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Sommerfeld muses: “Would I bring a dog on board again? As much as I love it, I wouldn’t recommend buying a dog to take cruising, but if you already have a dog it’s doable. A dog is family and he’s happiest when he’s with us, and when he is it doesn’t matter where he is. [links]
Cruising with an animal adds a new level to the bureaucractic hurdles of cruising. Their owners admit that Chester and Awa each have more paperwork than their boats. “It’s been quite difficult,” admits Sommerfeld. “Every country has different rules. In Europe it’s easier because there is a European pet passport, but there’s a lot of additional work with the papers and expense with the vaccines, antibiotics and vets’ inspections.”
Chester and Awa’s story is a boating bromance. It’s the touching tale of two inseparable buddies who met through sailing and cruised together on their boats. I met them at the ARC last year: Chester, a big, stocky Canadian and his slight-framed young Spanish friend. They were completely at home on each others’ boats and always hung out together. here
Chester isn’t the only pet on board Next Life. Sommerfeld and Oetter are also cruising with Sparkles, a ten-year-old black and white cat “that’s half blind and we didn’t want to leave him with anyone,” says Sommerfeld. The cat once had a bad experience with a dog on a marina dock and ever after has never left the boat when they’re cruising. However, Chester has to be walked and wants to get off the boat regularly, which means he has to be cleared for animal import in every new country. here
To an extent, their cruising plans have had to be formed around animal import procedures. “Chester already had a rabies vaccination, but that was before he was microchipped, so we had to do that again. He will have to be vaccinated yet again because by the time we get to Bermuda it will be 11 months since it was done and they only accept it up to 10 months. more
Chester, conversely, loves dolphins. They are “his biggest joy,” says Sommerfeld. “He watches for them all the time and by watching him we see a lot more wildlife. He loves trips in the dinghy as well.” here
If you find you pet enjoys boating as much as you do, a dog life jacket can provide your pet with an extra measure of safety. However, your sense of caution and common sense are still your pet’s best friend. [links]
You can find out additional information about dog life jackets by reading our blog, How Safe is That Doggie in the Water?
Taking these four simple tips into consideration can help you make the most of your boating trip. Your dog will enjoy the fresh air and time spent with you and exercising basic safety precautions should ensure a safe and pleasant day out on the lake or at sea. here
While there are no regulations regarding life jackets for pets, a dog life jacket can help keep your pet safe while aboard your boat or around any body of water. here
The second thing you should do is not to encourage your dog to drink water from the lake or sea. Freshwater lakes are often contaminated from factories and boats and contain harmful organisms so never allow your dog to drink water from a lake. Take fresh drinking water with you on your trip and give that to your dog. As the atmosphere out on sea can be hot and dry, your dog is at risk of getting dehydrated so make sure there is ample drinking water available to him at all times. more
The fourth and final thing you should put into consideration is that your dog will need to relieve himself somewhere. Take plenty of doggie waste bags and paper towels with you on your trip as well as an odor neutralizer to clean up after your dog. If you can train your dog to use puppy pads this is ideal as it will make cleaning up after the dog much easier. Clean up after your dog immediately to reduce the risk of feces born diseases and odor. here
This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
This article has been viewed 8,108 times. here
Taking your dog on a boat ride can be enjoyable for both you and your pup. However, in order for you both to have a wonderful experience, you need to prepare so that your dog is safe on that boat. This includes understanding what you need to do to keep your dog safe while it is on the boat. With a little bit of preparation and some awareness while on board, you and your dog can have a wonderful time floating the day away. [links]
If you have a dog and you don’t take him on your boat, poor little Fido is missing out.
Dogs love boats just as much as people do! here
Most dogs love getting out on the water as much as you and I do—and you wouldn’t leave you best friend stuck on shore every time you left the dock, would you? So the next time you grab your sailing bag or fishing rods, also grab the leash and the water bowl. Just remember to use these dogs-on-board tips, to keep the trip a fun one for everyone. [links]