Boating with your dog can be a lot of fun, but it’s vital to stay safe. Even short boat trips can be hazardous for both you and your pet – especially if you’re not prepared.
The good news is that most accidents can be prevented with proper planning. Here are seven tips for a safe and enjoyable trip on the water with your dog.
1. Your Dog Should Always Wear a Canine Life Jacket
Let’s start with the basics: all dogs should wear a canine life jacket when on a boat.
This is true even if your dog is a strong swimmer. In the worst-case scenario where your dog falls overboard, a buoyant jacket could be the difference between life and death – especially if your dog panics or gets caught in a strong current.
Most dogs won’t enjoy wearing a life jacket, so you’ll need to introduce it slowly. Use treats and praise to build positive associations with the jacket.
2. Safely Get Your Dog On and Off The Boat
Embarking and disembarking are probably the most dangerous parts of boating with your pet. Many people allow their dog to jump into the boat, but there’s a high chance of slipping, which could cause serious injury.
For small dogs, it’s best to carry them onto the boat. Aside from being safer, this also makes it less likely that your dog develops a habit of jumping out of the boat (possibly at the wrong times!)
If your dog is too big to carry, then consider getting a dog boarding ramp. Practice using the ladder on dry land (you can use a car as a substitute for the boat), so your pet feels confident when it comes to the real thing.
3. Make an Emergency Plan
Having a plan for an overboard dog can make all the difference if the worst happens. Make sure everyone on the boat knows the plan, so you can take action immediately.
Here are some things to include in the plan:
• Cut the engine when the dog falls in, before circling back to them (unless the dog is already far away).
• Designate who will steer the boat and who will keep watching the dog. It’s easy to lose track of a dog in the water, so someone should be watching them at all times.
• If the dog is further away, plan how close to get to them before cutting the engines and calling them to swim to you.
• Designate who will pull the dog out of the water using the handle on their canine life jacket.
As you can probably imagine, putting the emergency plan into action is much easier when the dog is wearing a flotation device. If the dog isn’t wearing one, then you have much less time to save them.
4. Provide Plenty of Shade
Many boats don’t have much cover, so it’s important to create a shady space for your dog to relax.
This is also the place where you can put their bed, water bowl, and anything else to make them comfortable.
Tip: Keep your dog away from the stern and the bow of the boat. An unexpected wave or gust of wind could cause them to fall overboard.
5. Bring More Water Than You Think You’ll Need
It’s vital to provide your dog with a continuous supply of clean water to drink. You’ll probably be boating on a sunny day, so it’s important to make sure your pet doesn’t get dehydrated.
As The Dog Clinic mentions, it’s also essential to know the signs of dehydration. Dry gums, sunken eyes, lethargy, and a lack of skin elasticity could all indicate that your dog needs urgent medical care.
The length of your trip determines how much water to take with you, but try to bring more than you think you’ll need. A collapsible water bowl can also make it easier for your dog to drink.
Keep in mind that water on lakes often isn’t safe for dogs. It may contain algae or bacteria that can cause sickness, so it’s always safest to bring a supply of clean water.
Tip: Keep the water in a cool location (or use a cooler), as dogs may not want to drink warm water.
6. Bring a Basic Dog First Aid Kit
It’s always a good idea to bring a dog first aid kit when going on a trip with your dog. This should be fully stocked so you’re always prepared should your dog get injured.
Some items to pack in a dog first aid kit include:
• Surgical sticky tape
• Towel
• Bandages (both self-adhesive and non-stick open-weave)
• Cotton wool
• Sterile gauze
• Curved, blunt-ended scissors
• Hydrogen peroxide (to use as an antiseptic)
• Antibiotic spray
• Tweezers
• Flashlight
• Dog sunscreen (this is essential for dogs with light or thin fur)
Of course, you should also bring any medication your dog needs during the trip (bring extra in case you’re delayed), along with emergency veterinary numbers.
Tip: It’s a good idea to learn canine CPR. These basic techniques could save your dog’s life.
7. Know When Your Dog Has Had Enough
Dogs can’t tell us when they’re ready to go home, so it’s up to you to read their body language signals. Keep an eye out for signs that your pet is getting too hot or exhausted.
If your dog is new to boating, then it’s also important to build up slowly. Don’t take him onto the water for hours during the first trip, as this could be too much (and create negative associations with the boat).
In fact, you should start by just spending time with your dog on a stationary boat. This allows your pet to become familiar with the boat, before adding the extra stress of movement.
Summary
Many dogs love boating, but it’s important to stay safe. Your pet should always wear a dog life jacket, have access to plenty of water, and shouldn’t be pushed beyond her limits.
It’s also important to have an emergency plan and bring a dog first aid kit, so you’re prepared if something goes wrong.
For more info on boating with pets visit PetFriendlyTravel.com
