Canadians are well known for our love of the cottage life. Once the warm weather hits, most of us head up to our cottages for some summer fun. A lot of us bring our four legged family members along for the trip, and a trip up north is fun for everyone,  if you remember some of these important cottage safety tips to keep your pooch safe & happy…

Leash your pup! The most important thing to remember is keeping your dog tied up. Unlike home, this isn’t an area they’re very familiar with so the temptation to go through the door or out into the bush after that squirrel is high. And with a variety of other critters and wildlife around, as well as being surrounded by a completely uncontrolled environment, the risks are higher. Wildlife encounters often end badly for the family pet. Don’t let your pup off your property, they could get injured in a trap, or worse, trigger-happy neighbours may mistake your pet for another animal.

Come prepared. Have emergency information handy and at the ready in case anything goes wrong. Look up the nearest veterinary clinic and make yourself familiar with the most direct route. In the event of an emergency, you’ll be thankful that you did a little research beforehand, and it will save you time when you need it the most!

Safety on the water is just as important for your pet as it is for everyone else! A lifejacket is always a good idea. Make sure you have a lifejacket on your dog while they are in the boat, especially on areas with strong currants and cold water. Also like anywhere else in the outdoors, keep your dog tied to the boat interior for their own safety, and the safety of others onboard. Happy sailing!

A couple other things:

• Attaching a tag with the number and address of your cottage is a great idea, if your pet does wander off, depending on where you’re staying, cell phones may be unreliable.
• After a walk or a hike, be sure to thoroughly check your pup’s coat for ticks, burrs and anything else nature has bestowed upon them!
• Many dogs like to drink lake water while swimming, which often results in a bout of diarrhea. Keep a bowl of clean water nearby to discourage this habit.

Have a safe and exciting summer!