We have had water dogs all our lives.They swim with us, go out on the boat and in the little fishing boat. These dogs of ours are bona fide swimmers. Our residence is on the lake, and it is not too far away because you can get there on foot. The longest days ever that we experience hot weather conditions are from the month of July until August. During these months, together with our dogs, we come to the lake to swim.Everyone gets plenty of exercise, sunshine and fun. As a young boy, my son loved to ride on the raft and paddle his way in the lake. What's interesting is that Poppy, our blond Lab, also wants to ride along with him.She watched over him and they spent many hours playing together in the sunlight on the water.

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. We all got used to waking up very early in the morning because of the loud roar of the motor boat docking beside ours.It would be my parents and the best part is they had packed breakfast.My mother made the most incredible biscuits and stuffed them with ham or bacon, eggs and cheese.Sitting in the boat, with the sun rising, with family and enjoying a delicious meal - how could it get any better than that?

Our parent's very little pet dog can't swim so she wears a life vest all the time. Just like every dog, she still enjoyed tagging along in our family spree even though she doesn't very much like the water.Just as it is important for humans to wear life vests, it is the same with our canine members of the family.

Every time you go on a boat trip, and your dog joins the ride, be certain that he/she put on a life vest that will make him/her feel comfy and secured.Make sure straps and buckles are placed where there is no experienced discomfort.Life vests also provide lifting handles as a way for you to assist your pet out of the water should the need arise. Brilliant colors are best colors for the life vest so that you won't have difficulty finding your dog. For your dog to stay horizontally afloat, proportionally distribute the weight of the dog in its life vest. Safety guidelines for your pup is similar to humans.Make sure there is a shaded area on the boat to avoid heat exhaustion, and plenty of clean drinking water. Guard their feet from the surface of the boat as this can heat up. Also if you want to loosen him up, you can bring him to shore. Only a small number of dogs like to go boating. Its common that we become nauseous while on sea, and so can your dog.

Clearly you have to set some restrictions if your dog is too old or too young. Lengthened exposure to the elements can put your dog in an even tighter condition - hypothermia plus complications from it. Do not ever strap your dog to the boat.If the boat ever sinks, your beloved pet will go down with it.

With everything else, being commonsensical has no replacement. If you love your dog as part of the family, shouldn't he/she be protected too and wear his/her life vest?