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Boating With Your Dog

May. 24 2024 Safety By Martin Motor Sports

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What do your Local Laws Say?  

There may be no federal laws regarding boating with pets, but it is important to check your local lake laws as they may differ from one another. Some lakes allow your pets on the boat launch and docks, but do not permit them in swimming areas. Recreational vessels typically won’t be any issues, but commercial boats will likely have some considerations. 

Invest in the Right PFD 

Small rivers or creeks do not compare to the boat-made waves and distant shorelines of a lake, so always invest in a quality PFD—even if your dog loves the water or is an excellent swimmer.  

The O’Brien Landshark Dog Life Jacket is available in sizes XS-XL, so that dogs of all shapes and sizes can be accommodated. This vest has a great balance between flotation and mobility, ensuring that your furry friend can safely run, jump, and swim without feeling confined.  

 

Always consider that first-timers may need extra time to get used to wearing a life jacket. To ease an anxious dog’s nerves, let them wear the jacket on land before you leave shore (having treats handy always helps). 

 

Dockside Training – Walk Before You Run 

Getting your dog comfortable with your boat before going on the water is necessary; otherwise, your dog may become uneasy, anxious, or even panic due to this new and unknown environment.  

Start by bringing your dog to the dock or onto the trailer and supervise them as they sniff and wander around the boat, allowing them to smell all the smells and become more aware of the equipment.  

Gradually introducing your dog to the dock is just as important as the boat because as Dr. Alex Crow, veterinarian and writer of Pet Health Guru puts it, “it can be a weird sensation for dogs to walk on a dock and use a ramp to get onto a boat;” therefore, she says that the more you practice entering the boat, the easier it becomes.  

 

Let them spend as much time as needed and encourage positive behaviours 

 

Bring External Shade 

Having an area dedicated for shade for your pet is important when keeping your dog comfortable and preventing them from having heat stroke. This might be under a seat, awning, or larger umbrella.  

Common signs of heat stroke in dogs include:  

  • Elevated breathing rates 

  • Dry or sticky gums 

  • Abnormal gum colour 

  • Appearing lethargic 

 

Pets that experience heat stroke are at greater risk to experience it again, so check this number off your list before heading on the water for the sake of your pets’ health.  

Always Have Fresh Water 

Even though you’ll be surrounded by water, you still need to pack plenty of fresh water for drinking.  Harmful bacteria can be found in lake water that can lead to later health issues, and you wouldn’t drink it, so why should your dog? Additionally, having water on board is vital in preventing dehydration and heat stroke in your dog.  

 

New Passenger, More Responsibilities 

Having your pooch on board isn’t the same as adding another human passenger. You will need to assign someone on the boat to supervise them—this means letting the captain know if the dog has gone overboard and making sure the dog has not put itself in an unsafe situation.  

If in a situation where your dog has gone overboard, be sure to kill the engine immediately and search for them in the water. This is where having their PFD on becomes important. The O’Brien Landshark Dog Life Vest has a handle on the back for grasping the dog out of the water, so utilize this instead of grabbing their collar.