Waterway Guide Discussion Board

Compliments of Heidi Ganahl, the CEO and Founder of Camp Bow Wow

Pets Need PDF (Personal Floatation Device)
Just like humans, your dog may not be the best swimmer. Even if he can swim well, Fido may not be able to avoid exhaustion or hypothermia if he falls overboard. PFD’s are made just for dogs and can be found at most pet stores. In order to guarantee your dog’s PDF takes care of him, make sure the PDF fits Fido securely. Allow Fido time to practice swimming with his PDF so that he can become comfortable with it before getting on the boat.

…And Pets Need SPF
Just like humans, Fido can get extremely sunburned, especially if he has light colored hair. Dog sunburns can cause the same problems as that of humans: peeling, redness and even Cancer. Skin cancer in pets is much more prevalent than one would assume, so purchasing pet-friendly sun screen can go a long way in protecting Fido’s health during your boating adventure. Places that are easy to forget, but prone to burning are: inside the nostrils, tip of nose, around your dog’s lips and the inside of ears for dogs with standup ears.

Don’t Assume that Fido is a Natural Nautical Pup
Dogs often prefer stationary areas, like their beloved dog bed. Placing Fido on a moving vehicle may be a stressful experience he is not properly prepared. Before the big boating day, introduce Fido to the boat and allow him to become acquainted with it while it is still immobile. Next, start the boat’s engine. The loud noise will probably be unfamiliar to Fido and hearing it will help him adjust. Next, bring Fido onto the boat and take him on a short ride. So that Fido will begin associating his PDF with the boat, it is a good idea to have him practice swimming in it after the boat ride.

Fresh Water for Fido
Be sure to keep Fido hydrated by bringing fresh drinking water onto the boat. A water bottle that can squirt water directly into Fido’s mouth is a good way to hydrate him during a bumpy boat ride. As Fido may not know how dehydrated he really is, he might not beg for water on his own. If necessary, initiate his water consumption.

Be Careful Not to Have TOO Much Fun in the Sun
Excessive sun exposure can cause heat problems for Fido, like heat strokes, if not given a break from the heat and sun. Boat surfaces made of fiberglass are prone to getting extremely hot when in direct sunlight, and Fido will absorb that heat through the pads in his feet. Be sure to establish a shaded area where Fido can retreat when he is feeling overheated. Depending on where you’re boating, a dip in the water can be a great way to cool him down.

Fido Will Need to Relieve His Bladder
If possible, designate a spot where Fido can urinate while on the boat. Pet stores sell great Wee-Wee Pads or doggie potties that look just like a patch of grass. Having one of these options on board for Fido to use will help him know where to go and it is easy cleanup for the owner.

Tie netting 360 degrees around the boat using railings, lifelines, and caprails. We just had a cruising couple lose one of their two Labs on Albemarle Sound. He washed up on shore a week later - 10 miles East of the channel on an island. He was wearing a pet vest, but the water is cold in January. No netting. Defender sells it.

Some good advice. I sailed with my dog for many years. After the first month realized that the lifeline netting was a must. Chuck