Boating with Dogs

Boating with Dogs

When boating with dogs, you might be heading to the beach, out on a canoe or relocating onto a boat to go travelling. Either way there's a range of dog safety gear for boats that will help you both on your way.

Boating Holidays with Dogs

A boating holiday with a dog can be a very rewarding and fulfilling experience for your pet. Dogs love adventures and new experiences, and boating is an excellent choice if you want to offer them the best kind of outdoor vacation while spending quality time together. You'll find that it will provide your dog with lots of fun memories that they will cherish forever.

We have seen adventure dogs living on boats for years with their owners, but boating with dogs doesn't mean being on a trawler or sailing boat, it can simply be small boats, kayaks and canoes. It's not for everyone so you should test them out on water first and if they are not comfortable with it then get them use to the basics such as being in vehicles and other transport to get them use to motion and travel in general. Then you can go back to trying the boating life again.

Rough waters and holding on to your dog will quickly cause any pet owner to realise how much safer it is to have a dog buoyancy aid rather than not having one!

Dog Boat Accessories

Being on boats with dogs can be like being in cars or motorhomes. Hydration, cooling, heating, safety, toilet opportunities, food and drink are all just as relevant on a boat as they would be anywhere else. The obvious key difference is that you are a few feet from danger with the water and life jackets and other safety items become vital.

Here are some things to keep in mind when boating with dogs.

Before you go boating, make sure your dog has a life jacket that fits well

Dog life jackets or buoyancy aids can prove to be a lifesaver. Not all dogs are great swimmers and if they do go overboard it would be good to have some kind of aid to assistance them in staying afloat. Also, depending on the circumstances,
it might be necessary to have them wear a life jacket even on board. As we know, it is practical for us to wear a buoyancy aid when on open water and the same goes for our pets too. Safety always comes first and with Baltic and EzyDog being two of our key suppliers we have a good choice of dog life jackets for you to choose from.

Always have an extra leash for the boat in case one gets lost overboard

It happens more often than you would think. You have packed everything, thought of everything and off you go on the boat and the lead slides overboard into the water.

There are two outcomes here: 1) is that you can retrieve it and you chose a BioThane waterproof dog lead or Neoprene dog lead which is great or 2) You lost it and fingers crossed you packed a second one as there may be no going back!

Keep snacks on hand to keep your pup happy and content

Some basic treats or dog toys will help to keep them occupied especially when at the start as they get used to the uneasy balance they will first experience when on the boat.

Bring plenty of water so they don't get dehydrated

Bring plenty of water so they don't get dehydrated. When you are out at sea in the open waters and skies weather can change drastically and having a dog stuck on the boat with you in the hot sun is not only potentially risky for sunburn reasons but it also can quickly be a risk for dehydration.

The first thing a dog will want to do is drink water and their is plenty of salt water around them which is the last thing they need to touch. Salt water can be very dangerous for dogs and us so ensure they have fresh water at all times. Carry a collapsible or foldable bowl and a dog water bottle that is aluminium to keep fresh water cool and reduce waste. Don't forget the dog sunscreen!

Dog Boat Safety

The sea and open waters can also be incredibly open to the sun and on a hot day you should consider pet friendly sunscreen especially for light coloured and short haired dogs.
Don't forget that if you are living a life of adventure on the waters with your dog, you are potentially crossing into different country territories which may require pet passports and other documentation for the countries you enter!

From dog buoyancy aids, to dog drying coats and everything in between. We'll help you and your water loving dog stay safe, warm and dry throughout your adventures.