If you like having your dog around everywhere you go, then why deprive yourself of your dog’s company while cruising? It is actually quite feasible to cruise all over the world with your dog aboard, even though the rarity and unexpectedness of such an occurrence will attract a decent amount of attention. Cruising with your dog will be enjoyable for both you and your dog, especially if you have your own boat. However, before you head on your cruise with your dog aboard, there are a lot of items you will have to carry along and a lot of things you should know.
What To Keep In Handy When Cruising With Dogs?
These are the things you should have at hand if you want your dog to cruise with you without any hassles and safely:
Dog Accessories
While cruising, you will find yourself in rough conditions and you may have to take your dog topsides in the dark to use the potty. So it would be better and safer to attach a leash/tether to your dog’s life vest at times like these. You can also attach a small flashing light to your dog’s vest for the times you might be underway in the dark. Exposure to cold temperatures over the open waters can cause your dog to feel cold and shivery, and your day may even fall ill. So if you want your dog to be comfortable and healthy during your cruise trip, it is recommended that you dress your dog in a dog coat, perhaps under the life vest. You can make your own potty mat by buying a whelping box liner, cutting the material in half, putting grommets in the corners and tying cording through them. The material will not pick up any odors or stains, as long as you rinse it every day while cruising and allow it to dry in the sun.
Dog Food
Although dog food can be purchased from a variety of locations, it is better to carry enough dog food with you that will last for your entire trip. Generally, the selection in the stores might be limited, and a large bag would have to be carried back to the boat. Also, you can never tell how long the dog food has been sitting on the shelf. Although you should be cautious about feeding your dog chocolate at all times, but if you are cruising with your dog onboard, make sure you are not carrying and feed your dog too much chocolate. In fact, try not to feed your dog chocolate at all because dog poisoning as a result of eating chocolate can be lethal and is more common than you think.
Dog Documents, Identification & Health Certificates
Have an ID tag made for your dog that includes your boat name, your dog’s name and a telephone number where you will be reachable while cruising. A stainless steel tag that has reflective backing is recommended. Use a permanent marker or pen to write your dog’s ID information on the inside of your dog’s life vest. While cruising, you may have to verify that your dog received all of its shots, so as your vet for copies of your dog’s health records. Carry your dog’s rabies certificate and tag number with you. Before you leave for your cruising trip, your dog should be in good health, with all essential exams and shots have done by your regular vet. Carry a health certificate for your dog from your local vet with you, although you may have to get another health certificate made for your dog in certain countries from a local vet there.
Dog First Aid References & Medications
It is wise to have several veterinary references, just in case you have to use them. Before you leave for your cruise trip, make sure you take your dog to the vet, and also stock up on flea/tick and heartworm medications. Also get dosage advice for using OTC products such as Benadryl, Imodium and Pepcid for mild dog illnesses.
Yes indeed, your dog can go cruising with you, and it will be even more convenient if you will be cruising in your own boat. However, being prepared is important for the health and safety of your dog. So keep the above things in handy once you decide to have your dog aboard on a cursing trip.
