Dogs on Boats

[RBark]

I may have an opportunity to take Syl out on a boat for a full day. I'm not quite sure how to prepare for this. This would be on a typical boat, sort of like this one:

So there's no compartments to keep her out of the sun. I can simply not bring her, that is an option. However, I'd like to bring her along if possible. Plenty of access to water is a clear one. I'm thinking about a small fabric crate for lots of airflow and cover it with a towel or something.

There won't be any speeding, we're just cruising around fishing, swimming, and docking at shore to cook lunch.

Has anyone taken their dog out like this? Please keep in mind that she will be about 16-18 weeks old at the time. So she'd need extra care that adult dogs may not.

The things that come to mind for me are:

1) Lots of water
2) Sunscreen? For the exposed skin on her nose and muzzle.
3) Bully sticks for when she hangs out in her crate.

Any other stuff that people think I may need? Feel free to bring up even the obvious stuff. Or if you have a reason that this is a bad idea altogether, input would be appreciated. Thanks!

It would not be 16 hours of constant activity. There are going to be many multi-hour stretches of just lying around reading and fishing for her to relax in crate.

Pottying isn't too big a deal. They have had their own dogs along many times, so they are fine with just washing the boat if an accident happens. Syl can potty on command, so I can probably get her to do it on a puppy pad.

Kobe would not be going along, it'd be too warm for him and he doesn't swim to cool off.

 

[Shai]

I'd have her in a lifevest or a sturdy harness (personally I prefer harness in this case but w/e) so that if she somehow goes overboard or off a dock there is something to grab to life her back up.

Otherwise, yeah, just a way to get out of the sun, a way to restrict her movements when needed, food, water, and the opportunity to relieve herself.

 

[RBark]

One of my concerns is overheating. I'm worried there'd be no way to keep her cool for an extended period of time. I'm guessing temperature would be in the 80's at highest. I don't know if this is a valid concern with shade + cool water.

 

[*blackrose]

One of my concerns is overheating. I'm worried there'd be no way to keep her cool for an extended period of time. I'm guessing temperature would be in the 80's at highest. I don't know if this is a valid concern with shade + cool water.

My dogs have always done fine in 70-80* weather. When it starts pushing 90* I get concerned. Since she won't be highly active and will have the opportunity to swim (or get dunked to cool off), those temps wouldn't really even bother me, as long as she has shade and water.

 

[DJEtzel]

With the breeze and temp from the water, plus a crate/towel option to get her out of the sun, I wouldn't be especially concerned about overheating. Plus you can hold her in the water to cool off.

Just make sure you take your camera or we will all hate you.

 

[RBark]

With the breeze and temp from the water, plus a crate/towel option to get her out of the sun, I wouldn't be especially concerned about overheating. Plus you can hold her in the water to cool off.

Just make sure you take your camera or we will all hate you.

It's not set in stone yet.

Thanks for the feedback! I feel more comfortable now. I'm not sure how much a breeze there will be. I was just worried because I've had heat strokes while boating before. That said I had no shade, was sunburned beyond recognition, and didn't use sun lotion, and there was no breeze. So basically, I'm remarkably stupid.

 

[Dizzy]

Deffo harness/life vest.

And perhaps a cool jacket if you're worried about the temp.

 

[JacksonsMom]

With the breeze and temp from the water, plus a crate/towel option to get her out of the sun, I wouldn't be especially concerned about overheating. Plus you can hold her in the water to cool off.

Just make sure you take your camera or we will all hate you.

This. And I'd definitely suggest a life jacket.

 

[release the hounds]

I'd go swimming before hand to make sure your dog is comfortable in water, and ditch the lifejacket. Especially if you're concerned about overheating. Otherwise just keep some shade. Hang a towel from something, dogs will find the shade and lay in it when they're hot.

 

[AlbertaLab]

We boat with our dogs and this is what we bring for them:

-life vests (very handy for getting them back into the boat)
-travel bowl for food/water
-towels
-retrieving toy

Honestly they don't need much. If they get hot, they go for a swim. If they need shade I use the towels to rig something up. They just like to hang out with us and Dio LOVES to watch my dh fish. He gets such a kick out of watching him cast and reel.

 

[Ozfozz]

I'd say in this situation a harness w/ safety lead would be preferable to the lifejacket. Because, as previously mentioned the heat could be a factor.

Aside from that, it sounds like you're pretty set.

Sounds like a very cool opportunity! Mine have only been out in canoes and kayaks with me - a bigger boat would be so much more comfortable!

Also yes, pictures!!

 

[BostonBanker]

I take my two sailing in the summer, but it is a very different set-up, with the cockpit under shade and a full cabin where they can get out of the sun, and where I don't have to worry about them getting overboard.

To be honest, I don't think I'd bring either of my dogs along on a boat ride like you are describing. 16 hours is a LONG time to be out there. Both of my dogs went for <2 hour trips for their first time out. I also would have a hard time relaxing myself if I were busy with the dogs (and they did need a lot of supervision at first, especially Gusto).

I think you do have some good ideas if you feel like you really want to take her. I'd do a wire crate instead of a soft crate (much, much better airflow in wire), and ideally bring a reflective sun shade that still allows airflow. I'd also bring a battery operated fan in case there isn't any breeze and she seems to be having issues with the heat (has she been swimming yet? I wouldn't want my dog's first experience in the water to be me force-dunking her because she was over-heating).

I do well fitted harnesses (make sure they aren't loose!) for both my dogs on the boat; I kept a leash on both at first (and Gusto still wears one if he's really trying to be mobile) so I can snag them easily if they look like they are going to wander too close to the railings for my comfort. Sunblock is a good idea if she has any pink skin.

Since I assume she'll be eating a meal or two out there, I'd also wet her kibble if she gets kibble - just another chance to get more water in her if it is hot.

I might bring along some dog-safe motion sickness meds for such a long day, just to have on hand, if it is something you can get.

If she hasn't been trained on potty pads and that is going to be her only option, I'd use one a few times before to get her used to it. I've never succeeded in getting a dog to pee on the boat, even when I brought a very young, tiny puppy out once.