Providing progressive, compassionate care.
Providing progressive, compassionate care.
We assume that most dogs and cats intuitively know how to swim. Sure, most can keep their head above water, but if they fall into a pool they can't necessarily get out. Too often, they aren't found in time. Boats present similar dangers. No one knows how many pets are lost to drowning, but veterinary hospitals deal with a few near-drownings every year.
If you have a pool or are on a boat or around water a lot, it's important to keep an eye on your pet as well as your child. And if you can't be everywhere at once, there are a couple of products on the market that can help save a sneaky pet's life.
Safety Turtle
Safety Turtle is an alarm system that alerts you if your pet (originally designed for children) has fallen in the water. It consists of a small, turtle-shaped sensor that attaches to your pet's collar and a Base Station. When an animal falls or ventures into the water, a sharp alarm sounds from the Base Station. Base Station sells for $156.00 and the turtle sensor, $73.80. Visit www.safetyturtle.com for detailed product information.
Skamper-Ramp
The Skamper-Ramp offers a non-electronic alternative for helping your pet. The biggest problem with pools and pets is that once in, they can't get out on their own. They'll instinctively swim to an edge, but can't get enough purchase with slippery claws. Vinyl-sided pools are especially challenging. The Skamper-Ramp is a simple white, box-corrugated plastic ramp that attaches to the side of the pool, walled pond, dock, or even boat. Animals can easily see white, so your dog or cat can see the ramp day or night and “skamper” out. The original Skamper-Ramp, $49.95 plus S&H; the Skamper-Ramp Big Dog, $69.95 plus S&H. For more information, visit www.skamper-ramp.com .