If you have pet-proofed your home, then you have taken very important steps to ensuring the safety of your pet. 

However, if you have not pet-proofed your yard, your dog could still be in danger. 

Here are a handful of things to look for to make sure that your dog stays safe in your own backyard.

In response to my article, Does Your Dog Love Boating?, Marianne asks:

Question about dogs and boating: is there a rule of thumb as far as life vests for dogs? My dogs are decent swimmers, but I'm afraid if we take them out on the lake they could swim too far out and get tired. Should a life vest be standard, or are there any alternatives?"

I think Marianne's is a great question, and her perspective is one that I would guess many dog owners share.

Which got me wondering, "what do the experts say about dogs and lifejackets?"

Similar questions appear on the BoatUS website:

"Life jackets are essential pieces of equipment for the boater, even required by law. But does a boater's dog really need a life jacket?"

"Is it a help or a hindrance in a 'dog overboard' situation?"

"And how do you select the proper PFD for your pooch anyway?"

I guess dogs are not only man's best friend...

By the looks of this video, dogs are whales' best friends, too!

Check out the incredibly touching story of Luna the whale...

We don't have a boat yet, but we're going to soon. That's because we're building a new log home on a lake. And a boat will, therefore, be mandatory.

And since we have 2 dogs, we can't wait to take our dogs out boating with us!

We already know that our dogs (especially Destin) like Jeeps... now we'll see how they feel about boats.

Anyhoo. If you like dogs and boats, then you'll like this new commercial from Discover Boating, followed by some great photos of dogs on boats...

Dogs and water go hand in hand (...or would that be "paw in paw"?).

Here are the best dog beaches all across the U.S.

If you'll be traveling with your dog, one of these dog-friendly beaches might be near your destination!

We taught our dogs to "shake" (their fur) on command. This is great whenever they're wet after a bath or a walk in the rain, or after a doggie roll on the ground where his fur has collected bits of everything that was in the grass. Here's how we taught our dogs to "shake"...

Here are some quick tips for dogs with muddy paws & musty-smelling coats.

If your pet has sustained an injury that requires bandages or a cast until the affected area heals, then you will need to do everything in your power to keep that area completely dry until the bandages are removed.

This is usually easier said than done.

Of course baths are out of the question during this time. But what if it also starts to rain or snow?

The answer: You must figure out a way for your dog to go outside without getting the cast or bandages wet.

Dog groomers use these super-absorbent towels to literally pull the water out of a dog's coat after bathing.

I use these one-of-a-kind microfiber towels for cleaning up doggie messes around the house.

Here's more about why these towels are so great...

Jim's been out of town this week, and Destin has been missing him.

When you see the following pictures, you'll understand why...