Boating with Your Dog
It’s hard to enjoy a family outing on the water when your four-legged friend is stuck on the shore or at home. Luckily, boats have the room for your furry pals to come along on the ride! As long as they’re well-trained and are properly protected, your dog can splash alongside your adventure. Polaris of Gainesville has some tips and tricks for you so that boating with your pets is easy and fun!
Comfort Level with Water
What’s your dog’s relationship with water like? Some love lakes and rivers while others may shy away from them. This plays into whether they’d be comfortable enough to step out onto a boat in the first place. Other factors include their swimming ability and the depth of the water you boat on. A safe bet to make is to only bring pets along if they can handle themselves long enough to be rescued in the event of falling off. It’s harder for older dogs or smaller ones to have the capabilities to stay afloat. However, there are dog-sized life jackets available for situations like these.
Supplies to Bring
If you plan to spend a whole day out on the boat, bring food and fresh, clean water for your dog. This will keep them happy and healthy for the whole trip. Don’t let them lap up the water from the lake or river as they might carry harmful contaminants. So keep their water bowl filled and accessible on the deck of the boat so that they’re hydrated.
Seasickness can affect your dog too. Any dog medication you can bring to help them will make everyone’s day a little easier. Additionally, keep your dog’s tags and collar on too. If you get separated at all, at least your dog will have a way to be identified by others and be safely returned to you.
Lastly, be sure to pack any of your dog’s favorite toys onto the boat (at least the ones that are buoyant so you don’t end up tossing one overboard that sinks).
Have An Emergency Plan in Place
It’s always a good idea to have a plan in place if there’s ever an emergency that happens. If you’re ever in trouble, you need a way to ensure your dog escapes safely with you. So carefully strategize a plan that involves what you and your companions will do and how you’ll secure your dog in the process.
Follow these steps and you’ll be out boating with your beloved furry friend in no time! At Polaris of Gainesville, we have an incredible selection of boats for sale that can easily host you and your pets comfortably. Visit us in Gainesville, Florida near Lake City and St. Augustine, to check out our stock today! You’ll soon find out why we’re considered the area’s preferred boat dealer.