Fun, sun and water safety with your dog

With the warm days of summer comes the call to go out on the water. If you take your canine friend along for a boat ride, be sure to follow a few safety tips:

Keep an eye on your dog. Make sure your dog is under constant supervision, especially while the boat is moving. If your dog is a newcomer to the boat and water, take things slowly to allow the pet time to adjust to the movement and noises. The goal is for the dog to enjoy the boating experience. If your pet is scared while on board, leave him at home next time.

Use a personal flotation device (PFD). No matter how good a swimmer your dog may be, a PFD can come in handy when a dog does not realize his true swimming limitations or accidentally falls overboard. Most PFDs have a handle on the top so a dog can be lifted or guided out of the water.

Provide traction under foot. Fiberglass boat surfaces can be challenging. Provide better footing with a piece of carpet or a rubber mat.

Offer a shaded retreat. Always provide shade so your dog can escape the heat and bright sun. It's also important to provide clean water.

Tag 'em. All dogs should have a collar with a legible ID tag and be microchipped.

Dr. Tracy Acosta is a veterinarian at Biloxi (Mississippi) Animal Hospital.