CHARLOTTE, N.C. — We all know to watch our kids especially around water. But have you ever thought of keeping your pet safe in and around water? There are so many dangers you have not probably thought of in terms of vaccinations, insect prevention, and drowning. Dr. Jim Dobies from Urgent Vet Care has a wealth of information your pet needs to enjoy the outdoors as summer approaches.
A vaccination is important especially to protect your animal in the water. Dr. Dobies says “There is a particular kind of bacteria that lives in and around water and its transmitted through wildlife contact it is called leptosporosis. If your pet is spending time in the water they can easily contract it.” Also, pets need the other precautionary vaccinations from the many dogs that play in and around the water. Dogs can easily pickup things from the soil and inanimate object in and around the water.
Animals are vulnerable to those pesky insects. Interestingly enough insects and arthropods are attracted to water as well. Dr. Dobies says, “Anywhere there is brush, over hanging water plants or along a path, those are areas, where fleas and ticks like to congregate.” Moreover, anytime there is standing water you tend to have mosquitoes which transmit heartworm disease. Fleas, ticks and heartworm prevention are a must to keep your pet safe. Be careful near a pond as well. Don’t let your pet drink out of it. If your pet is playing in the water they are probably getting dehydrated they need a source of safe drinking water. Dr. Dobies says, "Have drinking water on hand; if it’s not safe for you to drink out of a pond it’s not safe for your pet either.”
People who love to go boating with their animal need to be reminded to have two safety items: a doggie life vest and a leash. People when they are boating like to socialize and anchor near other boats. Dr. Dobie says, “The doggie life vest would keep them protected, if they happen to fall in the water even though they are good swimmers. The leash makes it easier to keep them in the boat rather than having them launch themselves off the boat.” Animal safety around water is paramount. For more on animal safety visit