Outside temperatures suggest that the boater season is just behind the corner. Many people take their family and children on a water adventure. Some boaters even take their four-legged friends along. What can you do to make sure your trip goes smoothly? Let's take a look at what you shouldn't forget when going on a boating trip.
First, find out how your pet reacts to water before you go on the trip. Some dogs feel at home in the water, but others may not be as proficient swimmers and may be afraid of water. So before you go ride the river, you must get your dog familiar with water and canoe or raft. First, take a ride on calm water and find out how your dog reacts to it. Always let him go back to shore so he's not afraid. When the dog gets used to the rocking of the boat, he will view the situation as normal and will not perceive it as dangerous. You should also teach him to sit or lie still in the boat, especially if it's a larger breed, otherwise all it would take is a fast movement from one side to the other and you will be in the water.
If your dog is not a proficient swimmer, there are several life jackets for dogs on the market. They differ in quality and price. I think taking the middle road is a good idea. Some dogs don't like vests, so it's better to go when you are sure your partner can handle it. However, you should never dress your dog in a vest designed for people; it doesn’t fit anatomically and restricts their movement. It's also better to ride down weirs without the dog on board, and you should choose days that aren't too hot in consideration of your pet. Excessive heat on the water can be truly unbearable for dogs, and they can easily overheat. A cooling pad or vest can also be a good helper on a boat.
You should pack a leash, of course, and a muzzle, which you will especially need at the campsite. You should also pack drinking water so your dog doesn't need to drink river water the whole time. And don't forget dog food. Collapsible bowls that easily fit into a bag are very practical. It's also nice to bring some treats along. After all, your four-legged pet deserves to be rewarded for handling the boat so well. The bottom of a canoe will not be very comfortable, so I recommend bringing your dog a comfortable bed, but you could also use an old folded ground pad that doesn't mind water.
Many boaters say how great riding the river with their dog is. Your trip gets a new dimension where your pet meets new people and you have fun. Of course, it does mean a bit of extra trouble. You have to make more stops to let your pet run around and go potty. But that's a small price to pay for enriching each other with moments spent together and fun. :)
Did you ever take your dog on a boat? Do you have any other tips?
When one says a mini breed, most of you will immediately think of a Chihuahua. And it’s not surprising, its the smallest dog breed in the world. They are popular abroad as well as in the Czech Republic and they are often picked by people whose desire...
The Ragdoll, a cat which reminds you of a dog with its behaviour, was in the top three favourite breeds among keepers in 2017. At the worldwide scale, it is on the second place, right after the Maine Coon. The Ragdoll is a very cuddly pet which is into...
Cats have always been regarded as mystical animals with many mysteries. One of them might be the question why these creatures like sitting in a circle so much.
You might be asking why should a cat learn to walk on a leash in the first place? It doesn’t mean you should go hiking with your cat. However, a short walk might be a great adventure for your cat. And you can’t do that without a leash, especially in a...
Keeping an eye on the weight no longer concerns only us, the two-legged creatures. Vets deal with overweight and obese pets more and more often. Most often, it applies to dogs and cats, but even rodents can easily suffer from obesity. How to prevent...
Toxins are accumulated in body during winter and spring is therefore the best season for detoxification. Everything awakens and people purify their bodies so why shouldn’t we involve our closest companions to it?
The fact that it’s no problem to go for a journey across the whole continent (or even the whole world) together with your pet is well-known to the owners of three cat travellers – Bengal cat Suki, courageous cat Wilow and fearless tom cat Simon. They...
One of my New Year’s resolutions this year was to be more active. A dog is a great companion for an active life. What is a healthy level of exercising with a dog?
These portions seem so small, shouldn’t I give my dog more? And should the dry food be dipped or not? And how many times a day should I feed my dog? And should I supplement the food by something? When should we switch to adult dog food? This is only a...
Do you know how to properly behave with your furry friends in national parks and protected nature areas? Are you sick of all the trash in city parks? And are you considering what you should do to be a more eco-friendly dog owner? You can also...
Siberian Husky is an amazing dog breed. It is a very active dog. Agile, strong and distinctive. That’s why many mushers use them to pull their sledges. It is said that all dogs who like pulling are suitable for a dog sled, but a Siberian Husky really...
Domestic cats don’t go outside as often as dogs and you have to prepare them for travelling. However, they won’t avoid visiting a vet or travelling to a cottage from time to time.
