How to Have Fun Safely on a Boat with Your Dog

Plenty of people buy a boat to spend more time with family and friends they love most. This includes pets. There are some essential tips to stay safe on the water with your dog, and this guide will help you enjoy time together safely. Looking for a boat ideal for people and pets? For more information from Texas Malibu, visit our location in Austin, Texas, serving New Braunfels, Texas.

Protect Your Pet With Safety Gear

People don’t call pets fur babies for nothing. Like small children, pets tire quickly in the water and face unique challenges due to their size. To keep a pet safe onboard a boat, begin by choosing the right life jacket. It should have an adequate floatation rating for your pet (short-nosed breeds, for example, need additional buoyancy), feature bright colors for visibility, and include reflective elements. 

You also need a first aid kit for your pet. Talk to your vet about what your individual dog needs. In addition to your vet’s suggestions, it’s a good idea to keep bandages, dog-safe antibacterial ointment, and dog-safe seasickness medication. 

Make Your Boat a Welcoming Space

Just as you have to prep your home for a dog, you need to ensure your boat has the things your dog needs. The top two things your dog needs onboard are water and shade. It’s a good idea to bring two or three extra bottles of water and your dog’s bowl. 

If your boat already has multiple levels, an awning or a canopy, your dog will have plenty of shade. If you have a small, open watercraft, consider bringing a literal pup tent to give your dog some shade. Simply spreading a tarp over a gap between seats works, too. 

Defend Against Sun and Bugs

The goal of any boating adventure is to enjoy fun in the sun. Just like humans, however, dogs need sunscreen. There are specialized, dog-safe sunscreens to keep your pup protected from harmful rays. Dogs, like humans, can develop cancers, and skin cancer is as much a threat to your furry friend’s life as it is to yours. Hairless spots like their nose, armpits, ears, and even paws have a heightened risk.

Bugs love dogs. Just as you apply bug spray, you need to give your dog some protection from biting insects. Regular sprays, however, are not dog-safe. Plenty of companies offer natural alternatives safe for pets. Ensure your dog is up to date on preventative flea, tick, and worm meds, too.

Don’t Set Your Dog Up as a Distraction

While you should never ignore your pet while onboard, be sure you aren’t setting yourself up for an accident. Begin by introducing your dog to the boat while docked. Let the engine idle and just spend 20-30 minutes relaxing together. If you can do this two or three times before actually going out on the water, your dog will be more familiar with the space and less likely to panic. 

Keep a leash on hand, both for emergency restraint onboard and potty breaks on land. Consider boating with a friend while your dog is onboard as well. Just as a dog can distract the driver of a car, your loyal pet can easily distract you while you’re steering the boat. An extra set of hands and eyes helps keep your pet occupied and your focus where it needs to be.

Boats provide a wonderful path to safe adventures with your pet. A little caution and the right boat make memories that last. For more information, come see us at Texas Malibu in Austin, Texas, also serving residents of New Braunfels.