Canine safety hazards to keep in mind before a trip to the lake.

While taking your dog to a beach by the ocean may seem like a far more risky proposition than taking him to a nearby pond or lake, these types of environments come with their own share of dog wellness concerns. With the temperatures soaring throughout the country, this may be one of the only ways that you and your pooch can stay cool, but it's important to plan appropriately for these trips to keep your canine safe. Here are a few potential issues you should keep in mind to ensure that you and your companion have a pleasant day by the water.

1. Algae or bacteria levels. In some parts of the country, certain types of algae can thrive in hot and humid temperatures, and a specific kind called blue-green algae can actually be poisonous to your dog, reports AllDogsAcademy.com. If the body of water you're heading to seems to look a bit cloudy or has a green or blue shine to it, you may not want to let your dog go in for a dip. Before you head to your nearest pond or lake, call your local department of environmental services to see if there are any algae warnings in place that you may have to watch out for.

2. Fleas and ticks. Since most ponds and lakes are in heavily-wooded areas, this is the prime location to bring a few pesky insects back home with you. Make sure that your canine is protected from many of the most daunting outdoor parasites with Hartz® UltraGuard Pro® Flea & Tick Treatment for Dogs and Puppies. These topical drops are placed at skin level between a dog's shoulder blades and down the length of his back to the tail. This will kill and repel fleas and ticks on contact for up to 30 days, as well as repel those pesky mosquitoes that may be down by the water.

3. Fresh water. Allowing your pooch to drink from the lake or pond isn't the best idea in the world, as there could be many parasites, bacteria and other microorganisms that could be in the water. Be sure to bring a bowl and a supply of fresh water for your pooch to enjoy. This will help stave off heat exhaustion and avoid any potential problems from ingesting lake water.