Peril Drowning Under Ice

[Cascadians]

Saw on Facebook that somebody lost dog under ice.

Googled and saw many articles of persons drowning trying to save their dogs under ice. Had not realized this happens so much.

Will always keep Orka tethered around frozen lakes, will train him not to step on ice.

How do those that live in snowy cold icy places deal with this? Any tips appreciated.

 

[new_2_newf]

ice should always be approached with caution, especially during the freezing and thawing times of years. It's very dangerous, for animals and for people trying to reach them in an emergency situation. This time if year, we stay very clear of ice. we do a lot of off leash walking and hiking, but we absolutely leash up when we are near a body of ice/water that could be unsafe.

 

[Jeannie]

We have our pond fenced off from the rest of the yard.

One time a person brought their dog to play and let her in the pond area. We advised him not to because of the thin ice. He said his dog didn't like water and would stay away from the pond. The dog ran onto the ice and broke through. The owner just stood there while Gary jumped in to get the dog. The owner said he never would have considered jumping in to get his dog. BTW Gary was able to get the dog and make is safely back to shore.

 

[ajcooksey]

The owner said he never would have considered jumping in to get his dog.

Wow I'd be hesitant to give the man back his dog I can't imagine standing by while an animal was fighting for their life and doing nothing. I'm glad your he was there to help.

 

[Popcorn]

This just happened by me. Elderly dog got stuck under the ice. Fortunately it was a shallow pond and someone saw him. He waded in (chest height) broke the thin ice, and got him out. Everyone was fine, but it is a particular danger in a cold spring where ice is not stable, and with an old dog outside by themselves.

 

[blaue_augen]

This is very scary. Jeannie, I'm glad Gary was OK!

 

[BlackLightning]

We have to take the ice conditions VERY seriously up North at the cottage. Both in the early Winter and early Spring my guys are absolutely not allowed to go near the ice, not even if I see stupid snowmobiles out on it. I will keep them on leash if I have to, but they both are ok with a stern 'NO' and they get it.

However, my guys also will not go into any water without me first saying 'OK', so we treat the ice the same way. I will never forget a story by Dad once told me that has now made me train my guys to always wait before entering water or stepping on ice.

He used to do a lot of duck hunting and knew someone who had a Lab that jumped into the water as it always did without even thinking and was impaled through the stomach by an underwater tree branch. It always stuck with me. For that reason (and because sometimes I don't want a wet dog!), I always tell my guys to 'wait' before being allowed in any water.

 

[TerriW]

One time a person brought their dog to play and let her in the pond area. We advised him not to because of the thin ice. He said his dog didn't like water and would stay away from the pond.

....to a dog, ice is not water. It's a solid surface. I hope this person was a better owner than he sounds, and thank goodness for your hubby~!

 

[blphome]

We don't let the dogs in the lakes until the ice is well off shore. On the spring creeks around us the water never freezes so they can swim in the winter.