Taking your Dog Boating

Your dog is an important part of your family and it’s only natural that you’d want to take them with you to every experience and opportunity you can. While some environments are not dog-friendly, there’s no reason to think taking your dog on the water wouldn’t be a great idea.

But before you dive in head first, remember that your dog has wants and needs of their own and you’ll want to carefully consider your dog’s personality before taking them out on your boat. Are you prepared to attend to all their needs? Are they even ready to hit the water?

To figure that out, L&M Marine has provided you with some of the basic considerations you’ll want to be making before taking your pet boating.

If you decide your dog would enjoy the water as much as you do, but still need a boat of your own, then stop by our location in Stapleton, Alabama. We proudly serve the areas of Mobile and Theodore, Alabama, as well as Pensacola, Florida and Biloxi, Mississippi.

Make Sure They’re Safe and Comfortable around Water

Not all dogs are built for the water. In general, you want to consider what would happen if they fell overboard. Certain breeds are less suited for boating, and you’ll want to take your dog’s age and constitution into consideration. If they’re old or sick, they may not be strong enough to handle being out on the water. Smaller breeds are quicker to develop hypothermia in frigid temperatures. If you’re not sure how well your dog would do, then it’s best to air on the side of caution and leave them at home.

Have an Emergency Plan

Even if your dog is an excellent swimmer, you’ll want to have a plan in place for them if they fall out or jump out of the boat. They may think it’s fun, but getting them back in the boat will be a hassle. You’ll want to have the person they’re most likely to listen to stand at the back of the boat, or wherever it’s easiest to reach them, and call them back. If all else fails or if it looks like they’re struggling to swim back, you may have to be ready to jump in after them.

Bring Supplies

Bring along anything that will make caring for your dog easier and help them be more comfortable. This will include a water bowl and lots of fresh water to keep them hydrated. You may also want to bring some of their favorite toys and treats to lower their anxiety levels. (Don’t overfeed them in case they get seasick.) Finally, even if your dog is a strong swimmer, you’ll want a doggy life jacket in case the waters get rough.

Reconsider Fishing if your Dog isn’t Ready

Fishing brings its own concerns. When you’re out fishing, you need a quiet, calm environment to keep the fish from swimming off. An overly excited dog may be too eager to help you find the best catch and spook the fish. Not to mention, there are a lot of supplies associated with fishing, including sharp hooks. Unless your dog is naturally calm or you’re sure they won’t move around too much, you might want to rethink bringing them along for fishing.

Respect your Dog’s Needs

In general, you’ll want to keep your specific dog’s needs in mind. Give them some time to get used to boating with shorter trips at first. Dogs can get seasick, just like humans, so avoid overfeeding them. If they’re showing signs that they do not like being out on the water, don’t take them out again. Forcing them to like something generally doesn’t work, no matter how much they enjoy being around you.

Everything that we’ve stated should be taken with a grain of salt. It’s important to respect your dog’s individual needs, so some of these suggestions may not apply to your dog, or maybe your dog needs something a little more. Just be open to what they need to enjoy the water as much as you do. If you still need the perfect boat for you and your dog, stop by L&M Marine in Stapleton, Alabama, near Mobile and Theodore. We also serve the areas of Pensacola, Florida and Biloxi, Mississippi.