, make sure you talk to your veterinarian.
  • Make sure that your dog has plenty of fresh drinking water. Just because they are surrounded by water, that doesn’t mean they should be drinking it.
  • If there is shade available, make sure they have access to that shade to prevent overheating. While some breeds of dog can be more prone to getting too hot and the dangers of overheating, if your dog is acclimated to the heat, they might enjoy the weather at the beach. Just pay attention to your pup to make sure they are keeping cool and safe.
  • The final tip is truly about boating safety, and it revolves around making sure that your pup is prepared for strong currents. It is important to have a sturdy floatation device for your pup in case they fall into the water, because even the strongest swimmer can get tired, and of course one can never be too careful when it comes to dangerous currents.

Whether you are heading out onto the water or just staying beachside, it is important to keep your dog safe. From keeping them cool to making sure they are staying hydrated, there are plenty of ways to protect your pup this summer when it comes to fun in the sun.

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