Protecting pets

The Giles family’s young Labrador retriever, Zack, enjoyed lake play as much as owners Stephen, Kathryn and their two daughters.

On Memorial Day weekend 2006, Kathryn, the children and Zack were kicking off the summer season swimming off the dock at their Smith Mountain Lake townhome when, in a sudden and frightening turn of events, Zack disappeared from sight.

“I was sitting on the dock with the dog swimming, the kids swimming. I was on the phone and saw the dog go under one of our docks,” said Kathryn Giles. “A few moments later, I realized he was caught and jumped in the water. I got him out but he swallowed so much water that he didn’t make it, though we did take him to the vet.”

Though painful for her, Giles freely shares her story in hopes it will help others realize the importance of keeping pets safe around the water.

“It didn’t take but a minute, and the result was a tragedy,” she said. “Zack was a big lab, very athletic. Sometimes we assume dogs are fine in the water. I want people to know that it just takes a second.”

Local veterinarians also urge pet owners to be vigilant when it comes to play time in the lake. Dr. Brian Weitzman at Smith Mountain Lake Animal Hospital said it’s not uncommon for dogs to drown at SML.

“I do see drownings somewhat often. Some dogs will swim themselves to death and others aren’t natural swimmers and should have life vests,” he said.
Dr. Luke DelPo of Westlake Veterinary Medical Center said he’s seen dogs after they’ve jumped or fallen off a boat and been hit by the propeller. He also encourages owners to use dog life vests for both the pet’s safety and the owner’s.

“A few years ago, a lady dove off her boat trying to save her dog. She drowned, the dog didn’t. An owner won’t need to go to such extremes if their dog is in a life vest,” said DelPo. “I’ve seen where dogs that went off boats have bitten up the person trying to save them because they get frantic. The dog goes to the vet while the person goes to the hospital. Life jackets and awareness are so important.”

Both veterinarians said drowning isn’t the only hazard to pets, especially in the summer season. Fish hooks, glass, sharp rocks and overheating have all resulted in vet visits.

“We’ve seen dogs swallowing fish hooks, cats getting hooked while playing with fishing tackle, and injuries to pets climbing up and down rip-rap that contains glass or rocks that cut their feet,” said DelPo.

Fortunately, the two animal experts have many helpful tips to keeping pets safe in and around the water.

“If a dog swallows too much water, their owner can definitely do a Heimlich-like maneuver,” said Weitzman. “Lift the dog’s hind end up and exert pressure up the belly and chest area and let gravity do its thing.

“Make your pet take breaks during play to make sure it doesn’t overheat. If a dog can’t seem to catch its breath, it staggers, vomits or has diarrhea, they might be overheated. Get them to shade, give them water and hose them down.”

DelPo said his best advice is for owners to treat their pets like they treat their children: Watch them carefully, protect them from the heat and don’t assume they are capable of knowing their own limits.

Safety Products

Life Jacket
Invest in a life jacket for your dog’s boating and swimming safety. A variety of sizes are available at Bridgewater Marina. $26.99 - $39.99
16410 B.T. Washington Highway, Moneta
540.721.1639, bridgewatermarina.com

Doggy Dock
If your dog has difficulty getting back in the boat or on the dock, consider purchasing a Doggy Dock. Available locally through Dock Solutions, Inc., the product is a ramp that is easy on your pet’s feet, joints and muscles. $349.99 + $35 shipping.
540.721.5501, docksolutions.com

Portable Water Bottle
Keep your pet hydrated in the summer heat with a portable pet water bottle. Capps Home Building Center sells the Handidrink2 Pet Bottle for $9.99.
13700 B.T. Washington Highway, Moneta
540.721.2276, capps.doitbest.com

Immersion Alarm
Designed for children and pets, the Safety Turtle (pictured below) is an alarm that works with any water hazard, including the lake and pools. Attach the sensor to your pet’s collar and an alarm sounds at the base station if he or she falls into the water.
$209.99 at amazon.com.
800.368.8121, safetyturtle.com