With Memorial Day weekend on the horizon, many of us are gearing up for boating season! Let’s face it, boating and summer go paw and paw in Minnesota. There’s nothing like racing across the water, wind in your fur, ears flapping in the breeze. Or a quick dip into the cool water in the middle of the lake with your humans. My sisters and I absolutely love going up to Northern MN with our parents, and we spend lots of time on pontoons and fishing boats. It can be a great time, but being unprepared can really put a damper on the festivities. Before you hop on a boat with your family, make sure your humans are ready for a safe voyage:
- Purchase a well-fitting life vest. While life vests are not mandatory for dogs like they are for humans on a vessel, it is definitely a good idea to have one — especially for dogs who don’t spend a lot of time in the water. Choose one that is brightly colored so that it’s easy to spot, and snug enough that Fluffy won’t easily slip out when wet.
- Have a pup overboard plan. Everyone on the boat needs to know what to do in the event that a four-footed friend takes a dive. Every second is crucial, so it’s important that you all know the drill and can spring into action immediately. If you need to turn around because Bruno jumped off while moving, make sure to cut the motor when you get close. Most life vests have handles to hoist out a drenched doggo. Perhaps your boat has steps in the rear by the swim platform…if all else fails, a big fish net can work in a pinch!
- Make sure you have plenty of fresh water and shade available for your pups. You do NOT want your dog to drink from the lake. There can be icky bacteria and other harmful stuff in lake water…. I mean, fish pee in there! A bimini cover for your boat is ideal, but an umbrella can provide much needed shade too! Nothing would ruin an amazing day on the water faster than a pup with heat stroke.
- Bring a leash and plan for potty breaks. Ships have poop-decks, but they aren’t for what you’re thinking… Bouncing around on the waves with a full bladder is not anyone’s idea of a good time. Be respectful at beaches and boat landings, and use appropriate areas for bathroom stops. And please please please clean up after your pet!
- Lastly, put a properly-fitted collar with current ID tags on your pet. Even the most seasoned seadog can get separated from his crew. Make sure your pup’s tags list the cell phone number of someone in the boating party, so they can retrieve their runaway first mate as soon as possible.
I hope you find time to get out and enjoy our beautiful 10,000 lakes! Maybe your land lubber Shih Tzu will enjoy the water so much, he’ll become a true salty dog!
May you have fair winds and following seas,
Linda Lou, the salty Blog Dog
May you have fair winds and following seas,
Linda Lou, the salty Blog Dog
