Dogs on Deck: 6 Tips for Boating with Your Furry Friend
Dogs on Deck: 6 Tips for Boating with Your Furry Friend
If you enjoy boating nothing is better than being able to enjoy time on the water under the warm sun. Most dogs love the water and they are instinctive swimmers so there’s no reason not to take man’s best friend with you! After all, dogs love going places with their owners.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of what you’ll need and tips to keep your pet safe.
Let’s start with the basics of what you need to bring for your dog:
Invest in a canine specific life jacket, you can find them online.
Water dish and fresh water, do not encourage your dog to drink from the lake or sea. Barletta pontoons include a built-in pet dish so no need to bring one.
Pet-friendly ladder if your pet will be swimming. The new 2023 Barletta Pontoons offer a pet-friendly version that comes standard, and for those that don’t, there are some aftermarket ladders you can buy online.
Consider purchasing and applying sunscreen, there is SPF on the market that’s made especially for dogs.
Tips for Boating With Pets
Once you’ve prepared for taking your dog with you on your boating adventure you’re halfway there. Before you take your pet along on your voyage there are some safety concerns and other things to be aware of to ensure the best possible experience.
Acclimate Your Pet to Your Boat
Before setting off on your boating expedition it’s important to let your dog get comfortable with your boat. Allow them to explore the boat while it is stationary, either safely docked or on land on a trailer with the gates closed. This will get them used to the new environment in a more controlled and safe way.
We recommend the first time you take your pet out boating on the water to keep the trip shorter and gradually acclimate them to longer periods on the boat.
Have a Hydration Station
Just as humans need to stay hydrated, so do your pets. When you plan for a boat day you typically pack a cooler of drinks for yourself to stay cool, right? You should be doing the same for your boat dog. It is important to pack fresh water for your pet, do not encourage them to drink lake or sea water. If you do not own a Barletta Pontoon with the built-in pet dish you will need to also pack a water bowl.
Make Sure There’s Shade
Just as dehydration can be detrimental to your dog, so can overheating. Too much sun exposure can lead to heat exhaustion in pets, so make sure to provide cool, shaded areas in addition to plenty of water. Barletta’s stow-away table makes the perfect shade spot for dogs when the bimini isn’t deployed. Keep in mind some surfaces can become extremely hot in bright sunlight, so protect your pets paws as well.
Have an Emergency Plan
Even with the most well trained pets accidents of all sorts can happen on a boat. It’s best to plan ahead and discuss how to handle emergency situations. It’s always a good idea to look up the nearest animal hospital to where you will be boating and write down the phone number, address and directions ahead of time just in case. On the off-chance your pet gets injured, have a first aid kit on board to manage the situation.
It’s best to designate one person, not the driver, to be in charge of keeping an eye on the dog at all times. You should also outfit your pet with an appropriate life jacket with handles to easily lift them out of the water if needed.
Prepare For When Nature Calls
Potty training on the boat may take a little practice, even for pets that have good habits at home, so be patient. Dogs can be trained to go on pee pads, or artificial turf while on the boat. With a little practice, they’ll learn the new routine. Keep the designated area in shaded, covered areas, and don’t throw any solid waste into the water — bring poop bags and wait to dispose of it properly on land. If you don’t want your pet to relieve themself on the boat and have a swim platform, you can encourage them to go there then rinse off the area.
Prepare for Seasickness
If your pet is prone to motion sickness in the car, it is likely they will also be on the boat. Check with your vet beforehand and ask about medications for your pet and appropriate dosages. Certain natural remedies may also help, like flower essences and treats made with ginger.
No Ruff Days Here
If you think your dog is ready for the water, keep these tips in mind so that your furry friend enjoys their day on the water just as much as you. Remember it's important to slowly introduce your pet to the boating lifestyle. The quickest way to turn a dog off from the water is by forcing them or scaring them by just throwing them overboard.