Tips for Boating With Dogs
It’s a beautiful summer day. The sun is shining, the temperature is comfortably warm, yet not too hot, the salty breeze is blowing, and the waves are tame. The cold beverages are stocked, delicious snacks are on deck, and great company surrounds you.
Few things can rival a day on the water. But you know what would make this scene just a little bit better? Your loveable pup!
To all our boat-loving, dog-owning people out there, we’re here to tell you, you can have both. That’s right – no more stressing about leaving the dog at home all day, planning feeding schedules and potty breaks. With the right preparation and tips for success, you can keep both your pup and captain happy.
What could be better than enjoying the fresh air and sunshine on your own boat? If you enjoy boating frequently and are a pet owner too, why not consider bringing your pet along with you? There are many benefits to taking your pet boating — for both you and your pet. But, it’s important to be properly prepared and know some basic safety tips before bringing your pet aboard.
In this guide, we’ve gathered all the best tips, so you can enjoy the great benefits of pet-friendly boating. Get ready to set sail with your favorite furry friends.
Our Tips for Nautical Dogs:
KNOW YOUR DOG
Yeah, yeah. I know you know your pup better than anyone. But are they cut out for boating? Do they enjoy the water, or are they fearful of it? Are they well-trained and well behaved? How do they react outside of the house? These are important questions to consider before you jump right into a day on the water. It’s possible your dog might not love it, but it’s also possible that they’ll love it as much as you.
PACK FOR YOUR PUP
Just like your human passengers, your dog may want a few things for added comfort. Dog food if meals will be missed, snacks and treats (because we all need those), a cushion or towels for comfortable seating, water to stay hydrated, as well as pads and cleaning supplies for potty break preparedness.
SAFETY FIRST
Don’t forget a lifejacket – they’d need it in an emergency, too! And speaking of emergencies, always make sure you’re prepared for one. In the event of an overboard pup, be sure to first stay calm, cut the motor, locate your dog, and lift them to safety.
OWWWW, THAT BURNS- BE MINDFUL OF HYDRATION
Just as humans need to stay hydrated, your dog need plenty of fresh water. So be sure to have an ample supply on your boat. Set out a bowl of water in a safe location on the boat, so your pet can drink freely. If you’re boating in salt water, be sure your pet isn’t drinking too much of the salty water.
Even in fresh water, algae, bacteria and other parasites could be present, and drinking the water could make your pet sick. Also, make sure any other fluids on the boat are safely stored, and watch for spills of fuel, bilge water or other chemicals and contaminants, so your pet isn’t consuming these dangerous liquids.
Your dog may need a little sun break, just as much as the rest of us. Be sure to have proper sun protection, such as shaded areas of refuge for your dog to lay in when the sun gets a little too strong. I know they look so cute with their tongue hanging out – but they’re scorching. Also, remember to bring enough pet food and treats to keep your pet satisfied for the duration of your boating trip.
PREPARE FOR SEASICKNESS
Just like humans, some dogs — are prone to motion sickness when on a boat. If your pet has previously experienced any motion sickness in cars, they may be more prone to symptoms of seasickness as well. Check in with your vet before traveling and ask about medications for your pet and appropriate dosages.
Be sure to include these treatments in your first aid kit. Certain natural remedies may also help, like flower essences and treats made with ginger. Always check ingredients to make sure these options are safe for your pet. If your pet has long fur, trimming excess fur around the pads of the feet can help the animal feel more stable and less prone to slipping on the boat, which may ease some motion sickness too.
HAVE AN EMERGENCY OVERBOARD PLAN
Even with the most well-behaved pets, accidents of all sorts can happen on a boat. It’s best to plan ahead before a disaster like an overboard pet and discuss exactly how you should handle it. For safety, you should plan to cut the motor immediately in the event of an overboard animal. Go to the location of the boat where the animal jumped off and call its name.
You should outfit your pet with an appropriate life jacket, with handles for lifting them out of the water, and have a large net on the boat for scooping smaller breeds. If you have a cat onboard, bring a strip of carpet to hang over the edge of the boat — the cat may be able to claw at the carpet and climb back aboard.
PREPARE FOR WHEN NATURE CALLS
Potty training on the boat may take a little practice, even for pets that have good habits at home, so be patient. Both dogs and cats can be trained to go on pee pads, on squares of carpet or artificial turf or in litter boxes while on the boat. With a little practice, they’ll learn the new routine. Keep litter boxes and pee pads in shaded, covered areas, and don’t throw any solid waste into the water — wait to dispose of it properly on land.
EASE INTO IT
Go easy on ‘em. Just like bringing young kids on board for the first time, they’re new to this. So, make sure they remain in the comfort zone by taking baby steps. Perhaps, start with a short cruise around the bay, or across the lake, before you skip right to an all-day, offshore fishing excursion.
CHOOSING A LIFE JACKET FOR YOUR DOG
Many dogs love swimming, but having a special life jacket designed for pets is absolutely essential for water safety. Even strong swimmers can be challenged by adverse weather, waves or currents. Shop around for a dog life jacket well before your intended boating trip. Relying on human life jackets or life preservers is not enough because they won’t fit correctly on an animal and won’t provide the same level of protection.
When choosing a life jacket for your pet, you should look for:
- Bright colors: Look for a jacket with vibrant colors that are easy to spot, even in dim lighting or churning waters. Reflective trim is also a great feature to have on a life jacket.
- A handle: You may need to lift your pet out of the water, and a handle on the back makes this quick and easy. Never grab your pet by the collar, as this can cause injury.
- The right fit: Ensure that the life jacket fits your pet properly and that all straps and buckles are in the right places for maximum safety and comfort.
Before you travel, have your pet try on the life jacket and maybe go for a short swim with the new life jacket on to make sure they are used to wearing it.
GIVE THEM SOME LOVE
Just like when you’re at home, your dog thrives off your love and attention. Make sure to give some ear scratches and belly rubs in between casting a line or taking the tube for a spin. Trust us, they’ll appreciate it!
We all need to get out of the house sometimes, get some fresh air and be in touch with nature. More quality time, exciting activity, and time outdoors are just a few of many benefits to bringing your dog onboard. All in all, with these tips you’ll have the entire family boating-obsessed in no time. They are your dog after all!