Gone Fishin' With the Dog

When thinking of fishing, many of us picture the iconic summer image of a man, hat tipped over his eyes, line dragging in the water, with a big, loyal dog sitting close by his side. And indeed, a dog can be a wonderful fishing companion, but as a responsible pet owner, there are some things you must take into consideration to ensure your dog's safety.

It is vital to remember that fish hooks do not only hook fish; they can also lodge themselves in your pet. Make sure to keep all your fishhooks safely out of reach of your dog. Bait on a hook can look just as tasty to a canine as to a fish and it can be quite serious if the hook is swallowed. It will require immediate veterinary attention. Never pull on the line if your dog has swallowed the hook, as it will just become more firmly stuck in the skin. Hooks can also become lodged in feet if your dog steps on one. The importance of keeping your hooks safely stowed away cannot be overstated.

Even if this measure is taken, your dog may get into trouble while you are occupied by your fishing. A rod and a line going into the water is not interesting in the least for them, and they will likely go looking for more fascinating things in the area around you. Even if they don't wander far, they can find all manner of unpleasant things to roll in or encounter some of the local wildlife. Therefore, when you take your furry companion with you on a fishing trip, it's probably safest to keep keep him on a leash.