How to keep pets safe around the river all year long

A black lab jumped into the North Saskatchewan River Wednesday afternoon, he managed to pull himself out of the water. Three other dogs fell into the river Wednesday. April 14, 2021. (CTV News Edmonton)

As the days get shorter and summer begins to wind down, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) reminds pet owners to stay vigilant around the river – regardless of the season.

Earlier this month, EFRS and Edmonton police marine units were called to the North Saskatchewan River to rescue a dog that had gotten caught in a current. The dog was rescued and returned safely to its owner.

• Download the CTV News App for breaking news alerts on all the top Edmonton stories

Jamie Amiel, assistant deputy chief of operations and training with EFRS, said they get about 20 calls to rescue pets in the river every year.

“The North Saskatchewan looks like this really placid environment and something that you can wade into, but it is a massive body of water with a ton of force and the currents are very unassuming,” Amiel told CTV News Edmonton.

He said the best thing an owner can do is keep their pets on a leash while they’re near any body of water.

Typically when a dog gets caught in the river’s current, it will continuously attempt to swim upstream to its owner, not necessarily to the nearest shore. This causes the animal to fatigue quickly and show signs of struggle.

At this point, owners may think to jump into the water to save their pet. EFRS does not recommend this.

“We underestimate our pet’s abilities to survive,” Amiel explained. “As much as we love them, we go in after them, and it’s possibly the worst decision we can make.”

Amiel recalled the death of a man last spring who fell through the river’s ice near Government House Park when going after his dog. The dog survived, but the owner was found dead two months later, said Edmonton police.

Instead of risking your life, call 911, said Amiel.

Michelle Meckleborg, shelter veterinarian and director of health for the Edmonton Humane Society, said it’s important for owners to leash their pets, have an appropriate recall, be cognizant of changes in weather conditions, and to stay off the ice.

“Currents can be unpredictable, both in the springtime and in the winter when we have ice cover,” said Meckleborg.

Having an appropriate recall is just one measure, but it’s important to practice the recall in different scenarios to ensure it works.

“It’s fine to have a recall within your home, but then translating that to where it’s a really busy, active environment with a lot of stimuli, a lot of dogs don’t have that recall solidified,” she explained. “We can get ourselves into trouble pretty quickly there.”

It’s also wise to consider the pet’s breed and level of fitness when bringing it around water.

“Some dogs, particularly the brachycephalics, or smooshy face dogs, they’re just not built to be swimmers,” said Meckleborg. “Thinking that those creatures are going to successfully navigate river currents is probably not in their best interest.”

But even if your pet is a strong swimmer, Amiel said it’s crucial to keep your dog leashed as currents can take out the strongest of swimmers.

“It doesn’t matter how well you think your animal can swim or how great of a water dog they are, you have to keep your dog on a leash, especially when you’re near water you’re not familiar with and especially when you’re near a swift water environment, which is what the river is,” he said.

There are seven off-leash dog parks near the river: Terwillegar, Dawson, Hermitage, Gold Bar, Capilano, Hawrelak and Buena Vista.

Jonghwan Rhee, the superintendent for the city’s animal control and protection peace officers, said it’s imperative that owners are actively supervising their pets.

“Owners are the first line of safety for their pets, and the biggest thing is simple: always keep an eye on your pet. Active supervision is key,” said Rhee. “We see a lot of pet owners distracted, maybe on their phones, and that’s when accidents can happen fast.”

While leashes and lifejackets sound like no-brainers, Rhee also said it’s a good idea to bring fresh water for your pet.

“It might seem harmless, but river water can contain transmissible illnesses, which can make your pet pretty sick,” said Rhee, adding that it is important to keep animals hydrated, especially when it’s warm out.

Sometimes hidden debris can be in the water, posing a risk of injury for humans and animals. There may also be steep banks where it’s easy for a pet to get into the water, but difficult to get out.

Every dog and cat in Edmonton requires a pet license, reminds Rhee.

“If your dog gets lost, especially in water, the license is the quickest way to reunite you and your fur baby.”