Boating has taken a surge in popularity in the past few years and coupled with the fact that many dog owners consider their pets as family members, and want to include them in many of their activities, boat safety for dogs is now commonplace.
A few years ago, it was uncommon to see pet stores selling dog life jackets but now it is not only a matter of whether or not your dog should wear a life jacket, but what style to choose! Long gone are the days when they were simply a novelty item. Dogs should wear life jackets while boating for the same reason that all people should wear one, especially young children. It has little to do with the fact that your dog may or may not swim, but more to do with the fact that if your dog becomes injured during a boating accident, this may save his life.
Life jackets come with a few added features, such as a reflective strip to make him more visible and a handle on the top to make it easier to pull your dog up and into the boat.
Getting your dog used to a boat might take some work. First, make sure that they have the fundamentals of obedience training so if the water does become a bit rough, you can have your dog do a down/stay until the coast is clear. While many dogs relish the thought of the open water, some are more apprehensive. Introduce the boat slowly. Make sure your dog is comfortable sitting in the boat before starting the motor. Take along a favorite toy and make the initial few outings slow.
Never tie your dog into the boat. If the boat is involved in an accident, he will want to be able to swim to shore. One idea is to tether your dog to your waist. This may help if your dog does decide to go overboard and explore the lake. You can use the line to guide him back to the boat.
If you have a powerboat, keep your dog at a safe distance from the motor. A great place for us to sit and catch a few sun rays is on the deck of a boat, but your dog does not have the benefit of rubber soled deck shoes and may find this footing a bit too slippery. Just as in any trip, make sure appropriate identification is attached to your dog before starting out in the boat.
If you have a destination in mind for your day out in the boat, inquire in advance if there are any restrictions regarding dogs. You would hate to pack a picnic for the beach only to get there, and find that there are no dogs allowed.
Keep a supply of drinking water on hand and make sure there is a cool spot for your dog to curl up in. If your boat has no underneath compartment, consider bringing a sun umbrella to supply shade.
Take the time to consider the safety and comfort of your dog, and you will enjoy many happy boat rides with your buddy.
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