Nothing beats a boat ride, right?! What makes a boat ride even better is taking your furry friend with you! Before you decide to take your dog on the boat with you, remember to consider these special tips to keep that dog of yours safe!
Get a Life Jacket
No matter what kind of dog you have and how good of a swimmer he/she is you want to make sure you have a life jacket for them. There are too many instances they may not be able to swim in like in rough water for example. When picking out a life jacket for your dog think bright colors so you can always see them. Finding one with a handle is also ideal in case you ever need to lift your dog out of the water.
Fresh Water & Shade
Dogs can get overheated just like humans do. That is why it is important to always make sure there is fresh water for your dog. Collapsible dog bowls make this easier than ever since they are easily packed in your bag! Also allow your dog to sit or lay down in a shady spot. This can be under a seat or under an awning.
Sunscreen
We know sunscreen for your dog sounds a bit odd but dogs can also get sunburnt. Light colored dogs and dogs with thinner coats of hair are more prone to sunburns. Apply sunscreen to your dogs ears, the bridge of their nose, and any other area where their skin shows. Make sure you use appropriate sunscreen for your dog, not all sunscreens are safe for them such as sunscreens containing zinc oxide.
Dog Overboard Plan
No matter how careful you are, there is always going to be a chance your dog could fall overboard. If this were to happen the first step is to circle back to your dog and cut the motor when you get close. Once you get close do not jump in. Some dogs may panic and try to pull you under with them. Instead, call your dog over and then help them out of the water.
Now get out there and go boating with your dog - they will probably thank you with lots of those puppy kisses!
