Top Tips for Sailing With Your Dog
Taking your four-legged friend for a day out on the water is an excellent way to spend a sunny afternoon. Pets make everything better, and boating with pets is so popular that marinas have started offering amenities to accommodate furry companions. There are a few things you need to know if you are planning to boat with your pet. At Clews & Strawbridge in Frazer, we serve Philadelphia and West Chester, Pennsylvania. We help many of our customers buy watercraft that they can enjoy with their pets.
Pack a Go Bag
When you're packing for your day on the water, don't forget to pack a bag for your pet as well. Bring extra bottles of water, as dogs can get dehydrated easily and bring a receptacle that they can drink out of. You can get collapsible water dishes that are easy to carry.
We strongly recommend getting a life jacket for your dog, even if he is a good swimmer. Strong currents can overwhelm a dog, so a life jacket is essential. Some come with handles that help you to lift the dog out of the water, if necessary. Choose a bright-colored jacket that will help you to spot the dog in the water easily. Practice putting the life jacket on the dog before you leave home, and allow him to get acclimated to wearing it. It should fit snugly, yet comfortably, leaving room for the dog to paddle around in the water with ease. If your boat has hard flooring, consider bringing towels or a bed so your dog can lay comfortably.
Provide Relief
Your dog may have to relieve himself while on the trip. Walk the dog prior to getting on the boat and walk him immediately after arriving at the dock. Pack wee pads, artificial grass pads or litter boxes on longer trips so that your dog can answer nature's call while on the boat. Make sure your dog knows how to use them.
Keep the Pet Safe
It is also helpful to pack a first-aid kit that is tailored to your dog's needs. In addition to the usual supplies, bring along motion sickness medicine specially formulated for dogs. Your dog will also need sunscreen for his nose, belly and legs, so it is helpful to find dog sunscreen to protect him while he's out on the water. Use an unscented sunscreen with a high SPF for maximum protection.
Do not allow your dog to drink water from lakes, streams and oceans. Lake water can be contaminated with microbes, oils and chemicals from other watercraft and can make your dog sick.
Boating with your pet can be fun for everyone. In order to have an enjoyable trip, take the right precautions to ensure your pet's safety. If you are in the market for a new boat that you can share with your dog, Clews & Strawbridge is the premier dealership for boats for sale in Frazer. We offer boats for sale in Philadelphia and West Chester, Pennsylvania and we are looking forward to getting you into the boat of your dreams. Visit our showroom today.