12 Safety Tips for Boating With Dogs

Maybe your dog goes with you everywhere on land, but can you bring your furry friend with you out on a boat? In most cases, the answer is yes. Nevertheless, there are hazards on the water that can put your pet in danger of drowning. Here are some tips to keep your pet safe while boating with you.

1. Familiarize Yourself With Local Laws

There may be rules that regulate boating with dogs at the state or local level. Familiarize yourself with these first to make sure that boating with your dog is permissible.

2.  Gauge Your Dog's Interest in Water

Most dogs love water, but some anxious dogs do not do well with new experiences. Dogs with short noses, deep chests, or short legs usually don't swim very well. While this doesn't necessarily mean that you can't bring your dog on a boat, it does mean that you need to make an extra effort beforehand.

Every dog, regardless of swimming ability, should wear a canine life vest while on a boat. Many come in bright colors to make it easier to find your dog if he falls overboard and a handle so you can pull him back into the boat. They also often come with a float under the chin to keep your dog's head above water until you can rescue him.

3.  Train Your Dog To Get on and off the Boat

The unsteady feeling of a dock or boat under her paws can be an unsettling sensation for a dog. To help her get her "sea legs," practice getting her on and off the boat before you are ready to set off on your excursion. This process can take 6-8 weeks, so be patient. If your dog is small, it might be easier just to carry her on and off the boat, but you should still give her a chance to get used to the new sensation of the water and the waves.

This is a good opportunity to gauge how comfortable your dog is on the water. If the experience causes him extreme anxiety, it may be better to leave him at home.

4.  Teach Your Dog Basic Commands

To prevent your dog from going overboard, make sure she knows basic commands, such as sit and stay. Choose special commands to communicate to your dog when it is time to get on the boat and get off it.

5. Have a Rescue Plan

If you train your dog properly, it is unlikely that he will go overboard. However, because anything can happen with dogs, figure out a rescue plan in case your pet goes overboard. Make sure everyone in your boating party is familiar with the plan.

6. Have a Pet First Aid Kit and Know the Location of the Nearest Vet

If your dog gets sick or hurt while you are out on the water, you can use a pet first aid kit to stabilize her condition until you can get to shore. Once you get to shore, you should lose no time in getting your pet to a veterinarian. To save time, figure out the location of the nearest animal clinic before you set out.

7. Carry Fresh Drinking Water

It is important for your dog to stay hydrated during your boating expedition, but don't let your dog drink from any lake or pond. It could have harmful parasites or toxic algae. Furthermore, if your dog leans over the side to drink, he could fall into the water. Always bring a bottle of safe drinking water for your pet, like this one that has a built-in water bowl.

8. Take Frequent Potty Breaks

On a long boating trip, your dog will have to relieve herself occasionally. If possible, pull over to shore to allow her to do her business. Alternatively, you could equip your boat with a potty pad and teach your dog to use it.

9. Use Non-Slip Mats

The bottom of a boat can be slippery. To prevent your pet from falling, put non-slip mats or toe grips in the bottom of the boat.

10. Provide a Shady Rest and Know the Signs of Canine Heatstroke

Try to avoid taking your dog out on your boat between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. when the sun's rays are most direct. If the weather is sunny, provide a tent or a shade where your dog can rest and cool off. Heatstroke can be deadly to dogs, and the signs can be subtle, so be sure you know what symptoms to watch for.

11. Avoid Sunburn

While your dog's fur provides some protection from the sun, areas such as the nose are still vulnerable to sunburn. Protect your pet from UV rays with a dog sunscreen. Use only sunscreen formulated for dogs.

The bottom of the boat may become hot with exposure to the sun. Protect your dog's delicate paw pads with some canine booties. Make sure you get the right size.

12. See Your Vet Before You Go

Before you go on your boating trip, take your dog to the vet to make sure he is up to date on his vaccinations. It wouldn't hurt to have a check-up as well to make sure your pet is healthy enough for boating.