Boating With Your Dog.

If you own a boat and a dog, here are some great safety tips to ensure that your day on the water with your best "bud" is a safe and fun one. First, don't assume that all dogs can swim, because they can't. And, the ones that can, may not be the best swimmers. They are like humans in that respect. People are not the only ones that need to wear a PFD (personal floatation device) or life jacket. If your buddy would happen to fall overboard without a life jacket, they could succumb to exhaustion or hypothermia (depending on the time of year) before you could rescue them. You can find life jackets online very readily. We got Chance's online from Cabela's.

Make sure that the PFD fits securely and allow your dog to practice swimming in it before heading out for that weekend boat ride. If your pet has never worn one, give them time to adjust to having it on, as most of the time, they will resist a little at first. Most of them have straps that fit up under the groin area, and under the arm pit area. Follow the instructions on how to fit it properly, and your dog should have no trouble adjusting.

The next vitally important tip is plenty of fresh, cold water. We keep a cooler full of ice and water for Chance. Take their water bowl, too. Dogs lose a fair amount of body fluids when they pant, so hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! The sun is the next factor. Just like humans, excessive sun exposure is totally dangerous. It can cause heat problems such as sun stoke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Have an area on your boat that is shaded so your dog can get in out of the sun. Plus, letting them swim is the best way to keep them cool. Remember, the sun is like a giant reflector. Most boat surfaces are made of fiberglass, and it gets extremely hot, and dogs absorb heat through the pads of their feet, so keep them protected.

With all the water drinking, your dog will need to potty. So, every hour or so, go ashore and let them potty. Some say to train your dog to go in a specific area of your boat, but personally, I think that is a bad idea. It takes less time to go ashore to let them potty for a few minutes, than clean up a mess on your boat. And, if you happen to beach on someones property, clean up your mess. Keep a scoop and plastic bags on board. You can dispose of the bag when you get back to the dock or boat launch.

Before I got Chance, my old girl Kallee, did not like to boat. So don't "assume" that your dog will enjoy the experience. Often times, they prefer a still and stable surface. So, a day or two before you plan to go out, let them get acquainted with the boat while it is still on the trailer or moored at the dock. Plus, this is a great time to let them get used to their new "clothes." (life jacket).

The next step is to crank over the engine and let them get used to the sound and vibration. Make the first outing (for the inexperienced boat dog) a short one. This will allow them to get acclimated to the movement of the boat. Remember, dogs are like humans in the respect that they can get seasick, too. If you do this, your dog should have a great time with his "pack" out on the water.

Be safe and have fun.