Dogs love nature; it’s a natural bond that can’t be broken. But that doesn’t mean they’re one with every aspect of nature. Before taking your canine companion on your lake trip – here are some tips that’ll help you be prepared.
What to Bring on Your Lake Trip with Fido
There are many different ways that you can enjoy the Lake of the Ozarks, so whether you plan on using a boat or staying by the shore – we have a packing list to match.
Taking Your Dog on a Boat
- Portable Bowl
- A gallon of clean water
- Towel (for the car ride back)
- Food/treats
- ID tags
- Doggy life-jacket
- Lead/Leash
- Dog-friendly sunscreen
- Poop bags (and a bag to put used poop bags in)
Staying on the Shore
- Portable Bowl
- A gallon of clean water
- Two towels (one to lay on while at the lake, one for the car ride back)
- Food/treats
- Pop-up shade tent
- a long lead
- Life-jacket (optional, though, in this case depending on if Fido will go swimming or not)
- Dog toys that float or are meant for water fun
- ID tags
- Normal leash
- Dog-friendly sunscreen
- Poop bags (and a bag to put used poop bags in)
Be Sure You Know the Area Well
Like most new situations for your pup, they tend to go better and be safer when you’re already familiar with it. So, in this case – that would be the location. In some situations, this might not be a possibility (for example: it’s your first time going to the Lake of the Ozarks). But with modern-day technology, even if it isn’t possible to be physically familiar with the area, you sure can do a lot of googling to have a better understanding of the area.
Here are some questions you should ask yourself about where you’re going with Fido, and if you don’t have the answer off the top of your head, then try finding the answer online before your trip.
- What is the temperature of the air and water during the time of year you’re going?
- Is there a lot of shade where you’ll be?
- Will there be a lot of brush in the water?
- Has the water been tested recently? How clean is it? (Should you be worried if Fido drinks it?)
- Will you need proof of your pup’s immunizations?
Know Your Dog’s Limits
Not every dog is ready for a lake adventure or is even that fond of water, so you should also ask yourself the following questions while thinking about your canine companion:
- Will my pup be alright with how far we have to travel and to be in the car that long?
- When was the last time my pup got their rabies shots?
- Do I have tick/flea treatments for Fido?
- Does my pup have a microchip and id tags?
- Do I trust my pup to behave around the people that will be there?
- Does my dog get hot quickly or have a hard time breathing due to a shortened snout?
- Can my dog swim? How strong of a swimmer are they? If they end up in the water, will they call me if I call, or will they head straight to the nearest bank?
It’s also essential to get your pup their own life-jacket, even if they can swim.
Know Your Own Limits as Well
It’s essential also to evaluate yourself, your capabilities, and how you picture the day going. This will help ensure that the decisions made will benefit both you and your dog’s happiness and health. So be sure also to ask yourself these questions:
- How strong of a swimmer am I? Could I swim after and help my dog if they needed it?
- Do I plan on drinking?
- Will other people be joining you? Are they alright with having to cater to your dog’s needs (stopping to let your dog use the bathroom or possibly being further from other people out on the lake so that your dog isn’t bothered or overwhelmed)?
- Will I be alright with having to call it a short day due to my dog or other people & their animals misbehaving?
At the end of the day, you want to make sure you and your dog will be safe, comfortable, and happy during your lake trip. With proper planning, preparation, and patience, you should have a fantastic time at the Lake of the Ozarks.
