Tips for Boating with your pets

If you enjoy boating frequently and are a pet owner too, why not consider bringing your pet along with you? There are many benefits to taking your pet boating — for both you and your pet. But, it’s important to be properly prepared and know some basic safety tips before bringing your pet aboard.

• Keep plenty of fresh drinking water available. Pup’s gonna get thirsty! (Also, remember to bring enough pet food and treats to keep your pet satisfied for the duration of your boating trip.)
• Walk your dog to make sure he does his business before boarding.
• Give your pal a chance to get used to wearing the life jacket before getting on board.
• Give your dog a chance to get familiar with the boat before you take off.
• Have your dog practice swimming in the life jacket before the first big outing!
• Protect their paws. Dogs absorb heat through their feet, and boat surfaces can get hot in the sun.
• If fishing, keep lures, bait, and hooks safely stored and out of reach from your dog.
• Provide a shaded area. Excessive exposure to the sun isn’t good for animals.
• Keep your first outing short, so your dog can get used to the boat’s movement.
• Don’t forget the treats and toys. This will help your dog understand the boat is a safe place.

Life Jackets for Dogs

The truth is not all dogs can swim and those that can aren’t all great swimmers. Additionally, water or weather conditions can cause problems, even for a pet that is typically a strong swimmer. Any dog can get fatigued or disoriented and older dogs, especially, can tire easily. Pets with low body fat can have trouble when exposed to water for long periods. Health issues, such as hip or joint problems, can also make swimming difficult for some pets.

Have prover identification and paperwork

It’s a good idea to have identification on your pet’s collar with their name, as well as your name and phone number. Microchipping is another easy way to protect your pet. Before you travel, check for any local ordinances regarding animals on boats — or on land if you plan on docking somewhere else. There are no federal laws on this matter, but local laws can vary, so it’s best to know ahead of time.

If you plan on traveling across international borders with your boat, be sure to have all the right documentation, identification and any required veterinary paperwork with you. Check on the laws and customs of the country you are visiting to ensure a smooth, enjoyable visit.

Prepare a method for getting your pet onto the boat

Figuring out how to get a dog on a boat can be relatively easy, as some dogs will happily bound on and off of the boat on their own. But for some smaller dogs, it may be best to carry them onboard. However, you may prefer to obtain a boarding ramp to make getting on and off the boat easier and safer for your dog. These boarding ramps are ideal for docking but can sometimes also be used while in the water or on a sandy beach.

BONUS: Bring a camera, capture the adventure then tag #TotNauticPets!