Boating with Bonzo

Riding in the bow of the boat, wind whipping up all kinds of good smells, hair blowing in the breezeā€¦no wonder dogs like to go out boating with you! Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind.

1. Regardless of whether or not you bring the dog, DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE. It’s just as dangerous in a boat as it is in a car, and your dog needs you to come home tonight.

2. Keep an eye on your dog, especially while the boat is moving. If he falls overboard, he had a good chance of getting nipped by the propeller.

3. Try a short trip first, to see if your dog enjoys it. If he’s scared, plan to leave him home next time.

4. Use a personal flotation device, even if your dog is a good swimmer. He may not know his limitations and may become tired before he makes it back to the boat. Try to find a PFD that has a handle on the back, allowing you to lift the dog out of the water.

5. Provide shade so the dog does not get overheated. If you have a hairless dog, use sunscreen.

6. Provide stable footing for the dog by laying a piece of carpet or a rubber mat over a fiberglass deck.

7. Make sure your dog has a legible ID tag and / or a microchip, in case you get separated from him.

Enjoy the lake!

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!

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