Tips For Taking Your Dog On A Boat For The First Time

It’s finally summer which means boating weather, but you can’t bring yourself to leave your best friend at home.

Don’t worry about getting “the look” from your dog the next time you want to go on your boat. 

Below is a comprehensive guide with tips for taking your dog on a boat for the first time.

Table of Contents

• How To Get Your Dog On The Boat
• How To Get Your Dog Used To The Boat
• What To Pack For Your Dog
• Where Does Your Dog Go To The Bathroom
• How To Keep Your Dog Safe On The Boat
  • Doggie Life Jacket
  • Sunscreen
  • First Aid Kit
• How To Tell If Your Dog Doesn’t Like Being On The Boat
• Other Things To Consider Before Taking A Dog Onboard
• Final Thoughts

How To Get Your Dog On The Boat

Most dogs are not accustomed to climbing onto boats. Smaller dogs can easily be carried onboard and larger pets can be provided with stairs or a ramp. Chewy and other online retailers offer easy-to-attach floating or static dog ramps and stairs to help your furry friend climb back onto the boat after a swim.

You might have to get in the water with your dog initially to help them get their front paws on the ramp or stairs, but most dogs adjust to using both methods on their own after a couple of successful attempts.

Be sure to get a ramp or stairs that are suitable for your dog’s size and needs.

How To Get Your Dog Used To The Boat

Some dogs are naturals around boats – many are not. To get dogs used to the boat, first, get them used to the water.

Go for a swim with them near shore and make it fun for them. Have them associate water with happiness. 

Once they seem acclimated, have them board the boat and show them around to their water and food bowls, a shady spot, and bathroom area. After they are settled, start the engine but let it idle. Give the dog a few minutes to adjust to both the rocking of the boat and the sound of the engine. 

If your dog handles this well, then very slowly engage the engine and push away from the dock.

Accelerate slowly so as not to startle your dog with excessive engine noise or abundant motion. The more time your dog spends on your boat, the more acclimated they will become.

Many families opt to rent a boat first, before making the investment into a boat purchase. This way you can observe how your dog behaves…chances are he/she will love it!

What To Pack For Your Dog

Dogs don’t need much for a day on the water, but there are a few basics. Access to fresh water, shade, and food is essential.

It should also be noted that some dogs don’t like to drink or eat while on boats, but they should still have access to fresh water and food regardless.

Whether or not you bring food should be determined by the length of your trip, but having food or treats handy is a good way to lure your dog back onboard after an impromptu swim.

Shade is essential. Dogs use conduction to cool themselves and this will require that yours has a cool place to lie in the shade.

Most boats are able to be equipped with a bimini, which would provide adequate shade for all guests onboard, both human and canine. 

Lastly, a leash and collar or harness should be brought along, even if your dog is wearing a doggie life jacket most of the day. There are usually parking lots and boat ramps at marinas, and although many are dog friendly, leashes are usually required. 

A harness is typically better than a collar for boating, as they are easier to grab in an emergency. They also help you to maintain more control over your dog with minimal pulling.

Where Does Your Dog Go To The Bathroom

Many dog owners establish a place on the boat for their dogs to “do their business.” A small square of astroturf, carpet, mat or dog training pads can be kept on deck (usually the bow) for their dog to relieve themselves. Cleaning is simple, just dunk it overboard after it’s used. 

If you plan on stopping on an island or taking a beach walk, it is encouraged to keep a stash of doggy bags on board to properly dispose of the waste upon your return to shore. 

To train your dog to use the carpet or turf, rub it against an item like a tree or telephone pole that another dog has recently relieved themselves on to get their scent on the carpet. The scent from the other dog will encourage your dog to go. 

Place the carpet or turf on your boat, show your dog the location, and your dog will do the rest.

How To Keep Your Dog Safe On The Boat

Doggie Life Jacket

One of the biggest concerns for pet owners is keeping their dogs safe on a boat. The key thing for dog safety on the water is to have a doggie life jacket.

The life jacket should be put on your dog on the dock and should stay on the entire time your pet is on the boat or in the water. 

Not all dogs are good swimmers and it is possible for some dogs to be overwhelmed by the boat or rough waters. Some dogs may attempt to jump off the boat when overwhelmed by sights or smells.

It is important they are protected in case of injury or if the dog has to swim for an extended period of time.

Hypothermia can be another concern that can limit your dog’s ability to swim. Also, in the event, a dog becomes scared or panics it can easily drown a person trying to stay afloat.

For these reasons, it is critical that your dog wear a properly fitted life jacket at all times while on the boat.

To determine the proper fit for a life jacket, center the jacket on their back while standing. Secure all straps and buckles. Once the life jacket is properly fitted, you should be able to slip two fingers between the jacket and your dog.

Having a life jacket for your dog can also help you quickly spot them in the water, as they usually come in bright colors. This is important for making sure your dog stays away from any moving propellers. 

Life jackets also typically come with handles attached along the dog’s back, to help you hold onto them and lift them out of the water.

Be sure to get one that is the correct size for your dog to ensure adequate flotation.

Sunscreen

Believe it or not, dogs can get sunburned too. The main area of concern is their nose, but dogs can also get burned on their ears, bellies, and any areas with thin or no hair. Dogs with pink skin and white fur are the most susceptible, but any dog can get burned.

You can get sunscreen for your dog in the form of a spray or a balm. Given that dogs don’t like to have things sprayed on their face, using the balm is recommended if you are only worried about their nose or ears. For larger areas, use the spray. 

For dogs who won’t tolerate either method or need a lot of coverage, try either a sun shirt or a cooling vest. Both should cover the entire length of your dog.

A cooling vest or cooling mat can be used with ice packs to help keep your dog comfortable while out on the boat as well. 

First Aid Kit

Given that accidents can happen on boats, and some dogs are prone to motion sickness, it’s never a bad idea to take a first aid kit with you. Some basics to include are motion sickness medicine, anti-diarrheal medicine, and an anti-inflammatory for dogs that has been approved by your vet. 

Also, be sure to include multi-sized bandages, antibacterial cream or rinse, a styptic pencil to stop bleeding, and an old sock and tape to protect an injured paw. You should consult your vet as well for other items to include. 

How To Tell If Your Dog Doesn’t Like Being On The Boat

Not all dogs like water and not all dogs like boats. If you suspect that your dog might not be enjoying themselves, look for some of these signs of anxiety.

Panting and pacing, cowering in a corner or small place, shivering, excessive licking or chewing, restlessness, and urinating more than usual.

Should you see any of these signs, check on your dog immediately and head back to the dock. 

Other Things To Consider Before Taking A Dog Onboard

• Does your dog like water?
• Will your dog try to jump off the boat?
• Is your dog scared of water and/or boats?
• Are there any local boating laws pertaining to dogs that you should be aware of?
• Does your dog get motion sick?
• Is your dog prone to overheating?
• Will your dog jump in to save you if you go swimming?

While boating with your dog can be a blast, remember that your dog’s safety and comfort should always be a top priority!

Final Thoughts

With a little planning and forethought, a day on the water with your best friend can go swimmingly.

Use the above tips to prepare for a safe day on the water that you both can enjoy and look forward to again. 

Next summer the only “look” your dog should be giving you is one of eagerness as you pull up with the boat!