PAWS FOR THOUGHT

More and more of us are taking our beloved dogs on board, as shown by the many dogs afloat photos we receive every month, and so here is a round-up of your photos, along with some handy hints to help keep your dog happy and safe on board.

Sitting in her regular spot, this is Honey enjoying another relaxing day afloat. Image: Fiona Smale

Brontë the beagle’s autumn boating bliss! Image: David Harding Dylan the Welsh Terrier making sure he does not miss a thing during a trip around Cardiff Bay on his dad’s BRIG 650. Image: Adam Walker

We do not have a name for this gorgeous dog, but he is clearly not bothered about that important boat we can see in the background! Image: Jonathan

Now that is one seriously laid back dog! Image: Maggie White

Taking your dog on board

There is no reason why your dog should not be a regular companion on board, but here are some handy tips to keep your pet safe and ha y.

1. Ensure they have plenty of fresh drinking water available.

2. A quick walk before setting sail will allow your dog to ‘do its business’.

3. Let your dog try its lifejacket on before you get on board, so that he/ she can get used to wearing it.

4. It is a good idea to let your dog practice swimming in the lifejacket ahead of their first time afloat. 6. Do not forget to care for their paws. Dogs absorb heat through their feet, and boat surfaces can get hot in the sun.

7. Similarly, ensure there is a shaded area as, like humans, too much exposure to the sun is not good.

8. Dogs are inquisitive and are known for getting into things that they should not, so if you are fishing, for example, it is important to keep lures, bait and hooks safely stored away from your dog.

9. Kee your first tri fairly short, to allow your dog to get used to eing afloat.

Choosing dog lifejackets

Although a lifejacket for your dog is not compulsory, it is important to remember that not all dogs are great swimmers, and some cannot swim at all. Plus, in some conditions, even the best swimmers may struggle.

To ensure that your furry friend is both comfortable and safe in their lifejacket, it is important to choose the right size and fit. Pet lifejackets are designed to keep the animal afloat in a horizontal, swimming position. It also serves as a retrieval device, should the worst happen and they fall overboard.

Image: Debbie Head Here are a few considerations when choosing a lifejacket:

Fit - It needs to fit your dog securely, and the best way is to ‘try before you buy’.

Comfort - As well as fitting securely it is important to check where straps and buckles sit to make sure they will not be uncomfortable.

Lifting handles - This will make retrieving your dog safer and easier.

Colour choice - No, not your dog’s favourite colour, but a bright colour that will make it easy to see your dog in the water.

While their lifejacket will provide an extra level of safety, your common sense on board is still hugely important too.

Here are some dog lifejackets:

· Dog Buoyancy Aid, Red Original, £74.95

· Pet Buoyancy Aid, Baltic, £22.99 · Float Coat Dog Buoyancy Aid Life Jacket, K9 Pursuits, £24 · Petfloat, Crewsaver, £43.99 · Float Coat Dog Life Jacket, Ruffwear, £89.95

· K9 Aqua Float Dog Lifejacket, Westcoast, £59.99

· Dog Lifejacket, COVVY, £18.99

The disguise is not working – we can still see a seriously cute dog! Images: Tony Bald

Is your dog going abroad?

There is no simple answer when it comes to taking your pet overseas. The rules vary depending on whether you are visiting an EU country or Northern Ireland or a non-EU country.

You can no longer use a pet passport issued in Great Britain for travel to an EU country or Northern Ireland. However your dog will need:

A. a microchip; B. a valid rabies vaccination; C. an animal health certificate unless you have a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland; D. tapeworm treatment for dogs if travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta. Check what you need carefully, and well ahead of when you plan to travel. A good source of information is www.gov.uk/takingyour-pet-abroad.

Alternatively, try: www.bluecross. org.uk, www.rspca.org.uk or www.timeforpaws.co.uk

WIN

Make sure your dog is safe at sea! Here is your chance to win a dog lifejacket courtesy of insurance company Pantaenius. Simply email a photo of your dog on board,

“Forget the lovely view - look at me!” This is Marley, taken during a weekend afloat at Chichester. Image: Angela Thames

Read more about Archie’s owners on page 37

How rude! Never teach an old sea dog new tricks! Here is Archie on the Hamble River. Image: Dee Annear