If you’re like us, you love your dog and want to take him or her everywhere. (You’ll often see our pup, Charlie, greeting guests at Cannons!) And of course, that includes boating.

That said, taking your dog out on the water is a lot like boating with children. You’ll need the proper equipment and preparation to ensure your pups have a good time and stay safe.

Here’s what to know:

Bring the right equipment.

That includes the following:

• A water bowl and fresh drinking water.
• Treats and food if they need to eat while you are out.
• A collar with ID tags and a leash.
• A doggie life jacket that fits properly.
• Toys to keep them entertained.
• A “bed” or some place that they can rest comfortably out of the sun or weather.

Let your pup relieve himself before you head out

Before you climb aboard, give your dog a moment to relieve themselves, and have a plan for where and when they will be able to go again while you’re out on the water.

Have a plan for getting safely on and off the boat

If you plan to take your dog off the boat at another dock or on land, such as a sandbar, have a plan for how they will safely get off and back on the boat.

Go slowly at first

Some dogs get nervous—so the first time you take your dog boating, go slow and make the trip short. This will get them acquainted with the boat and its movements and give you an opportunity to see how they react to the experience. Designate one person to care for your dog during the trip so your pup isn’t left unattended.

Keep your pup in a safe place

Pick a good place for your dog to sit or stand while the boat is moving. Do not allow your dog to stand on the edge of the bow or gunwale of the boat—this is not safe. One unexpected wave, or another boat’s wake, can throw your dog off the boat. Keep your pup safely and securely inside the boat–if your dog is too close to the side of the boat, she may try to jump off while the boat is in motion. In both situations you risk injury to your dog, and if this happens, you must act quickly to turn the boat around and get your dog safely back on board. One way to prevent this is to keep your dog on their leash when on the boat—especially if they are new to boating.

Fit your furry friend with a lifejacket

The truth is, not all dogs can swim and even those that can aren’t all great swimmers. Additionally, water or weather conditions can cause problems, even for a pet that is typically a strong swimmer. That’s why a dog lifejacket is so important. Pet life jackets are designed to keep the animal afloat in a horizontal swimming position. The pet life jacket also serves as a retrieval device should your pet fall overboard. Here are tips for getting a great fit for your boating buddy:

• Make sure the life jacket fits securely. It’s best to check the fit in the store before you buy.
• Ensure the jacket has lifting handles to make retrieving your pet safer and easier.
• Check to see where straps and buckles fall to make sure they won’t cause your pet any discomfort.
• Choose a bright color to make it easier to spot your dog in the water.

Keep heat safety top of mind

If it’s a hot day, provide a shady spot where they can get out of the heat, and be sure to provide them plenty of fresh, cool water. You’ll also want to be aware that the deck of your boat or the sand on the beach may be too hot for the pads of their feet. You can address this by using your wash down hose to wet the deck and when on the beach, walk along the edge of the water.  (P.S. Here are tips to keep you and your human friends safe in the heat!)

When properly introduced to boating, your dog will have a fantastic time on your water adventures. Take time to prepare properly so everyone will have a great day!