Water days are one of the easier times for a dog to go missing. New place, unfamiliar smells, a squirrel across the cove, a spooked moment when a boat goes by. And it's also when the thing meant to get your dog home, the collar and tag, is most likely to be wet, slippery, or not on at all.

A little prep makes a big difference. Here's how to make sure that if your dog does slip away, someone can actually reach you.

Collars and Water Don't Always Mix

A regular leather or fabric collar stays wet for hours, can stink, and may irritate skin. Quick-drying, waterproof materials such as coated webbing or similar synthetics are easier to live with. Collars can also snag on branches, docks, or underwater debris, so some owners prefer a breakaway-style collar for swim time. If you take the collar off in the water, you're relying on other forms of ID, which leads to the next point.

Make the Tag Last

• 🐾Choose engraved metal over printed tags. Ink and paint fade with water and sun.
• 🐾Put a phone number you actually answer on it, ideally two.
• 🐾Check it every few months. Worn-down engraving and cracked rings are easy to miss.
• 🐾Silence it if it jingles, since a tag clanking on a float or dock can bother some dogs.

If Your Dog Does Slip Away

• 🐾Start close. Many lost dogs stay within a short distance at first, so check the immediate area before widening the search.
• 🐾Call out calmly and bring something familiar, like their favorite treats or a worn shirt.
• 🐾Notify the park or lake office, nearby shelters, and local vets.
• 🐾Post a clear photo and your phone number in local lost-pet groups right away.

Keep Them Close in the First Place

A long line is a simple way to give your dog freedom without losing them. A comfortable spot that's clearly "theirs" also helps, because dogs who have somewhere settled to rest are less likely to wander off to find entertainment. Keep a current photo of your dog on your phone too. It's the first thing anyone will ask for.