Boating season has arrived for Canadians. Taking your boat to the launch signifies a day of relaxation with your friends and family – and that includes your four-legged family members. There is no doubt that taking your dog boating adds an extra layer of fun and excitement to your day on the water. Still, it’s important to remember that their safety on the water is just as important as the safety of your human passengers. 

Keeping your four-legged best friend safe on the water doesn’t have to be complicated! Here’s a list of 5 must-have items for your dog: 

1. Leash 
2. Food
3. Water Dish 
4. Life Jacket 
5. Sunscreen 

Leash 

When boating with your dog, having a leash handy is always a good idea. While you’re enjoying your time on the water, you might decide to stop at a beach for lunch – having a leash makes disembarking your boat simpler and safer. Having a leash on-hand is also helpful when docking your boat at the end of the day. You might not need to use the leash, but being prepared is always a good idea!

Food

When on the water for a full day, be sure your four-legged best friend is getting its food. When packing for the day, measure out and set aside your dog’s meals – this way, there’s no need to worry about finding the space for a big container of dog food. We recommend packing some extra food (for you and your four-legged best friend) just in case your day on the water gets unexpectedly extended.

Water Dish 

Keeping your dog hydrated during your time on the water is crucial. Bringing a reusable water bottle and a water dish is the best way to keep it hydrated. There are a number of options to choose from; spill-proof dishes, collapsable dishes, or doggy water bottles are all easy to find in local pet stores. Some dishes are not appropriate for some breeds, so we recommend ensuring whichever one you choose is suitable for your dog’s specific breed.

It is also crucial to ensure your dog is not trying to drink the lakewater because it could result in it falling overboard or becoming ill.

Life Jacket 

Not all dogs are strong swimmers, and even if yours is, why not have an extra layer of safety? A well-fitted life jacket on your four-legged best friend will give you more time to respond in case of an emergency. 

When purchasing a life jacket for your dog, you want to make sure you’re choosing one that fits. For guidelines on what you should be looking for, the Ontario SPCA has a comprehensive guide. 

Sunscreen

Yep, you read that right! Dogs can get sunburns too. Like humans, sunburns in dogs can lead to health conditions, including skin cancer. If your dog is hairless, has a light-coloured coat, or is in the sun for extended periods, it will be prone to sunburns. According to the American Kennel Club, you should apply sunscreen on your dog about 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every 4-6 hours after your dog goes swimming. 

When you purchase sunscreen for your dog, ensure it’s safe for pets. Applying sunscreen to any patches of skin visible on your dog’s body will help prevent any sun-related medical issues. 

Other Tips to Keep in Mind When Boating With Your Dog

1. Boating should not be your dog’s first introduction to the water. Ensure they’ve had a chance to experience the water from the beach before you take them boating. 
2. If you’re planning on being on the water all day, ensure your dog has shade to lie under, or a place to cool down. 
3. Anticipate that your dog will have to relieve itself at some point during the day. Is there somewhere you go so your dog can do its business? 

While there are many things to consider when hitting the water, having fun and being safe are at the top of the list. We hope that these tips helped and that you and your four-legged best friend make plenty of on-water memories!