Taking Your Dog to the Cottage: A Waterloo Veterinarian’s Guide

For many Ontario families, cottage season is one of the highlights of the year. Long days on the dock, swimming in the lake, boat rides, hiking trails, and evenings around the campfire can be just as enjoyable for our dogs as they are for us.

However, cottages also expose pets to risks they may not encounter in their everyday routines. A little preparation before your trip can help keep your dog safe, healthy, and ready to enjoy every moment of cottage life.

Tick Prevention Should Be a Priority

Ticks have become increasingly common throughout Ontario, including many popular cottage regions. Blacklegged (deer) ticks can carry Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Public Health Ontario notes that infected blacklegged ticks can be found throughout much of the province, and exposure can occur in wooded areas, tall grass, and along trails. (Public Health Ontario)

Before heading to the cottage:

• Ensure your dog is on an effective tick prevention product.

• Discuss Lyme disease vaccination with your veterinarian if appropriate.

• Keep dogs on established trails whenever possible.

• Perform a thorough tick check every day.

Pay special attention to:

• Around the ears

• Under the collar

• Between the toes

• Under the armpits

• Around the groin and tail

The best approach is prevention. It’s much easier to prevent tick-borne disease than to treat it after infection occurs. (Ontario SPCA)

Water Safety Around Lakes and Rivers

Most dogs love swimming, but not every body of water is as safe as it appears.

When visiting lakes, rivers, or ponds:

• Bring fresh drinking water for your dog.

• Discourage drinking large amounts of lake water.

• Avoid stagnant or foul-smelling water.

• Watch for blue-green algae advisories.

• Rinse your dog after swimming if water quality is questionable.

Blue-green algae can produce toxins that are dangerous for dogs and may cause serious illness if ingested. If the water resembles green paint, pea soup, or has thick surface scum, keep your dog out of the water entirely.

Even strong swimmers can become exhausted in cold water or rough conditions. Always supervise dogs closely around the shoreline.

Wildlife Encounters

One of the joys of cottage life is being surrounded by nature. Unfortunately, local wildlife does not always appreciate curious dogs.

Depending on where your cottage is located, your dog could encounter:

• Porcupines

• Skunks

• Coyotes

• Raccoons

• Snakes

• Bears

• Waterfowl and nesting birds

Most wildlife conflicts occur when dogs are allowed to roam unsupervised.

Keeping your dog on leash or under reliable voice control significantly reduces the risk of injuries and unwanted encounters.

It’s also important to remember that wildlife can carry parasites and infectious diseases. Preventing interactions is far safer than dealing with the consequences afterward.

Boat Safety for Dogs

Many dog owners assume that because their dog can swim, they don’t need a life jacket.

In reality, veterinary and boating safety organizations strongly recommend life jackets for dogs on boats. Even excellent swimmers can become tired, disoriented, injured, or unable to re-enter a boat after falling overboard. A properly fitted life jacket also makes it much easier to lift a dog back into the boat using the built-in handle. (Ontario SPCA)

When boating with your dog:

• Use a properly fitted canine life jacket.

• Bring fresh drinking water.

• Provide shade on hot days.

• Never leave your dog unattended on a boat.

• Introduce nervous dogs gradually to boating.

• Ensure identification tags and microchip information are current.

Just because a dog enjoys swimming doesn’t mean they’re comfortable on a moving boat. Start with short trips and allow them time to adjust.

Emergency Planning Before You Leave

Many cottage emergencies become much easier to manage with a little planning.

Before your trip:

• Locate the nearest veterinary clinic and emergency hospital.

• Save their phone numbers in your phone.

• Bring a copy of your dog’s medical records.

• Pack enough medications for the entire trip.

• Bring tick removal tools.

• Pack a pet first-aid kit.

• Confirm your dog’s microchip information is current.

If your dog gets lost in an unfamiliar area, up-to-date identification can make all the difference.

Cottage Packing Checklist for Dogs

Before you leave home, remember to pack:

✓ Food and treats

✓ Medications

✓ Tick prevention products

✓ Leash and long line

✓ Dog life jacket

✓ Fresh drinking water

✓ Food and water bowls

✓ Waste bags

✓ Towels

✓ Tick remover

✓ First-aid supplies

✓ Updated identification tags

A quick checklist can help ensure your vacation isn’t interrupted by an avoidable emergency.

Enjoying Cottage Season Safely

With a little preparation, most dogs enjoy cottage life without any issues. The key is being aware of common seasonal risks and taking simple steps to prevent them.

Tick prevention, water safety, wildlife awareness, boat safety, and emergency planning can go a long way toward ensuring your dog has a fun and healthy summer adventure.

After all, some of the best cottage memories include a happy dog swimming off the dock, snoozing in the shade, and joining the family for another perfect day at the lake.

Questions About Cottage Safety for Your Dog?

Whether you’re planning a weekend at the cottage or an entire summer by the lake, the team at Bridge Street Veterinary Hospital is here to help.

We are always happy to answer questions about tick prevention, Lyme disease vaccination, water safety, wildlife encounters, travel preparation, and other seasonal health concerns for dogs and cats.

Bridge Street Veterinary Hospital proudly serves pets and families in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Conestogo, Elmira, St. Jacobs, and surrounding communities.