Before hitting the high seas with your pet,
be sure to take necessary provisions to ensure that your pet's
trip is a happy and safe one.
Identification
Tag: Make sure your pet has
a collar with an identification tag. Include contact information,
marina address and slip number.
Familiarization
with the Boat: It is best
to gradually introduce your pet to your boat and the water. Let
your pet explore the boat while it is docked before going out
on the water. Turn on the engine and let them get used to its
sound, smell, and feel while the boat is docked. Then, take your
pet out on small cruises and gradually build up to longer cruises.
Safe & Easy
Boat Access: Provide a special
pet ramp for your pet to get on and off the boat. This
not only includes from the dock to the boat but also from the
water to the boat. Pets weigh much more wet than dry and it
can be very difficult to lift them back into your boat after
a swim.
Floatation
Device: A personal
floatation device (a.k.a. life jacket) can also ensure
safety while on the water. Not all pets can swim (including
some dogs). Even if your pet is a good swimmer, getting tossed
overboard can put any animal into a panic. In addition, your
pet could suffer from exhaustion or hypothermia. Many pets
also fall into the water from the dock or while trying to get
from the dock to the boat. Having your pet equipped with a
floatation device with a lifting handle makes retrieving your
pet much easier and safer. Help your pet get used to the PFD
by first practicing at home for short periods of time. Start
by putting the PFD on your pet and let them walk around with
it on. The next step is to let your pet swim with it on for
a short period. It's a new experience for your pet so it's
important for them to get used to it before the boat trip.
Proper
Hydration & Staying Cool: Pets
do not sweat, so keep an eye out for heavy panting or drool and
a rapid heart beat. Protect pets from heat by providing some
shade on the boat, providing plenty of water and keeping the
deck cool to protect paw pads. Bring along a travel
water bowl and fresh water. It is critical to hydrate pets
before they get into the water. Otherwise, they will drink the
natural water and may get sick.
Going
Potty: A big challenge of boating
with your pet is making provisions so that they can go to the
bathroom. Bringing along your cat's litter box and securing it
inside the cabin is a good solution for your feline friends.
Dogs, however, are a bigger challenge. If your boat trip does
not allow for regular land stops for your dog to do their business,
then provisions must be made so that they can relieve themselves
on the boat. A portable dog potty that simulates grass is an
excellent solution. We recommend the Pup-Head
Portable Dog Potty.
Health
Records: If your boating destination
is a marina or place that you're not familiar with, be sure to
bring along a copy of vaccination and health records. Some places
may require proof of immunization before letting pets explore
on land.
Call
Ahead: While most marinas and parks
welcome pets, there are some that aren't pet-friendly. Be sure
to call ahead before arriving on shore.
For boating supplies for pets, visit our
online store, Bonzo
Beans Pet Travel Store
from
www.tripswithpets.com
