You know your dog best. Take a moment to consider if your dog will truly enjoy the boating experience. Not all dogs will enjoy being out on the water. Once you’ve determined that your dog will love the water as much as you do, follow these steps to ensure a safe boating adventure.
Step 1: Check the guidelines of the body of water you like to boat on. Are there any restrictions pertaining to having a dog in the water at this location? Is there a leash law in effect that will determine which shorelines you’ll be able to visit? The last thing you want to do on a hot summer day is receive a citation from ocean or lake patrol.
Step 2: Make sure your dog has proper identification and vaccination tags secured to his collar. Invest in a Personal Flotation Device for your dog. These can be purchased at many boating supply stores and you will find the right fit for your dog by knowing his weight. Not only will a life jacket keep your dog safe from drowning, it will also be handy in getting your dog out of the water after a swim; dog life jackets come equipped with a handle on top so that you can easily lift your dog out of the water.
Step 3: Before you leave the dock, make sure there is plenty of water and food available for the duration of the trip. It’s also wise to make sure there is a shady spot on the boat so that your dog can get some reprieve from the hot sun.
Step 4: Keep in mind that a heavy coated dog will experience a higher body temperature than a shorthaired dog. Keep an eye on your dog for signs of being overheated. When it comes to shorthaired dogs, you’ll need to keep an eye on areas where their hair is thin as these areas can be prone to sunburn. If your dog will wear them, you might even want to invest in some dog sunglasses to keep his eyes safe from UV rays as well.
Step 5: Once you get underway, be sensitive to the fact that your dog might take some time to get his “sea legs”. Allow time for him to adjust to being onboard and adjust your speed accordingly. It would be helpful if you have a piece of carpet or a rubber mat that your dog can stand on. Oftentimes the fiberglass of a boat can be slippery for a dog who isn’t wearing boat shoes! This will also protect your pup’s paws from the heat that emanates from the fiberglass.
Step 6: After a day out on the water, rinse your dog off with fresh water and clean out his ears to avoid infection.
Boat and dog owners can safely combine their best hobby with their best friend by adhering to these tips each time they hit the open water. This article was provided by pet super store an online pet store carrying: aluminum dog crates, orthopedic pet beds and pet carriers.