Tag: active dogs

Pet Boating Safety 101

Posted on June 15, 2023 - 1:50 pm by
A light brown and white dog sitting on a boat on the water.

Nothing says summer quite like a boating adventure! And for many pet owners, taking your best pal on that boating adventure is what summers are for. But before you visualize Fido on a boat, there are certain pet boating safety precautions you should take and some equipment you need. Pets on boats can present various hazards if they (and you) are unprepared, so it’s imperative that you take the right precautions.

Behavior and Attitude Matter More for Pets on Boats

Prior to introducing your pet to a boat, make sure they are well-behaved, accustomed to a harness or collar, and trained to listen to your commands. Take a look at our past blogs on training if Mittens or Fido could use some extra preparation.

Untrained pets or pets prone to bouts of anxiety are more likely to be unpredictable, and unpredictable pets are not a good mix with boats or deep waters. Go with your pet-parent gut to tell you if your furry companion has the right behavior and attitude before proceeding.

If you’re in doubt, evaluate how comfortable your pet is with water during bath time, or in a kiddie or pet pool. Make sure your furry friend is okay getting their paws wet before taking them out on the boat. If they seem unsure of water, do not force them; this will only scare them more. Instead, try letting your pet approach a bath or kiddie pool on their own terms — encourage them with food or treats, and use your calm, positive voice to let them know everything is alright.

Pets who are leery of water can develop a positive relationship with it over time. However, it’s also understandable if an animal never likes getting wet or emerged. They each have their own personalities, preferences and needs just like humans do. Something to keep in mind before that visualization of Fido on a boat begins again.

Meet the Boat

Once your pet is comfortable with water and you trust them enough to listen, introduce them to the boat while safely on land. Let them sniff and explore the boat, but train them to steer clear of the motor. Speaking of the motor, the engine can be quite noisy so you’ll want to ensure your furry friend can handle loud noises.

After your dog or cat are comfortable with the boat, make sure they are fitted with a pet life jacket and are comfortable wearing one around the house — just like training them to wear a harness. You can pick up a pet life jacket at your local pet store or online.

Pack the Essentials for Pet Boating Safety

  • Pet life jacket — Your pet should always wear one near or in the water.
  • Favorite treats — To praise them for being the well-behaved pet they are.
  • Food bowl and food — If you’re going to be out on the water for a while, bring along Fido’s food so they can stick with their normal chow schedule.
  • Water bowl and clean water — To keep them hydrated and to help discourage them from drinking lake, river or ocean water which can contain bacteria or other harmful substances.
  • Pet first aid kit — Typically includes a tick remover, gauze, antiseptic wipes, ice packs and more! Bonus: some communities offer pet CPR and safety classes to up your game.
  • Poop bags, a litter box and/or artificial turf — You know, for when nature calls.
  • Leash — Even if you are near shore, you’ll want to make sure your pet doesn’t wander off.
  • Collar with updated tags — Just in case Mittens or Fido does get loose, you want to make sure someone can help them find their way back to you.
  • Pet sunscreen — Yes, animals can get sunburned, too! Pick up pet-approved sunscreen at your local pet store or online. Do NOT use human sunscreen on your pet.
  • Toys that float — If your pet loves to play in the water, be sure to bring along some floating toys for added fun in the sun!
  • Non-slip mats — To prevent you and your pet from slipping and sliding across the deck.
  • Shade options — For Fido or Mittens to keep cool and out of the summer sun when needed.

Anchors Away

Now that your pet is packed and ready to ride on a boat, here are some final safety measures to keep in mind during the big day.

Ease your pet into boating life. Limit your time on the water during your first few boating adventures to help get them comfortable with riding the waves.

When the boat is in motion or when the waters get rough, keep your pet in the main cabin or on the deck of the boat.

Keep fishing gear and other hazardous objects at home. You don’t want your pet to accidentally get ahold of a fishing hook.

We know we said this before, but make sure your pet has a shaded area to retreat to. In addition to sunburns, boat decks can get toasty and burn your furry companion’s paw pads if you’re not careful.

Know where your pet is at all times and be mindful of your boating speed.

Most importantly, have fun in the sun (and shade)! Fido and Mittens are going to love the breeze in their fur, water below their paws and the extra adventure with their favorite humans.

RELATED POST: Taking the Plunge: Water Safety Tips for Dogs

Adventures in the Wild: Road-Tripping with Your Pets

Posted on October 21, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

The best things about a road trip with your dog? He or she won’t complain about your off-key singing (although they may howl with you). They won’t roll their eyes if you finish the bag of cheesy popcorn by yourself. And they’ll never ask, “Are we there yet?”

If you’re planning to put your car odometer to work, here are some tips for safe and happy travels with your dog.

Prepare for the trip

  • Check in with your veterinarian. Make sure your pooch is current on vaccines and parasite preventives. Ask the doctor if there are any health risks you should be aware of at your destination and request a copy of your pet’s vaccination record in case you need documentation when crossing state lines.
  • Dogs who are low-energy couch potatoes should be checked to make sure they’re physically able to hike or participate in any other activities you have planned. If your dog is queasy on car rides, talk to your veterinarian about medications to help prevent nausea. Dogs who need sedatives for car travel are probably more comfortable left at home with a sitter or at a boarding facility.
  • Get your dog accustomed to car rides. If your pup hasn’t spent a lot of time in the car, start by taking short rides to fun places, like the dog park (see the “safety first” section, below). Then gradually extend the time in the car.
  • Pack all pet essentials. That includes food and water bowls, food, bottled water, poop bags, leashes, medications, grooming tools, a pet first aid kit, pet bed and toys.
  • Book rooms at pet-friendly hotels. Make sure your dog will be welcome at each stop by exploring websites like BringFido to find pet-friendly hotels.
  • Brush up on obedience. Commands like “come,” “drop it,” and “stay” may be crucial when your dog is in unfamiliar territory.
  • Check your dog’s ID. Because dogs can escape at rest stops or be scared by loud noises and run off, make sure ID tags include your current phone number. Call your microchip company to ensure your contact information is up to date. If you plan to stay at one location for any amount of time, make a temporary tag with that address.

Safety first

  • Make sure your dog is properly restrained in the car. Never let your dog ride “shotgun” or in someone’s lap in the front seat. This can lead to driver distraction, and in the event of an accident, your pet may be seriously injured by an airbag.
  • In an accident, an unrestrained dog can become a projectile, potentially harming other passengers and themselves. It’s best to keep your pet in the back seat in a harness that’s fastened to a seat belt, or in a kennel in the back of the car. The kennel should be roomy enough for the dog to stand, turn around and lie down inside. It should also be secured in place, so it doesn’t slide around.
  • For information about pet kennels and harnesses that have been safety tested and certified, visit the Center for Pet Safety, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group that works to protect pets during travel.

Hit the road

  • Prevent motion sickness. If possible, feed your dog about four hours before you leave. Try not to give your pup food or water during the drive, when the car is moving.
  • Keep your dog inside the car. Don’t let your dog hang its head out the car window; this can result in eye injuries, and dogs have been known to jump out of the car and into traffic. Dogs should also never ride in the bed of a pickup truck, even if leashed in (and of course, not in a carrier on the top of the car).
  • Use the child safety button to lock windows. This will prevent your pet from accidentally pushing any control buttons in the back seat that could create a dangerous situation with the windows. If it’s hot, aim an air conditioning vent at your dog.
  • Make a pit stop every 3 to 4 hours. Your dog will need to stretch his or her legs, go potty and have a drink of water. Let’s face it; you will too. If possible, put the leash on your dog before opening the car door.
  • Never leave your dog alone in the car. If you’re traveling to warm destinations, your dog can suffer from heatstroke in a matter of minutes. And pets can be stolen!

With a little preparation, there’s no limit to the road trips you can take with your best pal.

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