• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Dog's Best Life

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

11 tips to keep your dog safe when boating

Posted March 3, 2020

 
Black Labrador Retriever hangs out on a boat deck wearing a life jacket. Use dog boat safety tips to keep your pup safe and secure. Use life jackets, follow all dog laws, and provide a safe space for your dog to relax onboard.
Use dog boat safety tips to keep your pup safe and secure. Use life jackets, follow all dog laws, and provide a safe space for your dog to relax onboard.

Always had a dream to go sailing with your dog? Going away for a day or two might not matter much, but it sure feels like an eternity for the dog. Renting a boat to sail across the ocean with your dog might seem like a dream. The only thing that holds you back is concerns about dog boat safety.

Renting or buying a boat is a simple task. But the main issue remains how to ensure your dog’s safety. Being a boat lover, you have to consider how to protect your dog and create a plan for dog boat safety.

1. ROAMING AREA

Making your dog aware of the boat and the sea is the most crucial task. He should know the surface area where he is allowed to roam. Before taking off, you need to ensure your dog understands the boundaries. Give the dog a little tour and a chance to get on the boat and get used to their surroundings.

Better safe than sorry! Help your dog adjust before you set sail. Dogs can be high-strung and restless. They also may have trouble adjusting to the motion of the boat. Start with a slow spin and watch for how your dog reacts. If your dog is too nervous, then a boat trip may not be the best choice.

Beagle crunches on a carrot. Adding high fiber foods like carrots to your dog's diet improves digestion, maintains weight, and helps prevent colon cancer.
Bring along healthy food and snacks in an airtight container.

2. HEALTHY SNACK

Sailing can be exhausting for a dog. Exposure to direct sunlight can be draining. Make sure your dog has shady space and plenty of drinking water so he won’t get dehydrated. Healthy food and snacks should be carried in an airtight container so that it remains fresh. 

3. LIFEGUARD

Having confidence in your dog’s swimming skills is good, but be prepared for any kind of adverse situation. Investing in a dog life jacket is of the utmost value for your dog.

Choosing the right life jacket depends on various factors involving tides, climate, etc. Never underestimate the sea and make sure that your dog has his life jacket on all the time while sailing. The waves are strong and powerful, so the life jacket should fit properly so that it does not come off while the dog is swimming.

4. HOPPING IN AND OUT

An excited dog on vacation tends to be super active. So never unleash him on the shore before boarding the boat. Depending on your dog’s size, consider. carrying the dog onto the boat. Do not let your dog splash in the water along the shore, which could be dangerous.

5. CHILLING SPOT

Find a safe spot on the boat in the shade so the dog can rest if he gets too tired. The best thing to do would be to carry towels and mats to help keep the surface cool for the dog. 

Buy Dog Training & Behavior Supplies Today – Shop over 1,000 Brands at Chewy!*

6. FIRST AID

Dogs can easily hurt themselves, so in case you have to deal with an injury like a cut paw, bring along a first aid kit. Include items to treat wounds, like gauze, antiseptic wipes or solution with cotton balls, and self-cling bandages.

7. MOVING BOAT

Dogs love to put their heads out in the wind with their mouths open. Don’t let your dog sit near the boat’s edge, especially if you travel at a high speed because bumping across the waves could cause your dog to lose balance or even jump off the boat. Instead, keep your dog lying flat in an interior area while the boat is in motion.

Westie wearing a life jacket sits in the front of a kayak. Kayak with your dog: Keep your dog safe by getting a life jacket making sure there's a enough space in the kayak for your pup.
Kayak with your dog: Keep your dog safe by getting a life jacket making sure there’s enough space in the kayak for your pup.

8. SPLASHY MISTAKE

Be prepared in case your dog goes overboard and falls into the water. Start by turning off the engine, wait for the boat to come at a halt, then call your dog to the boat and pull them up from their life jackets. If your dog seems confused, you may have to get in the water and swim to the dog. If you do, be sure to wear your life jacket and attach a rope so you’ll remain tethered to the boat.

9. DOG LAWS  

Don’t forget to check the regional laws on dogs, whether they are allowed or not in the area where you plan to go boating. Laws pertaining dogs in public can differ from state to state. There are no general or widespread constraints or restrictions that prohibit having dogs on your boat. 

10. RASH FREE ZONE

Dogs are highly susceptive to sunburns and other skin related rashes. Using a dog formulated sunscreen or sun protector is essential while your pup is on the boat.

Consult with your vet to get sun protection for your dog. Dogs with short, curly, light-colored hair face a higher risk for sunburn.  Dogs also face bites from mosquitoes or other insects, which may lead to severe diseases. Do carry mosquito repellants and bug sprays recommended by your vet. Do not neglect your pup by keeping them unguarded.

11. POTTY BREAKS

Create a safe potty spot for your dog on the boat by using DoggieLawn. That can keep you from having to take quick shore trips to let your dog have a potty break. If you do head to shore for a potty break, keep your dog on leash to make sure he doesn’t jump from the boat and try to run away.

GET READY FOR WATER FUN

We know you love your pups and would do anything to keep them safe. So thinking of going sailing with your furry best friend this summer? Use our dog boat safety tips and enjoy a pleasant vacation with your furry friend!

*DogsBestLife.com participates in the Chewy Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to let our site earn fees by linking to Chewy.com. 

Celebrate 8 important dog milestones

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Related Posts

  • Westie wearing a life jacket sits in the front of a kayak. Kayak with your dog: Keep your dog safe by getting a life jacket making sure there's a enough space in the kayak for your pup.
    5 must-have things to take kayaking with your dog

    Kayak with your dog: Keep your dog safe by getting…

  • Dog enjoys standing by mountain stream. Take steps to hike with your dog. Protect paws, bring water, don't forget the leash and make sure your dog is healthy and in good shape for the hike.
    Everything you need to know about toxic algae and water hazards for dogs

    When ingested, toxic algae can cause vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress,…

  • Make it a habit especially in the summer, to have SEVERAL water bowls or buckets, filled with clean, cool water, located where your dog will most likely need them and use them.
    Keep your dog safe on the water

    Practice dog water safety. Teach dogs to swim, use life…

  • Beagle drinks fresh water. When it comes to pampering your pooch, most people focus on food. However, the water quality of what you give your dog is equally as important.
    What you should know about water quality for your dog

    When it comes to pampering your pooch, most people focus…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Fun, Home Page Tagged With: Dog safety

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Dog behavior: Understand pawing

  • puppy bite

    5 tips to stop puppy biting

  • puppy 101

    Puppy training 101: 7 tips to start your dog off right

Tags

Labrador retriever Moving labsky Christmas Chihuahua Jumping Quarantine Allergies medication Water Dogs eat grass Doberman Pinscher Separation anxiety Dog-safe plants Rescue dog Cavalier King Charles spaniel Dog brushing High-tech dog gadgets Canine exercise Dog body language dog age Easter French bulldog Arthritis Halloween Pet sitter ferrets Dog food Home renovations Pet parents

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • 7 foods dogs should avoid eating
    Be aware of foods your dog should avoid eating because they are toxic and could potentially cause choking, weakness, or death.  […]
  • 10 tips to save money on pet supplies
    Check our list of the top 10 ways to save money on pet supplies so you can enjoy your animal companion for less. […]
  • Does your dog need a breed-specific health supplement?
    Breed-specific health supplements fill nutrition gaps and provide support for joints as well as promote eyesight and a lustrous coat.  […]
  • Why does my dog smell like iron?
    If you notice a strange, iron, or metallic smell surrounding your beloved furry friend, the prime culprit is your dog’s anal glands. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2021 Dog's Best Life online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.