The sailing experience with our little friends and family is what makes us feel whole as persons. Our furry buddies don’t really pay attention to the place they live in as long as they’re together with their family. But the same thing that applies to children goes also for dogs; proper care and attention while sailing. Most of the time it is possible to bring your furry friend aboard but you should keep in mind some things that will facilitate the voyage both for you and for your furry buddy. So, continue reading this article and learn the most essential tips for taking your dog sailing with you!

First things First – Safety

For some dogs, it’s easy to jump in the water, while for others it’s just unbearable! So, before making any move and taking your dog on board think if he can get through it. There are dogs that can’t easily adapt to the boating lifestyle and need to go back home. Otherwise, a great idea is to start swimming lessons with your dog. This way he’ll get familiarized with the water and eventually he’s going to like it. Swimming lessons should be conducted in a shallow area where you can walk beside your dog and ensure he feels comfortable. In case he’s timid there is specially designed equipment for dogs. This allows him to float on top of the water and get used to the idea of being in the water. Lastly, just like a child, you shouldn’t leave your dog unattended in the water.

Life Jacket and First-Aid Kit

Buying a doggie lifejacket or vest is a must to keep your dog safe. Life jackets provide floatation, and neoprene models are quite warm if you’re sailing in cold waters. Dogs’ life jackets have side handles to grab him in case he needs some support. Also, avoid grabbing him by the collar and use the handles on the lifejacket instead. Above all, don’t forget to be equipped with a pet first-aid kit on your sailboat. Like this, you’ll prevent scratches, infections, etc from happening. The pet first-aid kit must contain an antibiotic ointment, gauzes, bandages, cotton balls, adhesive tape, hydrogen peroxide, milk of magnesia, thermometer, tweezers, and syringes. Here are quite a few dog life jackets available on Amazon.

Walking your Dog

Getting your dog out of the boat and walk him on the mainland as much as possible is a must thing to do. Even if your dog likes being on board you should never skip his walks when you get the chance to moor or anchor in a bay. If he’s fine getting in the dinghy then it will be much easier to take him to the nearest coast for a short walk. Always try to walk with your dog before you set sail so as to ensure his calm behavior onboard. Furthermore, let him off the leash if you trust him not to jump. Dogs won’t jump from a moving boat unless they’re inexperienced. Otherwise, he’ll just be curious, want to walk around and relax onboard.

Preparation and Planning

If you’re sailing to many different countries then you should always plan beforehand. This is because each country has its own requirements for dog entry. So, before even setting sail always plan and prepare your voyage accordingly. Check the below-mentioned requirements that are usually necessary before entering a country.

1. Health certificate approved by a licensed veterinarian
2. Pet Passport for EU countries
3. International microchip
4. Rabies vaccination
5. Flea and tick treatment

Potty Train your Dog

I know that taking your dog for a walk to do his business is a difficult thing to do for sailing. So, plan frequent stops on the mainland every now and then, or use a special place for him on deck, if you can’t stop frequently. A special area for your dog to do his business is a fake-grass mat which you can place in the cockpit or on the bow. It’s essential to potty train your dog before setting sail. An everyday training along with his normal walk will start making him feel more familiarized with the idea of the potty mat. In order for the potty mat to get your dog’s smell, you could take some of his “smell” deliberately and put it on the mat. Last but not least, be patient and always reward your buddy when he achieves every step of the training.

Routines are Important for our Dogs

Following a routine for your furry buddy will help him be more at ease while sailing. This is not just related to the potty routine. It’s about how and when he eats and exercises. There are different routines you can establish depending on your location, i.e. when moored, anchored, or at sea. If sometimes happens and you need to slightly change the routine it’s all right but try not to do it often. For instance, while you’re at sea your dog will exercise less and thus won’t need the same amount of food and calories to consume. However, when you’re moored or anchored and you’ve been walking him for a while or swimming, then he should eat the amount of food he usually eats. Lastly, remember that dogs have a concept of order instead of time and that’s why you should try and stick to their routines.

Toys & Treats

During your sailing voyage, it’s essential to bring your dog’s favorite treats and toys. Like this, he’ll feel at home and will be more comfortable. Even if he’s playing on the beach or swimming a lot, he should have his favorite toys, bones, and treats to distract him sometimes while you’re driving the boat. Lastly, bring along plenty of his favorite brands that you might not find in certain destinations.

Carpet, Towels, and Extras

Don’t forget to bring his favorite carpet on board. You can place it in the cockpit area so as to ensure a solid footing for your dog. Some decks might be quite slippery while others like fiberglass nonskid decks can provide a safe footing. Also, take one towel to wipe him up after saltwater and another one for sweet water use. In addition, bring sunscreen, his bowls, and all items that he regularly used while at home. When making your list, remember to take his food, water, bowl, puppy pads, bones, and toys. 

Keep Him Cool and Warm

Always make sure to provide your dog a shady area on deck with a bimini or with a DIY shadow. Furthermore, choose a stable bowl for water and remember to fill it up as soon as he drinks it. Overheating and dehydration are serious issues and you don’t want them happening. Take good care of your dog and buy him a cooling vest and cooling mat especially if you’re sailing in warmer climates. If you’re sailing to Northern countries then make sure to equip your boat with a heater, many blankets, and a comfy well-designed self-heating bed where you can put on the deck or in the cockpit area.

How to Take Your Dog Sailing – The Bottom Line

As you can see, having your furry buddy aboard is not that hard. You just have to plan ahead, train him, and prepare him and yourself so as to enjoy your sailing voyage. For dogs, being on the water goes somehow against their instincts and that’s why you should prepare them beforehand. However, don’t push his limits! There are dogs that can’t adapt at all to live in a sailboat. Plan short walks to the marina, slowly getting him in and out of the boat, put his potty mat, favorite toys, and blanket on board. If you have a big dog then think about putting a ramp so as to facilitate him for getting in and out of the boat. Last but not least, dogs are like children they require attention, some training, and of course, love and care. Wish you a pleasant woof-woof sailing voyage!