Boating With Your Dog
For all the boating adventures that await you, bringing your four-legged friends along for the fun can make those memories even richer. Why should you have to leave your furry family member behind whenever you head out on the water? Many dogs enjoy being around water. All you need to do is take a bit of time to prepare so you can ensure that you and your dog have a successful boating trip. Keep reading to learn more and be sure to stop by Nisswa Marine if you’re still shopping for the perfect boat. We’re located near Minneapolis and St. Cloud, MN.
Comfort Level
As eager as you might be to get out and enjoy the open water with your pet, it’s important to take the proper steps to prepare for the occasion. The most critical factor to consider is your dog’s comfort level around water. For example, some dogs are perfectly content to paddle along in the water and have fun doing so. On the other hand, some will become skittish and do better on land. While many pups can swim, it often depends on the depth of the water and the state of their health.
It’s not likely that your pet is going to fall overboard, but you still want to be positive that they can handle swimming and hold their own. Will they be able to remain afloat long enough to get back to the boat? Can they at least manage to stay above the surface long enough for someone to dive in and bring them back to safety? These are key questions you need to ask yourself when determining your dog’s comfort level with the water. As fun as it might be to go boating with your best friend, it can also end badly if they’re not fully comfortable with water.
Essential Supplies
Next, you’ll want to consider what supplies you’ll need to bring with you to keep your dog content and healthy. You’ll need to bring the food they normally eat along with fresh drinking water. You should never count on the water that surrounds you when you’re boating because it could contain harmful contaminants that’ll make your pup feel sick.
When you pack your dog’s food, make sure you bring enough to last for the entirety of your journey. You should try to stick to regular feeding times as much as possible so you don’t disrupt their routine. Don’t forget that animals can get seasick, too. Be prepared in case this occurs. A few other items you’ll want to pack include treats and toys. You can set aside special toys that are specifically for use on the boat, which will help them associate the boat with a fun time. Treats can even be used to reward positive behavior on the water.
Emergency Preparedness
No one wants to think about the worst-case scenario, especially when your dog is involved. However, it’s better to be prepared to handle emergencies. When you have a plan in place, everything will go much smoother. It can be rather challenging to use good judgment in the heat of the moment. It’s always best to establish an emergency plan in advance of your boating trip.
If your animal does fall overboard, you should have one passenger designated to stand at the back of the craft and call out to them. The hope is that they’ll respond to your call and swim over to you. If this isn’t successful, then someone will need to dive in, grab them, and bring them back to the vessel.
You’re officially prepared for a day on the boat with your pup! We certainly hope this information has been helpful. If you need assistance before your next boating trip with your pup, visit Nisswa Marine’s parts and service departments to get your boat up to speed.