Boating With Your Dog – Safety

Wherever you go, does your canine go with you?For many dog owners, their dogs go where they go, whether on their motorcycle, in their tent, or of course, on their boat, because their dog is a member of their family. Boating with your dog can be rather dangerous, although at face value, it appears to be a safe and amusing activity. Practice these dog safety tips while boating.

It is crucial that you have life jackets. This may appear to be an obvious statement, but the sad fact is that many dogs drown each year, when they shouldn’t have. As much as our beloved dogs love to please us, they can’t let us know when they’re getting fatigued, and might not say anything even if they could. A well-fitting life jacket can mean the difference between life and death.

Life jackets for dogs come in every size imaginable, from tiny toy dog size to Great Dane size. Be sure at least two clasps go around your dog’s torso and at least one around the neck so the jacket will stay in place . To pull your dog back onto the boat, handles on the back are useful.

Ensure you dog likes the water and that they can swim. Not every dog can swim, despite common opinion. Ever see a bulldog in the water? They sink like a brick. Many other breeds are unable to swim and don’t like being in the water.

Introduce the notion of boating to your dog gradually. Moving boats can be disturbing to a dog, and besides, they might not want to wear a life jacket. Before you introduce them to the boat, let them wear their life jacket at home, and give them treats. Don’t depart from the shore the first time your dog is on the boat. Let them get used to the motion of the boat on the water and just let them run around on board.

You dog should have ample fresh water. Fresh air and sunshine will make your dog thirsty, not to mention the exercise. You want to deter your dog from drinking from the lake, so be sure you have plenty of fresh water. Blue Green Algae is toxic to dogs and many waters are contaminated and dangerous to your dog.

Make sure to notice the temperature of the water and the temperature of the air. If a K9′s body temperature becomes too low and they become hypothermic, they can die from hypothermia, just like humans. And just like the air temperature being too chilly , it can be too hot as well. Some dogs can sunburn and it’s urgent if you’re out on a hot and sunny day to make sure they have a place to escape the sun’s strong rays. Take a few minutes to put on sunscreen if your dog has short hair and light skin.

Consider a few other safety issues about boating with your dog

Where will your dog potty? A proper place 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 take along a first aid kit for your dog. Finally , make sure to keep your dog out of the way of other boats and watercraft. It is not worth the risk , although a brightly colored PFD may help other boats notice your dog in the water.

It is feasible to take your dog with you when you’re on your boat. Making sure your pooch is comfortable on the boat and water just requires a few precautions , a little extra time and a bit of planning. Dog safety while boating is possible. Have a great time!

Dog Obedience Training