Summer Safety: Keeping Pets Safe on Boats and Docks

Summer sunshine, sparkling water, and the gentle rocking of a boat – it’s a combination many people dream of. And for pet owners, sharing these moments with our furry companions makes them even better. Taking your dog or even an adventurous cat out on the water can be fantastic fun, but it requires extra planning and vigilance. Boats and docks present unique environments with potential hazards that aren’t found in your average backyard. Ensuring your pet’s safety is paramount to making those summer boating memories happy ones. Before you even think about casting off, preparation is key. Not all pets are natural seafarers. Consider your animal’s temperament. Are they generally calm or easily stressed by new environments and noises? A nervous pet might find the engine noise, the movement of the boat, and the wide-open water overwhelming. It’s often wise to introduce your pet to the boat while it’s still docked. Let them sniff around, get used to the feeling under their paws, and associate it with positive experiences like treats and praise. Short, stationary visits can build confidence before you attempt a full outing.

Getting Ready for the Voyage

Just like you pack essentials for yourself, your pet needs a dedicated boat bag. What should be in it?

• Life Vest: This is non-negotiable. Even strong swimmers can get disoriented, tired, or injured if they fall overboard unexpectedly. Choose a brightly colored vest specifically designed for pets, ensuring it fits snugly but comfortably. Look for one with a sturdy handle on the back – this makes it much easier to lift your pet back onto the boat or dock if needed. Let your pet wear it a few times at home first so they get accustomed to it.
• Fresh Water and Bowl: Boat decks get hot, and the sun is intense on the water. Pets can dehydrate quickly. Avoid letting them drink lake, river, or saltwater, as these can contain bacteria, parasites, or cause stomach upset (saltwater can even be toxic in large amounts). Bring plenty of fresh water from home and a non-spill bowl.
• Shade: Boats offer limited shade. If your boat doesn’t have a canopy or covered area, plan to create some shade for your pet using towels, umbrellas, or a pop-up crate strategically placed out of the main traffic areas.
• Pet-Safe Sunscreen: Yes, pets can get sunburned too, especially those with light-colored fur, short coats, or pink noses and ears. Apply pet-safe sunscreen to vulnerable areas, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Check with your vet for recommended brands.
• Leash and Collar/Harness: Even if your pet stays close, a leash is essential for safety on the dock and sometimes even briefly on the boat, especially during docking or in rough water. Ensure their collar or harness has up-to-date identification tags. A harness is often better than a collar on a boat, as it distributes pressure more evenly if you need to lift or restrain your pet quickly.
• First-Aid Kit: A basic pet first-aid kit should include essentials like antiseptic wipes, gauze, self-adhering bandages, tweezers (for ticks or splinters), and any specific medications your pet needs. Know the number and location of the nearest veterinary clinic in the area you’ll be boating.
• Towels: For drying off a wet pet or providing a cooler surface to lie on.
• Waste Bags: Always clean up after your pet, both on the boat and on shore.

Safety While Underway

Once you’re out on the water, constant supervision is crucial. Never leave your pet unattended on the deck, even for a moment. A sudden wave, an unexpected noise, or the lure of a passing bird could cause them to slip or jump overboard. Keep Them Secure: Designate a safe spot for your pet while the boat is moving, ideally away from edges and high-traffic areas. Some owners use a comfortable crate or tether their pet loosely with their harness and leash to a secure point in the center of the boat, ensuring the leash isn’t long enough for them to reach the edge. However, tethering requires caution – ensure they cannot get tangled or pulled if the boat lurches. Watch the Heat: Boat surfaces, especially fiberglass and vinyl, can become incredibly hot under the summer sun, potentially burning your pet’s paws. Check the deck temperature with your own hand or foot. Provide a wet towel or cooling mat for them to lie on. Ensure they always have access to shade and fresh water. Panting is normal, but excessive, frantic panting, drooling, lethargy, or unsteadiness are signs of heatstroke, a serious emergency.

Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency for pets. Signs include excessive panting, thick drool, vomiting, stumbling, bright red gums, and collapse. If you suspect heatstroke, immediately move your pet to the coolest, shadiest area possible, wet them thoroughly with cool (not ice-cold) water, focusing on paws and belly, and get to a veterinarian without delay. Never leave your pet unattended in a hot, unventilated space on the boat.

Going Overboard: Have a plan for what to do if your pet falls in the water. First, immediately cut the engine to avoid propeller injury. Keep your eyes fixed on your pet’s location. Circle back slowly, approaching them from downwind or down-current. Use the handle on their life vest to lift them back aboard. Having two people makes this much easier – one to maneuver the boat and one to retrieve the pet. Practice this maneuver in calm conditions if possible.

Dockside Dangers

Docks present their own set of challenges. They can be crowded, noisy, and slippery. Gaps between planks can trap paws or claws, leading to injury. Fishing hooks, lines, and spilled fuel or chemicals can also be present.

Navigating the Dock

Leash Up: Always keep your pet on a short leash when walking on docks. This prevents them from jumping or falling into the water, getting tangled in mooring lines, or bothering other boaters or anglers. Mind the Gap: Be extremely cautious of the gaps between the dock and your boat, as well as gaps between dock planks. Carry small pets across these gaps if necessary, and guide larger dogs carefully, teaching them to jump across on command if appropriate and safe. Surface Check: Wooden docks can have splinters, and metal docks can get dangerously hot. Check the surface before letting your pet walk or lie down. Floating docks can also be unsteady, which might frighten some animals. Watch for Hazards: Scan the dock area for potential dangers like discarded fishing gear (hooks, lures, line), sharp objects, loose ropes, fuel spills, and cleaning chemicals. Keep your pet away from these items. Loading and Unloading: This is often the trickiest part. Ensure the boat is securely moored before allowing your pet on or off. Have one person dedicated to handling the pet while another manages the boat lines. Use a ramp if available and your pet is trained to use it. Otherwise, lift smaller pets or guide larger ones carefully, ensuring they have good footing.

Additional Considerations

Swimming: While many dogs love to swim, don’t assume yours does or that they are safe doing so unsupervised from a boat. Even dogs that swim well in pools might struggle with currents, waves, or obstacles in open water. Always supervise swimming, keep them relatively close to the boat or shore, and ensure they wear their life vest. Be aware of potential underwater hazards like submerged rocks or debris. Fishing: If you plan to fish with your pet aboard, be extra careful with hooks, lures, and fishing line. Keep tackle boxes securely closed and store baited hooks well out of reach. A hook injury can be serious and require veterinary attention. Seasickness: Pets can get seasick too. Signs include excessive drooling, yawning, whining, vomiting, and lethargy. If your pet is prone to motion sickness, talk to your vet about potential remedies before your trip. Keeping trips short initially and boating in calm conditions can help.

Check local regulations before you go. Some waterways, marinas, or parks may have specific rules regarding pets on boats or docks. Familiarize yourself with any leash laws or restricted areas. Being a responsible pet owner includes respecting these rules and ensuring your pet doesn’t disturb wildlife or other people.

Boating with your furry first mate can create unforgettable summer adventures. It simply requires awareness, preparation, and prioritizing their safety at every step. From the moment you step onto the dock until you’re safely back on land, keeping a watchful eye and providing for their needs ensures the experience is enjoyable and secure for everyone involved. Happy and safe boating!