Friday, July 29, 2011

Importance of Life Vests on Pets

By Garland Watts


We have had water dogs all our lives.They swim with us, go out on the boat and in the little fishing boat. Swim if you may, these dogs can beat you.We live on the lake and it is just a short walking distance. Usually when the weather is hot, which occurs mostly during July and August, we bring the dogs to the lake for a swim. Each one gets to enjoy the warmth of the sun. It's a work out combined with amusement. When my son was still younger, every time he went on the lake with his raft and paddle, Poppy, our light-colored Labrador wants to come along also. She looked after him and they spend the whole day in recreation.

The boat we had at that time was very well-chosen. Up to six people could simultaneously take their slumber in it.We practically lived on that boat. A tiny motor-boat anchoring besides ours in the first hours of the morning, making us get up, was an everyday experience for us. We all knew it was my parents and it was very wonderful that they brought us breakfast. I just couldn't get enough of my mom's biscuits. They were awesome, with ham or bacon, eggs and cheese stuffing. It's enough for me! I have my family with me, we are in a wonderful boat, enjoying our scrumptious breakfast as well as the view of the sunrise.

There was this very miniscule dog that my parents had. She wasn't a swimmer therefore my parents made her wear a life vest at all times. Being in the water was not one of her favorites, nevertheless, as similar to all dogs, she still enjoyed coming along in trips with the family.Just as it is important for humans to wear life vests, it is the same with our canine members of the family.

A life vest that is fitting for your pet dog's body must be on him/her if ever both of you are going on a trip on the waters. Be sure that it is securely fastened on him/her to avoid slip-ups and that your dog has adapted to it. Be certain that the straps and buckles are in its right place that he/she won't be uncomfortable. Life vests offer a leverage for you to aid your pet dog out of the water if the incident requires you to. Use life vests with intense colors so that your dog can simply be detected.The weight should be distributed evenly so the pup will float in a horizontal position.The same advice for the safety and well being of people is the same for your dog. Ensure that there is a shaded location on the boat and ample amount of clean drinking water to keep you hydrated always while under the intense heat of the sun.Protect their feet from the boat surface that can get very hot in the sun, and take your dog to the shore to relieve themselves if needed.Not all dogs enjoy boating. Its common that we become nauseous while on sea, and so can your dog.

Apparently, if your dog is very old or very young, you have to recognize their limitations.They are more susceptible to hypothermia and complications of prolonged exposure to the elements. Do not ever strap your dog to the boat. Should the vessel go under the sea, your cherished pet goes along with it.

Above all, always use common sense. If you love your dog as part of the family, shouldn't he/she be protected too and wear his/her life vest?




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