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Make sure he has shade. Boat surfaces and beach sand can become extremely hot during sun-filled summer days, which are hard on unprotected paws; a dog’s


sensitive nose and ears can get sunburned from excessive exposure, as well.


When swimming in the ocean, be aware of strong tides. Sea lice and jellyfish are other risks to watch out for. Jellyfish can sting a curious dog, causing extreme


pain and swelling, while sea lice are microscopic organisms that can cause intense itching. It’s a good idea to rinse your dog (and yourself) with fresh water after swimming in the ocean.


The biggest rule of thumb as far as safety goes is to always supervise your dog around any body of water, just as you would a child. If you have a pool, teach him how to get out of it and don’t leave behind enticing toys still


floating in the water. Remember that swimming is vigorous exercise and a dog can tire quickly, especially if he’s older.


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A dog may need help getting out of the water, espe- cially when swimming off of a boat or dock, as well as in a pool. A boating harness is a good solution;


available in several sizes, it’s designed for optimum mobility and should include a sturdy upright handle on the back of it to help you lift a pet out of the water.


Water activities can hugely enrich a dog’s life experience, not to mention your mutual bond of friendship. As long as you keep his safety in mind, the fun you share will give you many happy memories to look back on for years to come.


Ann Brightman is the managing editor of Animal Wellness Magazine, from which this is reprinted with permission ©2009 (AnimalWellnessMagazine.com).


POOL CATS


Paddling Classes Can Keep Them Safe


by Mary Ellen


ther would you be if you had to dry your nose-to-toes fur using a tiny pink tongue—what would happen if a favorite feline fell in? If curiosity or circumstance caused her to take the plunge, could she make it to the edge and safely pull herself out of the pool? Our family has taken seriously the task of teaching our


Y


five cats how to swim, and always proceeded with loving care and patience. We’ve experienced considerable success by following these steps. Remember that the “swim class” is designed to teach your cat what to do if she finds herself accidentally in the water. We trim the cat’s toenails a few days before their swim


class. Then, holding your cat firmly and calmly against your midriff as the two of you wade into the shallow end of the


es, cats can swim. This is good to know if your home features a resident pet and a swimming pool. While most cats are not in love with a dip in the water—nei-


pool, keep her secure until you feel her relax in the water. Soothingly speak to her in a loving manner, gently caressing her body, and watch her face until her expression calms. We hold the cat in our arms until her legs and paws begin to move in the water—showing that she is trying to “run” away. We’ve found that the more a feline moves in the water, the more familiar she becomes with the feel of it on her limbs and with the motion of swimming. When she’s ready, gently release your cat into the water


and stay by her side as she “runs,” or kitty paddles, to the pool’s edge; then let her pull herself out, so that she knows she can do it. Note that if the water level is too low in a pool, a cat can drown in it, so either raise the level of the water or put a small ladder into the pool so she knows where to climb out. It is magical watching cats smoothly glide forward with


their head held high. Some like the experience better than others; if a feline fur-eeks out, she may be better suited as a permanent landlubber. Also, a cat that’s used to having a bath may be a better candidate for adjusting to a paddle in the pool. Wet cat fur, especially longhaired fur, retains wa-


ter (along with pool chemicals), so our family finishes each kitty-paddling swim class by rinsing and gently toweling off our pet with an absorbent microfiber cloth. Then she air dries in the sun.


Mary Ellen is a pet newspaper columnist who shares the stories and tips she discovers in her online newsletter at AngelScribe.com. She’s taught felines to ride in a bike or stroller and walk on a leash, but her swimming lessons have made the biggest splash (You Tube tinyurl.com/ 6jy2rap). Reach her at AngelScribe@msn.com.


Note: This article was written as advice for pet safety. Swim classes were conducted in a series of safe steps in structured kitty-paddle classes by a trusted family member, so the cats would not feel afraid. This article is not intended to encour- age others to test to see if their cats can swim.


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