A Guidebook for Keeping Your Pet Safe on the Water

STAFF EDITORIAL

NOTHING IS BETTER than sharing an adventure with your best animal friend; whether you are taking them down to the dock to hang out on the boat or sailing down the coast, it is always important to make sure your pet is as safe as you can make them. Here is a list of ways to keep your best adventure buddy safe while out on the water.

MAKE SURE THEY ARE COMFORTABLE ON THE BOAT

A day on the water can be a lot of fun, but if you are not acclimated to a boat, it can also be stressful. That goes for our furry friends too. So, make sure before you load your pup up for a full day on the water, they are acclimated; one to your boat and two to the motion of the water. A rocking boat is a new sensation for those without sea legs, so give your pet some time to adjust to the boat and maybe even create a “safe space” they can go to when they feel anxious that has some of their toys and maybe a favorite blanket.

SUNSCREEN, SKIN CANCER IS FOR EVERYONE

The sun can be unkind to anyone, those UV rays are brutal for unprotected skin, and this goes for your pets too! Dogs and cats are susceptible to sunburns and skin cancer the same way we are. Protect them with a pet-friendly sunscreen, there are several options online, but you should consult with a veterinarian on the best sunscreen for your pet. Goodhousekeeping. com has a list of the five best sunscreens to protect your pet.

SAFETY FIRST, SUIT UP WITH A FLOTATION DEVICE

One of the first rules in water safety is to make sure you have a life vest available. This rule applies to pets too! Add a layer of protection and provide your four-legged bestie with a pet-friendly flotation device. Devices are available on Amazon and websites like Chewy.com.

STOCK UP ON FOOD AND WATER

It’s important to make sure your pup stays hydrated and well-fed, especially if you are planning on a trip longer than a couple of hours. Keep fresh water, a bag of food, and some treats available for your dog to make sure they are comfortable and having a good time.

PUPPY PROOFING!

You puppy-proofed your home to make sure they stayed out of the cabinets and couldn’t eat anything that could bring them harm; well, the same goes for your boat. Keep fishing hooks, chemicals, and chewable equipment out of their reach. Nothing can ruin a boating trip more than having to take your pup to the emergency vet because they decided to chew on the fishing equipment and have a hook stuck in their jowls. Keep the equipment out of reach and the chemicals out of sight.

KEEP A LEASH OR A HARNESS HANDY.

Dogs like to chase things. It is what it is and, having a leash on hand when you are docked or close to shore keeps them from getting the way while you are trying to dock but also keeps them on the boat instead of taking the grand leap to shore to chase whatever has just crossed their line of sight.

DECK SAFETY!

Decks can be a dangerous place to be. Deck temperatures can put paw pads, and a slippery deck can lead to slips and falls. Make sure you are paying attention to your deck’s conditions. Providing puppy shoes and shady places can save your pets paw pads, and drying up slippery floors or lining them with non-slip surfaces can keep your pet from taking a tumble.

ENTERTAINMENT

Just like any toddler or small child, dogs need to be entertained. Keep them busy with toys (preferably the kind that float) to avoid pet boredom that can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing.

BUG REPELLENT

A lot like having sunscreen on hand, it is important to have pet-friendly bug spray. Bug bites can be itchy could lead to infection. In addition, bugs like mosquitos carry diseases that could be harmful to your furry friend. Consult with a veterinarian on the best brand for your pet but most importantly, do not use human bug spray on your pets.

Emergencies happen, and you should always be prepared. Make sure to check that your first aid kit is stocked with essentials that will ultimately help you keep your pet safe. Seasickness medication, pet-friendly sunscreen and bug spray, gauze , and non-stick bandages can help you in a pinch. The American Kennel Club released a guide to help you build your kit. See https:// www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/ dog-first-aid-kit-essentials/ for more information.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Our fur babies can overheat during a day out in the sun. This can lead to heatstroke and other dangerous ailments. To keep your dog cool, keep them hydrated and give them a shady place to cool down when the sun becomes too much. Pouring water on your dog to keep them cool may backfire and make them warmer, so don’t rely on it. Just make sure to keep an eye on them and give them a place to beat the heat, whether that is below deck or just under an awning.

HOW TO PULL UP A DOG OVERBOARD

The worst-case scenario is that your pet falls overboard. Make sure you are not boating alone with your pet; having another person there to keep an eye on them can act as a preventative measure. But if the worst happens, circle back to your dog and cut the motor when you get close enough. Do not jump in the water after your dog, instead call them to you and then pull them out of the water when they get close enough. A lot of life jackets will have a handle on them to make it a bit easier.