More and more people today decide to adopt a pet and certainly sea lovers are no exception. But how to behave with our faithful four-legged life partner when you decide to take him with you for a boat trip?
As for humans, even for dogs and cats the first boat experience may not always be pleasant and it is therefore right to take some precautions.
Here are some tips and advice to ensure that the experience is enjoyable for both us and our furry friend.
When a puppy it is easier to get the pet used
It is useless to deny it. Getting your pet used to be on a boat from an early age is a huge advantage over trying to train an adult dog.
In fact, the shepherd dog rule applies: no dog is born a sheep flock’s shepherd but if he born and grows up with them, he will be more inclined to defend and guide them as part of his family.
This reasoning can also be applied to the coexistence rules on a boat. In fact, the more your puppy will feel comfortable in that environment, the better he will respond to your teachings. But how can this be achieved?
First of all, introduce your dog to the boat, gradually, perhaps with first visiting only the port, spending a few hours with the puppy onboard, and letting him smell everything.
Linked to this aspect, it is also useful to let the puppy always find his own things by creating his own familiar space.
Then it is a good idea to organize short sail trips to understand what his reactions are. It is also useful to make him swim with you around the boat trying to teach him to get on and off. Be careful not to force him too much because you could get the opposite effect, fear. Dogs are indeed excellent swimmers but, like all of us, they take their time.
On these occasions, it is also good to make sure that the dog does not suffer from seasickness. Generally, if get him used as a puppy, he will be easily immune to it.
A different kind of speech should be made for cat friends instead. Whether they are puppies or adults, it is well known that felines do not like water or even the environment changing as they are habitual animals fond of their home.
With cats it will therefore be more difficult, but surely not impossible.
Pet training is always necessary before sailing
When we introduce a pet in an environment that is sometimes crowded, such as the port or the pier where our boat is moored, it is basic to be in control of the situation and that our friend knows how to behave, respecting any order is given to him. Having to deal with an uncontrollable dog chasing people left and right definitely does not put us or others at ease.
Even onboard it is essential that he knows how to respect some simple rules such as staying still until your next command. It seems trivial but a dog running and playing around you and the boat during certain navigation moments can be really dangerous.
Sailing with pets: safety always comes first
Even if you think yours is the best swimming dog in the world, it is always good not to underestimate the pitfalls that the open sea can hold. Our advice is to make your dog (or cat) wear a life jacket of his size, possibly light, robust, and also colored to facilitate sighting him in the water.
Beware of dehydration
It is important to get your pet used to looking for shade, checking him does not to fall asleep in the sun, or, alternatively, bring him an indoor non-slip mat on which the animal can lie down and rest.
In fact, during the hot and sunny summer days, the risk of animal dehydration is very high.
To avoid this you need to have always available fresh water and make sure that he drinks often. Also, be careful not to let him drink sea (or lake) water which may contain harmful organisms or substances that can cause disease.
Finally, after a swim it is good practice to rinse our friend with fresh water, washing off the salt from the fur.
Sun doesn’t just burn humans
Closely related to dehydration is sunburn. If you think that their fur protects them from the sun’s rays, you are wrong. Even if your pet is a long-haired breed, the sun can cause him painful burns, especially to animals with fair skin and fur.
It is important to have a dog sunscreen (do not use the one for men!) and spread it on his nose and ears, applying it after any swimming.
How to deal with pets “needs” while you sail with them
Of course, speaking of animals, we all know that at some point they will need to do poo or pee, and when that moment comes, the place they are located will make no difference to them.
For this reason, it is necessary, in case of short trips, to give them the opportunity to do their business before boarding.
On the other hand, when planning an entire day at sea, it is a good idea to carry everything you need with you such as paper towels and garbage bags rather than a small piece of carpet or plastic cat litter.
Pay attention: it is strictly forbidden to throw the droppings of your pets into the sea.
We leave you with a final consideration. Whatever your pet is, once in the sea, avoid turning it into a kind of attraction or toy to entertain you and your family or friends. Always respect his dignity as an animal and he will respect you, growing up in a healthy way and without fears for the nautical life.
Contact now YBH Charter Brokers:
You can contact us by sending an email at ask@yourboatholiday.com or by phone, calling +39 33436 00997, available also on WhatsApp for both calls and texting.
Sailing with Pets: get your best furry friend with you just following some easy rules!
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