If you enjoy boating, there’s no reason not to bring your pet along. After all, dogs love to be where their owner is. Most dogs like the water, they swim instinctively and very few dogs are afraid of the water. In addition, your dog is an important part of your family, and your holiday will not be entirely successful if you leave your first pet at home. However, remember that safety comes first, so if you are taking your dog with you, keep a few tips in mind. In other words, there are a few simple things you can do to make your day at sea (or lake) with your pet a success.
The basics of boating with your pet:
- Ensure access to plenty of fresh drinking water.
- Provide a shaded area – overexposure to the sun can cause problems.
- Protect their feet – dogs absorb heat through the pads on their feet, and boat surfaces can get very hot in the sun.
- Give your pet a chance to get familiar with the boat while on the trailer or dock.
- Walk your dog so he can get settled before entering the cruise.
- Keep the first trip short so your dog can get used to the motion of the boat.
Let’s start with the basics of what you need to know when taking your dog on a boat:
- Invest in a doggie life jacket.
- Don’t encourage your dog to drink lake or seawater.
- Prepare a plan for when your dog needs to relieve himself.
Boating with your dog
The first thing you should do before boating with your dog is to provide him with a dog life jacket. Dog life jackets can be found in most boating shops and pet shops. When buying a life jacket for your dog, make sure it fits properly. Although most dogs can swim, high seas or fatigue can cause drowning in even the keenest swimmers, so don’t take any chances. Even if your dog doesn’t drown then excessive fatigue can cause a lot of problems.
The second thing you should do is not encourage your dog to drink lake or seawater. Freshwater lakes or rivers can be polluted or contain harmful organisms, so never encourage your dog to drink lake water. Take fresh drinking water with you on your trip and give it to your dog. As it can be hot and dry on a cruise, your dog is at risk of dehydration, so make sure he always has access to enough drinking water in the first place.
The third and final thing you should consider is that your dog will need somewhere to relieve himself. Take plenty of dog waste bags and paper towels with you, as well as an odour neutraliser to clean up after your dog. If you can teach your dog to use hygienic puppy pads, this is ideal as it will make cleaning up after your dog much easier. Clean up after your dog immediately to reduce the risk of illness and odours.
Life jackets for dogs
The truth is that not all dogs can swim, and of those that can, not all are great swimmers. Additionally, water or weather conditions can cause any dog to become tired or disoriented.
While there are no regulations for pet life jackets, a dog life jacket can keep your pet safe aboard a boat on any body of water.
Pet life jackets are designed to keep your pet afloat in a horizontal position for swimming. The life jacket will also serve as a device to pull, the pet out of the water.
How to choose a life jacket for your dog:
- Proper fit and comfort: Make sure the life jacket fits properly. It is best to check the fit at the shop before purchasing.
- Lifting handles: Make sure the waistcoat has a handle to make it easy and safe to extract the animal…
- Colour: Choose a bright colour or a reflective colour to make it easier to see your dog in the water.
- Also, get your belt used to wearing the life jacket before getting on the boat. Then let your pet practice swimming in the life jacket as well.
If you find that your pet enjoys boating as much as you do, a dog life jacket can provide your pet with an extra level of safety. However, your sense of caution and common sense are still your pet’s best friends.
In conclusion, consider these three simple tips to make the most of your cruise. Your dog will enjoy the fresh air and time spent with you, and following basic safety rules should ensure a safe and enjoyable day on the lake or sea.
