--- title: In hot water description: Our favorite beaches, lakes and even pools can be dangerous for pets. Good thing our VetHelpline® experts are here to answer the tough questions. image: https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Vethelpline.jpg --- [![Nationwide Logo](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Image%201@2x.png)](https://companionpetmagazine.com/) ![The Companion Magazine Logo](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/commpasslogo.jpg) - [The Companion Magazine](https://companionpetmagazine.com) - [Previous Issues](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/previous) - Topics - [Member stories](https://companionpetmagazine.com/tag/member-stories) - [Research data](https://companionpetmagazine.com/tag/research-data) - [Pet care](https://companionpetmagazine.com/tag/pet-care) - [Extra treats](https://companionpetmagazine.com/tag/extra-treats) - [Promotions](https://companionpetmagazine.com/promotions) - [Member Perks](https://companionpetmagazine.com/member-perks) [Pet care](https://companionpetmagazine.com/topic/pet-care) # In hot water ![Picture of By Nationwide](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/NWLogos_Vert_NW_3C.svg) [By Nationwide](https://companionpetmagazine.com/author/about-us) - - - Summer fun is all about staying cool, and that means a lot of time in the water. However, our favorite beaches, lakes and even pools can be dangerous for pets. Good thing our VetHelpline*®* experts are here to answer the tough questions. ##### Member concern: **A frightful tail** *![VetHelpline dog playing in the pool-1](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VetHelpline%20dog%20playing%20in%20the%20pool-1.jpg?width=740&name=VetHelpline%20dog%20playing%20in%20the%20pool-1.jpg)* *After going swimming a few days ago, Milo didn't sleep well that night. Yesterday his tail was limp. He slept a little better last evening, but he still whines when we gently touch his tail. What could be the cause of this?* ##### VetHelpline response: Limber tail syndrome, also known as swimmer tail, is a condition in dogs that causes their tail to become lifeless, painful and limp after spending too much time in the water. Swimmer tail is rarely dangerous, and typically resolves itself after a week or two of rest. Contact an emergency veterinarian if Milo shows signs of increasing discomfort, such as persistent crying or vocalizing, restlessness, loss of appetite or any new symptoms. Similarly, if Milo isn’t showing improvement in a few days, a veterinary evaluation is recommended. Also, remember: Human pain medications are **highly toxic** to our pets and should never be given to pets. If you think Milo needs a pain reliever, please contact your vet. ##### Member concern: **Poolside problems** ![VetHelpline dog with leaf in mouth-1](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VetHelpline%20dog%20with%20leaf%20in%20mouth-1.jpg?width=740&name=VetHelpline%20dog%20with%20leaf%20in%20mouth-1.jpg) *We live in New York, and Jake ingested a leaf that was floating in our recently uncovered pool. He has since eaten and immediately vomited four times in the past 45 minutes. On closer inspection, the water might have blue-green algae growing in it. He also may have ingested some mulch. What should I do?* ##### VetHelpline response: First, the good news—the weather in your area likely hasn’t been hot enough to produce dangerous cyanobacteria, even if algae growing in your pool is a little blueish green in color. However, Jake should see a veterinarian promptly to monitor his persistent vomiting, and to rule out the potential for a foreign body obstruction from the mulch. ##### Member concern: **Boating pup-arations** ![VetHelpline dog on a boat-1](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VetHelpline%20dog%20on%20a%20boat-1.jpg?width=1200&name=VetHelpline%20dog%20on%20a%20boat-1.jpg) *I want to take my new pup Maui out in a pontoon boat—are there any boat safety precautions I should take?* ##### VetHelpline response: We recommend that Maui be fitted for a canine life jacket with handles on the back, so she can be easily pulled up out of the water. Choose one that is brightly colored or has reflective strips. Dogs are prone to heatstroke or heat exhaustion, so make sure Maui has easy access to fresh water and a cool, shaded spot to rest. It’s not a bad idea to apply pet-friendly sunscreen to her paw pads, ear flaps and nose. Also, make sure Maui is up to date on her flea and tick preventive before heading out. If you’re worried about blue-green algae, check your state Department of Natural Resources website for reports on water quality at the lake. Have fun! Pets’ names have been changed.VetHelpline is not a substitute for a visit to your primary veterinarian. ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Cat%20Health%20Month%20Article%20-%20Cat%20Vet.jpg) ### VetHelpline Nationwide® pet insurance members have 24/7 telehealth access to connect with veterinary professionals for pet health advice. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play—it’s included with every Nationwide pet insurance policy! [Get advice](https://www.petinsurance.com/usevethelpline/) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2021/my.petinsurance.com) ![](https://companionpetmagazine.com/hubfs/Spring%202023/Spring_LPThumb_Intro.jpg) ##### Add-a-pet Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.  [Enroll a new pet](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/summer-2021/my.petinsurance.com) [Summer 2021](https://companionpetmagazine.com/topic/summer-2021) ## Check out some of our other posts! ### [2025 pet gift guide: Best picks for the holidays](https://companionpetmagazine.com/2025-pet-gift-guide) Celebrate the season with gifts that combine health, sustainability, and fun for your ... ### [Making a paw-sitive impact at Nationwide Children’s Hospital](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2025/making-a-paw-sitive-impact-at-nationwide-childrens-hospital) Dogs are our steadfast companions through thick and thin. They’re also good for our ... ### [Letter from the Pet-itor: New Year’s edition](https://companionpetmagazine.com/issues/holiday-2025/letter-from-the-pet-itor) Can you hear the first notes of Auld Lang Syne ringing in your head already? 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