Boating – Keeping Your Dog Safe

Does your dog go with you wherever you go? For lots of dog owners, their pooch is a part of their family and that means the dog goes where they go, even if its on their motorcycle, in their tent and of course on their boat. Boating with your dog can be quite dangerous, even though at face value, it appears to be a safe and fun activity. Apply these dog safety tips while boating.

It is essential to have life jackets. The sad fact is that many dogs drown each when they shouldn’t have, although this may seem like an obvious statement. Your dog doesnt have the ability to tell you hes getting tired and as much as our beloved dogs love to please us, they might not say anything even if they could. A well fitting life jacket could make the difference between life and death.

From Great Dane size to tiny toy dog size, life jackets come in every imaginable size for dogs. Make sure it has at least two fasteners around your dogs torso and one around the neck to keep the jacket snug. To enable you to pull your dog back onto the boat, it helps to also have handles on the back.

Be sure your dog can swim and that they like the water. Contrary to common opinion, many dogs cannot swim. Ever see a bulldog in the water?They are like a sinking brick. Many other breeds are unable to swim and dont like being in the water.

Introduce the idea of boating to your dog gradually. They might not like the idea of wearing a life jacket, and moving boats can be disconcerting to a dog. Let your dog wear their life jacket at home, along with a treat, before you actually introduce them to the boat. Don’t leave the shore the first time on the boat with your dog. Letting them run around on board will help them get used to the motion of the boat on the water.

Take ample fresh water. The sun and the fresh air, not to mention the exercise, will make your dog thirsty. You should have lots of clean water on hand to deter your dog drinking from the lake. Toxic to dogs, water contaminated with Blue-Green algae is very hazardous.

Both water and air temperatures should be monitored. K9′s can die from hypothermia, just like humans, if their body temperatures become too low and they become hypothermic. Air temperature can be too cool, but just as well, it can be too hot. Some dogs can sunburn and its important if youre out on a hot and sunny day to make sure they have a place to avoid the suns strong rays. A dog having light skin and short hair should have sunscreen applied .

Here’s a few other considerations to think about dog boating safety

Where is your dog going to go to the bathroom? A designated spot to go to the bathroom on the boat will be needed if your are not going back and forth to shore. Also, just in case, you will want to carry a first aid kit for your dog. Lastly, be sure you dog stays out of the way of other boats and watercraft. Helping other boats notice your dog in the water might be easier by using a brightly colored PFD, but it’s not worth the chance.

Boating with your dog is feasible. A few precautions, a little extra time to ensure theyre cosy on the boat and on the water and a bit of planning go a long way. You can maintain your dog’s safety while boating. Have a great time!

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