Boating With Dog
Boating With Your Dog - Fun on the High Seas!
By Nancy Cope
Bring Fresh Water
It is very important to bring water for your dog to drink on the boat, especially if it’s a warm day. The sun beating off of the reflective water can make your dog even warmer, and he can become dehydrated very quickly. Bring a fresh source of water for him; don’t just expect him to magically drink out of the lake. Don’t forget to bring some water for yourself as well, dehydration is no laughing matter.
Photo: usbr.gov
Buy Matching Life Jackets
Well, they don’t have to be matching, but wouldn’t it be cute if they did? Regardless of whether they match, both you and your dog need to be wearing life jackets. It doesn’t matter if your dog is a lab who seems to share more DNA with a duck than a dog, he still needs one. Your dog could fall in while the boat is moving or he could panic when he senses the depth of the lake, which is far greater than it is near the shore. Either way, isn’t it easier to put a life jacket on Fido than to risk his life?
Bring Towels and a Blanket
If your dog goes swimming he’s going to be very wet, and it’s far better to towel him off than have him shake all over your boat! Bring your dog’s blanket as well. Even if it is warm the breeze that blows by when the boat is moving can be very chilly, and your dog will be much more comfortable with a blanket.
Boating can be a fun experience for the whole family, so don’t leave your canine members out. Be safe, and have fun on the high seas!
Article by Nancy Cope of Pampered Dog Gifts - the place to shop for dog gift baskets and designer dog beds
