All Paws on Deck: Keeping it Safe with Dogs on Board the Boat

Flapping ears, flopping tongue and a smiling face … I can’t think of anything much more adorable than a happy pup enjoying a day on the water. Four-legged friends love a day out on the boat just like the rest of us. Maybe more since they don’t have to do any of the maintenance, make payments or scrub the bilge.

Just like taking the kids out for the day, there are some safety issues to consider when taking your dog out on a boat. Before you head out from your private boat slip for rent, check out some of our tips for keeping your pup safe, healthy and relaxed on the open water.

Take a Test Run

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If your dog has never been on board a boat, it’s a good idea to let him get acquainted with it before taking that first trip out. Let him walk around and sniff things while the boat is on land or tied up at the boat slip rental. This is a good time to gauge whether he’s inclined to leap off the side, so you may want to keep the leash on. You’ll want to slowly start up the engine so he can get used to the noise.

Doggie Life Jacket

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A lot of dogs love to swim, and many were actually bred to swim. That being said, I once had a boxer-mix who would sink like a stone. For this reason, I like the extra security of a life jacket. Even excellent swimmers can get tired, and it’s nice to have that safety measure. Outward Hound, L.L. Bean and Overton’s all sell life jackets designed for dogs. Outward Hound’s Granby dog life jacket has reflective trim, two grab handles, leash hooks and side buckles. It’s designed to keep the dog’s head above water and comes in bright colors and a variety of sizes.

Easy Entry

Help your dog get on and off the boat with his very own ladder. It’s so much easier than trying to hoist a drenched dog back up into the boat after a swim. The Paws Aboard Doggy Boat Ladder and Ramp is portable, lightweight and slip resistant. It’s a great choice for older or overweight dogs or perfectly fit and trim dogs. If your boat doesn’t have a swim platform (or even if it does), folding pet ramps that go from the dock to the boat really come in handy when you’re trying to board or disembark at the boat lift for rent.

Overboard Plan

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Have a retrieval plan in place ahead of time for that time your dog happens to take a plunge overboard. Teach her to swim to a specific side of the boat while everybody on board remains calm (it’s often the people on board the boat that become more frantic than the actual dog). If the engine is running, turn it off. This is a time when those life jacket grab handles really come in handy.   

Pet First Aid Kit

You wouldn’t leave the boat dock without a first aid kit (or you shouldn’t leave the dock without a first aid kit – let’s put it that way), so be sure to pack one specifically for the canine sailors in the group. It’s a given to include the basics like gauze pads, tweezers and antiseptic wipes. Consider things like needle nose pliers, ear cleaning solution, styptic powder, hydrogen peroxide, a flashlight and nail clippers. Be extra prepared by checking into courses on pet first aid and CPR.

Stay Burn and Bug-Free

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Sunscreen is just as important for dogs, especially if they have short hair and white fur. Noses and foot pads can also get sunburned, dry and cracked. Warren London Dog Sunscreen comes in a convenient 4-oz. spray bottle. It’s safe, non-toxic, lick-proof when dry and protects from UV rays. It also works as a moisturizer and is non-oily so it won’t end up all over your custom upholstery. Canine insect repellent is another thing to toss in your dog’s boating bag.

Hydration

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Sun, sand and exercise make all of us thirsty, and dogs are no exception. Saltwater is not good for dogs to drink, and even freshwater lakes can have harmful bacteria. You’ll want to keep an extra water dish and bottles of fresh water on board the boat. Collapsible water bowls are a great choice for this very situation.

Toys

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Include your pooch in the watersports with their own toys. Purchase some floating toys for your pup to have fun – things like floating sticks or frisbees for when you’re anchored out near islands and sandbars. Most dogs will go crazy over a simple tennis ball.

Potty Time

The biggest issue with pets on board a boat is probably potty time. Plan for potty breaks for when you’ll be near land and keep plenty of pet waste bags on hand. You’ll also want to have paper towels, odor neutralizer and extra trash bags (just in case).

The Pet Loo Portable Dog Potty is one option, but it does require training. It looks like a grass mat. A slide out base collects number one and turns it into a gel for easy disposal (probably similar to the way toddler swim diapers work). The specially designed tray prevents spills, is odor-free and stays put (making it a nice option for a boat).
 

Their Own Space

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Give your dog their own “den,” or cozy space that’s all her own. Create a space with shade and their own cozy bed. Choose something that’s durable with a water-resistant cover. A removable cover is a good idea for anything used on a boat.

Freshwater Rinse

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If you go boating in saltwater, be sure to rinse off your dog’s fur afterwards or every so often while out. When they lick their fur, they can ingest saltwater, which can lead to sickness or diarrhea.

Hopefully you’ve found some helpful tips to keep your pup safe and comfortable on board the next time you head out from your private boat dock rental. Happy boating!