Outdoors

Do you always take your K9 with you wherever you go?Whether on their motorcycle, in their tent, and of course on their boat, for lots of dog owners, their dog is a member of their family and that means the dog goes where they go. At face value, boating with your dog seems a safe and enjoyable activity; however, it can be rather dangerous for your dog. Here are just a few tips to apply dog safety while you’re boating.

Life jackets are an necessary . Although a seemingly obvious statement, the sad truth is that while they shouldn’t have, many dogs drown each year. Your beloved dog might not tell you even if he could because he wants to please you, but he can’t tell you when he’s getting fatigued. The difference between life and death can be made with a well-fitting life jacket.

From Great Dane size to tiny toy dog size, life jackets come in every imaginable size for dogs. Be sure at least two fasteners go around your dog’s trunk and at least one around the neck so the jacket will stay in place . To enable you to pull your dog back onto the boat, it helps to also have handles on the back.

Ensure you dog favors the water and that they can swim. Contrary to common opinion, many dogs cannot swim. 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.

You should gradually introduce your dog to the concept of boating. Boats move, which can be disconcerting to a dog and they may also not like the notion of wearing a life jacket. Let them wear their life jacket at home and give them treats before you introduce them to the boat. Don’t leave the shore the first time your dog is on the boat. Let them get used to the movement of the boat on the water and just let them run around on board.

Have plenty of 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. Blue Green Algae is poisonous to dogs and many waters are contaminated and hazardous to your dog.

Observe closely the temperatures of both air and water. Canines can become hypothermic just like humans and if their body temperature becomes too low, they can die from hypothermia. While air temperature may be too cool, it can just as well be too hot. It urgent 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.

Now, let’s deliberate a few other safety issues related to dog boating

Have you studied about where your dog will go to the bathroom? Ensure your dog has an a proper place on the boat to go to the bathroom if you 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.

Boating with your dog is feasible. Making sure your dog is cosy on the boat and water just requires a few safeguards, a little additional time and a bit of planning. You can go boating and still maintain your dog’s safety. Have fun!

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