Pets on Boats How-to Guide

By Mathew Channer

There’s no question that boating adventures are even more enjoyable when we bring our furry friends along, both for us and for them. Whenever I go out in the bowrider, my Alaskan Malamute, Nya, runs straight up front, her ears tucked flat against the wind as we race across the lake. My mother and Kira, her golden retriever, spent 18 months sailing up the US eastern seaboard. Back home, my father’s Jack Russell Terrier, Sparky, is first mate on his liveaboard catamaran, where he keeps a watchful eye for any birds trying to land on the rigging.

Animals have lived on vessels alongside humans for centuries, either as mascots or, in the case of cats, to protect food supplies from vermin. While today it’s most common to see dogs on the water, I’ve met many other sea-going pets, most recently a blue-and-gold Macaw. But bringing your pet onto your boat, whether for a day trip or a long voyage, is not as easy as simply throwing them onboard and letting them figure it out. While some take to it naturally, many will need time and patience while they adjust, and it’s important to make sure your pet is both comfortable and safe before zooming off at max RPM.

To get expert insight into the dos and don’ts of bringing pets onto a boat, Canadian Boating magazine spoke with Dr Kyla Wuhr, Director of Veterinary Services at Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital and SPCA Nova Scotia, who told us everything boaters need to know about heading out onto the water with their fluffy friends.

FIRST STEPS

Let your pet get familiar with your vessel:

Any size and type of vessel will be a new and unfamiliar experience for your pet, smaller boats in particular. According to Dr Wuhr, the best way to help them adjust to this new environment is to be patient, let them explore at their own pace, and introduce things step by step. You can do this by introducing them to the boat while it’s securely docked with the engine off. Once they’re comfortable onboard, start the engine and repeat the process of letting them get familiar with this new change. Provided they don’t become alarmed by the motor, make sure their first trip is short and easy to help them have a positive experience and prepare them for a longer journey later on. Most importantly, remember that each animal will be different. You might find your pet is nervous and needs a few of these experiences before they’re comfortable in this new environment, or they might leap in and be ready to go straight away!

Tip: Treats can be a great way to help your pet feel good about boating.

“If your pet has a favorite treat that they love, love, love, if you reserve that treat and they only get that treat when they’re on the boat, they will make that connection,” Dr Wuhr said

Know your pet’s characteristics.

Giving your pet time to get used to your boat is an important first step, but it’s also important to pay attention to how your pet behaves onboard. Being attentive to the signs your pet gives you can mean the difference between them growing to love boating adventures or disliking boats for the rest of their life. Dr Wuhr lists excessive panting, drooling and pacing as clear signs of distress, meaning that the pet is either feeling unwell or is uncomfortable being onboard.

“Every pet is different,” she said. “Some pets will enjoy it and adjust, and unfortunately, some pets may not adjust to boat life and that’s ok. In those cases, those pets are probably happier to be left at home.”

Tip: As well as their unique personality, dogs will respond to your boat and the water very differently according to their breed. Read up on their breed so you know what to expect.

PET SAFETY AND COMFORT ON THE WATER

Everyone wants to have a fun and safe time on the water, pets included. And the easiest way to achieve this, according to Dr Whur, is to plan in advance.

“The biggest mistake people can make is not being prepared,” she said.

Fortunately, these days, there are many great products for pet safety on the water. Getting the right equipment for your pet before their first voyage is an important step in making sure they have a great time and get home safe and sound to do it again. Remember, if your pet gets caught in a dangerous situation, you might have to risk your own life to save them. The safer your pet is, the safer you are too!

Dr Wuhr says planning ahead for comfort is also important and recommends bringing a blanket your pet can lie on and a familiar toy or two.  

Pet floatation devices

While some dogs and cats are great swimmers, others are not. Nobody wants their pet to end up in the water by mistake, but it can and does happen. PFDs save lives, and they can save your pet’s life too. There are many options available for dog and cat floatation devices, and doing some research before purchasing is important to make sure you get the right solution for your pet. Once you’ve decided, Dr Wuhr recommends giving your pet time to get comfortable in their new gear. First, ensure it fits correctly, isn’t too tight or loose, and allows for freedom of movement. Before getting on the water, let them try it on land for a few minutes at a time, using treats to make it enjoyable. Then encourage them to try swimming while wearing it. Once they’re used to it, they’re ready for a voyage!

*Tip: Always choose a pet floatation device with handles, which can help you lift small or medium-sized pets out of the water.

Pet overboard!

Nobody wants to see their pet accidentally go over the side, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan for it. Knowing in advance how to rescue your pet if this happens helps you feel confident having them onboard and will potentially save their life. There are many innovative ways to bring your pet out of the water, including self-rescue. For example, a strip of carpet hung over the transom when anchored is a great way to help your cat get itself back onboard. For dogs, you can buy a handy inflatable ramp to bring your pooch back onboard after any deliberate or accidental swim.

Heat and sun exposure

We all know it can get hot on a boat, and if you’re hot, your pet is too.

“People often don’t realize that pets can easily overheat in direct sunlight, much quicker than people,” Dr Wuhr said. “If you’re boating with your pet, you need to provide shade for them.”

This might mean putting your Bimini top up, letting your pet stay cool in the saloon area, or creating shade another way. This is especially important for white- haired and short-haired dogs and cats, which quickly get sunburned and are more prone to skin cancers (the tips of the nose and ears are particularly sensitive. If there’s a chance your pet could get sunburned, bring along some pet-friendly sunscreen to prevent this. Hot decks can also be a factor, so lay down some carpet or rubber matting to protect your pet’s paws.

Finally, make sure you have plenty of water, enough for you and your pet, so that everyone stays hydrated throughout the day. Although Canada is abundant with fresh water, it isn’t always safe to drink for our animals. Blue-green Algae blooms are prevalent in Canadian waterways, and its highly toxic to pets when consumed. If you’re heading out for the day, make sure you have a water bowl and enough water for your pet for the entire voyage, and discourage them from drinking lake and river water.

Seasickness

Just like people, some pets will get seasick while others won’t. If your pet gets motion sickness in the car, it’s more likely to experience it on a boat. Signs to look out for include excessive panting and drooling. If you think your pet may get seasick on a vessel, Dr Wuhr recommends speaking with your veterinarian beforehand about seasickness medication.

Fishing gear and other dangers

A few years ago, my housemate’s golden labrador puppy swallowed a baited hook and had to be immediately rushed into surgery. He survived, with a cool tummy scar to show his friends, but it was a close call. Whatever activities you love to do on your boat, make sure they’re safe for your pet too. Fishing gear is clearly dangerous, but not every risk is so obvious. Always think about your pet when you’re onboard and try to make things as safe as possible for them. Don’t leave your deck cluttered with things they could trip over. Don’t leave hatches open for them to fall into. And save the donuts and wave-jumping for the days they’re not onboard.

Toilet breaks

It took my dad’s dog nearly two years to get used to going to the bathroom on his liveaboard catamaran. While most pets only go out for day trips, that doesn’t mean you should just make them hold it all day. Make sure you plan a bathroom break (this is also a good opportunity for them to run around and stretch their legs). If you’re thinking about bringing your pet on an extended voyage, there are many great options for pet toilets available. Like their safety gear, Dr Wuhr suggests owners give their pets a chance to get comfortable with their new bathroom routine before expecting them to do it on a voyage. Be patient and encouraging, and remember they’ve been doing it the same way their entire life. Changing up the habit is going to take time!

Tip: Using treats is a great way to reward your pet for using a new toilet correctly and encouraging them to do it again.

Get ready to go!

Pets are some of our best friends, and boating days are some of our best memories. Of course we want to combine them! If you’re thinking about bringing your pet on the water, start preparing now. (It’s never too early to get them used to wearing their lifejacket!) With the right approach, the right gear, and the right attitude, you and your pet will stay safe, have a great time, and make some best friend boating memories next season.

Dr Kyla Wuhr grew up in a boating family on Grand Lake, New Brunswick. She graduated from University of Prince Edward Island in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science, and in 2005 earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI.