Rules for safe swimming with a dog on a boat

Being able to get out to the water is great relaxation and fun for the whole family, including your four-legged friends! Boating with dogs can be fun but requires special precautions. You can discuss ship safety with other passengers, but you can’t explain it to your dog the same way.

Instead, you will have to educate your dog about precautions. Perhaps she will have to be taught everything: how to swim, how to get on and off the ship in the most comfortable way. You should also bring additional equipment specifically for your dog when you take him to the water. You need to think through all the details, such as where the dog can go to the bathroom on the boat, where he can get a drink, and where he can hide from the sun if it gets too hot. Difficult? But don’t give up! Here are some tips on how to sail safely with your four-legged companion.

What to take with you for sailing

You should always take these things with you when you go on a boat trip with your dog, for example in the sea:

Life vest

Although most people think that all dogs are good swimmers, this is not the case at all. In addition, even the best swimmers can sometimes get into trouble – for example, if they are tired, or the water is too cold, or the waves are too strong. The lifejacket, which will provide the animal with extra buoyancy, should have “lifting handles” with which you can pull the dog back on board. In addition, you must definitely try on a life jacket before buying. Unlike human personal inflatables, there are no rules for dog life jackets, so you need to make sure that the life jacket is the right size for your dog and he is comfortable in it.

water bowl

Your dog should always have clean water. Water, of course, is meant to prevent dehydration, and if your dog has enough water, he won’t drink water from a stream, pond, or lake. Such water may contain parasites that can make the dog sick, so if he drinks water from different sources, be sure to take his feces for analysis several times a year. Such checks are important not only for the health of the animal, but also for your entire family, since many parasites living in the water can be transmitted from pets to people. Try a collapsible water bowl that takes up little space and is great for travel.

Sunscreen

Light-colored dogs and dogs with fine coats can burn in the sun. Some veterinarians recommend using a children’s sunscreen with an SPF of 30 (or higher) on pets. Apply sunscreen to his ears, the bridge of his nose, and any other area where skin is visible. There is also a wide range of sunscreens designed specifically for dogs on the market. Never use sunscreen containing zinc oxide on your dog! Zinc oxide is safe for humans but toxic to dogs.

Extra towels or mat

Find a shady spot somewhere out of the way where your dog can hide when it gets too hot. A mat or towel will help your dog stay on the deck and feel safer and more comfortable. After all, the movements of dogs and boats do not always coincide.

Waste bags and puppy diapers

Some owners train their dogs to go to the toilet on a diaper when they are on board so that waste can be easily disposed of, and spare bags will help you remove and hide waste until you find a suitable container on shore. If your dog isn’t used to this and you plan on being on the boat for hours on end, you need to make time to swim ashore so he can do his thing.

Embarkation and disembarkation

A dog that tries to jump on and off the boat may be injured if it slips. She can also accidentally fall into the water and be squeezed between the boat and the pier – it’s even scary to think about it! Therefore, it is important to teach your dog to let you carry him on board in your arms, or, even better, to have a ramp or ladder that he can climb onto the boat on his own.

When the boat is in motion

Dogs are naturally curious creatures. They like it when the wind blows in their face, and to be aware of everything that is happening around. But since boats are not enclosed spaces like cars, the risk of falling overboard is much higher. So when the boat is in motion, make sure your dog is not standing on its bow. Large waves or sudden changes in direction and speed can cause her to lose her balance and fall overboard. The same can be said for sunbathing areas on boats. Many passenger boats have a place at the stern where passengers can sunbathe when the boat is at anchor. Being there when the boat is in motion is unsafe for both humans and dogs. The best way to keep your dog safe is to put him next to you or on the floor of the boat. It’s a good idea to keep him on a leash so that if a funny and interesting sound or smell catches his attention, you can control his movements and keep him safe.

Why should all the fun be yours?

If you are an avid boater, you probably have other hobbies that you love to indulge in while boating, such as water sports or fishing. Learn more about how to keep your dog safe while you enjoy all the water has to offer.

Water Sports

If your dog loves the water and just can’t wait to get in there and cool off, and if he sees one of the passengers jumping into the water to put on his skis or wakeboard, he may decide that he can too. Again, this is where a leash or a handle on the back of the lifejacket can come in handy. If you want to go water skiing, the dog may get excited and jump out after you and injure yourself as a result. Don’t forget this – have one of the passengers firmly hold the leash or life jacket handle to keep your dog in place when you jump into the water.

Lake and sea fishing

You will no doubt enjoy spending the whole day fishing with your best friend, but there are a few things to consider before bringing your pet with you. First, hooks and lures can be dangerous to a dog if they are not locked in a tackle box. They might get stuck in her paws, or she might think the lure is some kind of tasty treat and try to eat it, leading to even more problems. Another hazard is when you cast your line or try to unhook the hook, as a flying hook can not only potentially catch you, but also injure your dog. The next risky moment is when you finally catch a fish. For you, the bigmouth bass is the highlight of the day, and for your four-legged buddy, it’s a new and interesting situation to explore. Seeing a fluttering fish being pulled out of the water, he may try to jump after it and injure himself. In addition, a fish may prick your dog with its fins, or a hook still in its lip may accidentally injure the animal. Your dog should be trained enough not to touch the fish while you are taking it out of the water.

Keep her safe in the water

Some dogs are natural swimmers, while others can benefit from swimming lessons. PetMD recommends starting in shallow water where you can walk alongside your puppy and keep him on a leash while he gets used to the water. If your pet doesn’t want to go in the water, bring his favorite toy to toss into the water to entice him to take a dip. To teach your dog to swim using all four paws, support him until he can swim like a dog. If she is still cowardly, use water support made specifically for dogs. With their help, the pet can swim on the surface, while getting used to being in the water.

When you teach your dog to swim never do the following:

Never throw her into the water

By doing this, you will destroy the trust between you, and you can even scare her so much that she will never want to go into the water again.

Never leave her alone

Like a child, never leave your dog unattended in the water – not even for a minute. Dogs can drown too, so we recommend that you keep an eye on her when she swims.

Ensure your safety in the water

Some dogs, while in the water, try to climb onto their owners, which can be dangerous. The dog may think he is playing with you or that he is actually saving you! But instead, it can drown both you and itself. Therefore, it is critically important to teach your pet – in water where it is shallow enough for you to stand – to keep some distance from you. One way to teach this is to throw a non-sinking toy away from you every time the dog swims too close.

Water walks with a dog can give you many pleasant memories. You just need to plan everything in advance, train and prepare your pet for an aquatic adventure. Once all preparations are completed, you will find that you do not have a dog, but a real sea dog!