Make a Splash (Safely)! - Boating Safety Tips for Your Canine Crewmate

Summer is here, and for many of us, that means hitting the water! And what's better than a day on the boat? A day on the boat with your best furry friend by your side! But before you cast off with your canine companion, it's crucial to prioritize their safety. Boating introduces unique challenges for dogs, so a little preparation goes a long way.

Here are essential tips to ensure your dog has a fun and safe time on the water:

1. Life Jackets Aren't Just for Humans!

This is, without a doubt, the most important piece of safety gear for your dog on a boat. Even if your dog is an Olympic-level swimmer, a life jacket is non-negotiable. Why?

• Visibility: Brightly colored vests make it easier to spot your dog if they go overboard.

• Buoyancy: It helps them stay afloat, conserving energy, especially if they get tired, disoriented, or injured.

• Easy Retrieval: Most dog life vests come with a sturdy handle on the back, allowing you to easily lift your dog back into the boat.

Pro-Tip: Ensure the life jacket fits snugly but comfortably. Test it in shallow water before your first trip to make sure it keeps their head above water and allows for free movement.

2. Acclimation is Key

Don't just throw your dog onto a moving boat and expect them to love it. Dogs need time to adjust to new environments and sensations.

• Start on Land: Introduce your dog to the boat while it's docked. Let them explore, get used to the sounds, and the potentially uneven footing.

• Short Trips First: Begin with very short excursions on calm water. Observe their behavior closely. If they seem stressed or seasick, head back to shore and try again another day.

• Designate a Safe Spot: Create a comfortable, shaded, and non-slip area on the boat where your dog can retreat and feel secure. This should be away from engine parts or other hazards.

3. Hydration and Sun Protection are Paramount

Dogs can overheat and dehydrate quickly on the water, especially with the sun reflecting off the surface.

• Freshwater is a Must: Bring plenty of fresh drinking water and a non-tip bowl. Encourage your dog to drink regularly throughout the day. Never let them drink saltwater or lake water, as it can cause stomach upset and dehydration.

• Seek Shade: Ensure there's ample shade available for your dog. Consider a Bimini top or a designated shaded area where they can escape the sun's rays.

• Doggie Sunscreen: Dogs with short hair or light-colored fur are susceptible to sunburn, particularly on their ears and nose. Consult your vet about a pet-safe sunscreen.

4. Practice Essential Commands

Basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "come" are incredibly valuable on a boat. They can help you manage your dog's movements, prevent them from jumping overboard, and ensure they stay out of dangerous areas. A leash is also a good idea, especially in busy marinas or when the boat is underway.

5. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Anything can happen on the water, so being prepared for the unexpected is crucial.

• Pet First-Aid Kit: Pack a kit specifically for your dog, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and any necessary medications (e.g., for motion sickness, if prescribed by your vet).

• Rescue Plan: Discuss with everyone on board what to do if your dog falls into the water. Ideally, stop the boat immediately, use the life jacket handle to pull them in, or use a net or boat hook if they're out of reach.

• Watch for Seasickness: Symptoms can include drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and anxiety. If your dog gets seasick, talk to your vet about preventative measures.

6. Consider Their Bathroom Needs

Depending on the length of your trip, your dog will need bathroom breaks.

• Shoreline Stops: Plan for regular stops on land so your dog can relieve themselves. Always bring poop bags!

• On-Board Solutions: For longer journeys, consider a designated potty area on the boat, such as a patch of artificial turf or puppy pads. This may require some training.

Boating with your dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience, creating lasting memories. By taking these safety precautions, you can ensure your furry first mate has a safe, comfortable, and happy time on the water!

Making Your Home Safe for Your Pets

Most homes with children know to keep hazardous chemicals, cleaners, and medication out of the reach of children, but these precautions should also be taken in homes with pets. There are many household items that can be dangerous for pets if ingested. These are a few of the things to look for in your home.

- Lawn and garden pesticides
- Flea and tick products
- Insecticidal aerosols
- Shampoos
- Cleaning products
- Rat and mouse poison
- Tobacco products
- Aspirin and other pain relievers
- Garbage

How do you properly protect your pets from these hazards? Do not leave containers with these types of items where your curious pet can find them. Any spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible, including the outside of the container. Lids should be tightly closed and stored out of reach. Garbage cans should be covered tightly and secured to prevent tipping.

If you have sprayed your lawn with chemicals, do not let your pet on the grass until the recommended drying period has passed. If your pet does come in contact with the chemicals, wash his or her feet with mild soap and water. 

Pets should also not be allowed in vegetable or flower gardens or in compost piles. Some plants are toxic to animals if nibbled on. Compost piles can contain bacterial toxins that are harmful to animals. 

Rat and mouse poison can be harmful or even deadly if a cat ingests the dying or dead rodent. Take care when using these types of poisons to ensure that your cat does not consume a poisoned rat or mouse.

A Few Autum Tips for Pet Owners

Pets, just like people, look forward to a break in the hot weather of summer. It is a lovely time of year for our animal friends, but there are some safety tips to keep in mind as the weather cools. -- As you gather school supplies, remember to keep them out of the reach of your pets. While items such as glue sticks and magic markers have low-toxicity, a pet can get sick if he or she ingests a large quantity of them. To be safe, store them out of your pet’s reach. -- If your pet spends time outdoors, be sure to keep a close eye on the weather forecast. In the fall, cold weather can move in quickly, even on a day that starts out warm. Make sure that your pet has adequate shelter and some protection from freezing rain and wind. -- Fall is one of the best seasons for mushroom growth. When heading outdoors, be sure to keep a close eye on your dog when he or she explores areas with lots of plants. Most mushrooms are non-toxic, but ingesting one of the dangerous varieties can have serious consequences. If you see your dog eating a wild mushroom, contact your veterinarian immediately. -- In preparing for colder weather, many people change or add to the coolant in their vehicle. Be sure to keep antifreeze away from your pet, as it is highly toxic. Spills should be cleaned up immediately. You may also consider switching to propylene glycol-based coolants rather than using the standard ethylene glycol-based coolants. While not completely non-toxic, they are much better than the standard antifreeze. www.pfeifferscleaning.com

Backyard Safety

 

The sounds of summer always include children playing outdoors. To ensure that your children will be safe as they enjoy their summer vacation, use this checklist to inspect your backyard swing set and play equipment. - Are the bolts tight? Be sure to tighten all bolts before your children use the equipment. - Do the ends of the bolts have safety caps on them? Children can be seriously injured from a puncture by an uncapped bolt. Most hardware stores sell replacements caps. - Are handrails rusted or loose? Tighten all handrails and ensure that there are no loose or sharp edges. Any other metal parts should be checked for rust and rough spots. They should be filed down and recoated before children use the equipment. - Are there any rough spots on the wood? Most manufacturers recommend that the wood on wooden play sets be stained every year to extend the life of the unit and to prevent splinters from forming. www.pfeifferscleaning.com   Image courtesy of imagerymajestic / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Don't Skip That Sunscreen!

It's no secret that we Washingtonians don't see the sun very often... and when we do, it's hard not to be out and enjoying every minute of it! Next time you go out, just take a few extra minutes to apply some sunscreen. 

There is nothing more you can do to prevent melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, than to use sunscreen every time you go into the sun. You might imagine that people who have survived melanoma would be extra careful. But a new study by researchers at Yale University’s School of Medicine reveals that more than 25 percent of melanoma survivors never use sunscreen when heading outdoors.

Everyone should limit exposure to the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) light. This means putting sunscreen on every time you go out, staying in the shade as much as possible, wearing protective clothing and a hat, and avoiding tanning salons.

The good news of the study is that over one-third of melanoma survivors always wore sunscreen. Other studies have revealed that only about 17 percent of Americans wear sunscreen all the time. The researchers believe that better education of the melanoma survivors increases the rate at which they use sunscreen.

With almost 77,000 cases of melanoma diagnosed each year in the United States, it is critically important for everyone to understand the risks of sun exposure. An estimated 9,500 American will die of the disease this year. But with better education about basic precautions, that number could be reduced significantly.

www.pfeifferscleaning.com


Image courtesy of "africa" www.freedigitalphotos.net

Water Safety for Spring

Now that the weather is warming up and us Washingtonians are seeing some sunshine, we are feeling motivated to do our Spring cleaning. When cleaning with small children in the home, it's important to be aware of the potential hazards of water. While more than half of drownings among children under the age of one occur in bathtubs, small children can also drown in the very small amounts of water found in buckets. In fact, of all the children between the ages of seven months and fifteen months who have drowned since 1984, almost 90 percent have died from accidents involving five gallon buckets. These buckets are found in many households and are commonly used for cleaning and mopping. To keep your child from becoming a victim, never leave your child unsupervised near any type of water. Both standing and moving water can be hazardous, and children can easily drown in as little as three or four inches of water.  It's also good to remember that children should be supervised at all times when bathing or using the toilet. Shower doors and toilet seats should be closed when not in use. Better yet, keep your bathroom door closed. Take care to empty all buckets immediately when you are done using them and always store buckets upside down. It would be wise to check your child’s outdoor environment before he or she begins to play. Empty any water out of buckets, garbage cans, wheelbarrows, or flower pots. By taking these simple precautions, you can help keep your child safe from these common water hazards.

www.pfeifferscleaning.com