Lake Days with Your Dog: Fun and Safety Tips

Fun and safety on the lake with your dog

There’s just something about the lake that makes life feel lighter. The cool water, the sunshine, the boats buzzing by—it’s pure summer joy. And if you’re like me, no lake trip feels complete without bringing your dog along for the adventure. My pup absolutely lights up when he sees me packing the cooler and grabbing his leash.

But over the years, I’ve learned that taking a dog to the lake comes with its own set of responsibilities. I’ve had the “oops, forgot the water bowl” moments, the muddy-paw chaos, and even a near-miss when my dog jumped off the boat too quickly. Those experiences taught me a lot about keeping dogs safe and happy by the water. When playing on the lake with your dog here are a few things I always keep in mind (and pack) to ensure safety and fun.

Bring a Dog Life Jacket for Safety

I can’t recommend this enough. Even if your dog is a strong swimmer, a life jacket gives me peace of mind. The one I use has a bright color and a sturdy handle on the back, which makes it easy to lift my dog back onto the boat. Watching him paddle around with his little “vest” on is equal parts adorable and reassuring.

Pack Fresh Water and a Bowl

Dogs will try to drink lake water—it’s inevitable. But to keep them safe from bacteria and algae, I always bring a few water bottles and a collapsible bowl. I keep it out and filled so it’s easy for him to drink, especially after a swim.

Don’t Forget Shade

Dogs overheat faster than we do, so I always pack a pop-up shade tent or at least an umbrella. My dog loves to flop down in the shade on a blanket when he’s had enough excitement. A cooling mat is also a great addition if your dog tends to overheat.

Protect Those Paws

Boat decks and docks can get scorching hot. I usually keep a small towel or mat for my dog to sit on, and I try to plan lake trips earlier or later in the day when the sun isn’t at its strongest.

Must-Have Gear Checklist

Here’s what’s always in my lake bag for the dog:

• 🐾 Life jacket

• 💧 Fresh water + collapsible bowl

• 🌞 Shade option (umbrella or pop-up tent)

• 🐕 Leash or long lead (helps with curious sniffs near wildlife)

• 🛟 Towel (both for drying and protecting paws)

• 🧼 Dog wipes or rinse spray for a quick clean-up before heading home

• 🏷️ Collar with ID tags (always, just in case)

After the Lake

As tempting as it is to collapse on the couch after a long day, I always rinse my pup off before we settle in. It helps wash away algae, bacteria, and that funky lake smell. Don’t forget to dry their ears—especially floppy ones—to prevent infections.

Final Thoughts

Every time I watch my dog leap into the water with pure joy, I’m reminded why I go through the “extra packing.” Lake days with your dog are some of the best memories you’ll ever make. With just a little preparation, you can relax and enjoy the sunshine, knowing your furry co-captain is safe, happy, and ready for the next adventure.