Practicing Dog Safety While Boating

Do you always take your dog with you wherever you go?  For lots of dog owners, their pooch is a member of their family and that means the dog goes where they go, even if it’s on their motorcycle, in their tent and of course on their boat. At face value, boating with your dog seems a safe and amusing activity; however, it can be rather dangerous for your dog. While boating, here are just a few tips to apply dog safety.

Life jackets are an necessary . The sad fact is that many dogs drown each when they shouldn’t have, although this may seem like an obvious statement. Your beloved dog might not tell you even if he could because he wants to please you, but he can’t let you know when he’s getting fatigued. Life or death could be decided because of a well fitting life jacket.

Life jackets for dogs come in every size imaginable, from tiny toy dog size to Great Dane size. Make sure it has at least two fasteners around your dog’s torso and one around the neck to keep the jacket snug. It is also useful to have handles on the back for pulling your dog back into the boat.

Ensure you dog enjoys the water and that they can swim. Not all dogs are able to swim, despite common belief. Have you ever seen a bulldog in the water?They are like a sinking brick. There are many other breeds that can’t swim, and some don’t enjoy being in water.

Gradually introduce your dog to the idea of boating. They might not like the idea of wearing a life jacket, and moving boats can be disturbing to a dog. Let them wear their life jacket at home and give them treats prior to introducing them to the boat. Don’t leave the shore the first time on the boat with your dog. Let them get used to the movement of the boat on the water and just let them run around on board.

Have ample fresh water available. You dog will get thirsty from the sun and fresh air, not to mention the exercise. You want to deter your dog from drinking from the lake, so be sure you have ample fresh water. Waters contaminated with Blue-Green algae is toxic , so it is very dangerous to your dog.

Be sure to pay attention to both the temperature of the air and the water. Dogs can die from hypothermia, just like humans, if their body temperatures become too low and they become hypothermic. And just like the air temperature being too cool, it can be too hot as well. It important that your dog have a place to avoid the sun’s strong rays if you are out on a hot and sunny day, because some dogs can sunburn. If your dog has short hair and light skin, take a few minutes to put on sunscreen.

Here’s a few other considerations to think about dog boating safety

Where is your dog going to go to the bathroom? Ensure your dog has an a designated place on the boat to go to the bathroom if you are not going back and forth to shore. And just in case, be sure you take along a first aid kit for your dog. Lastly, be sure you dog stays out of the way of other boats and watercraft. It may help other boats notice your dog in the water to use a brightly colored PFD, but it’s not worth the chance.

It is possible to go boating and take your dog along with you. A few precautions, a little additional time to make sure they’re cosy on the boat and on the water and a bit of planning go a long way. It is possible to be safe with your dog while boating. Have a great time!

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