Oh, Boy! Oh,
Boy! We're cruising now...
At Yacht Works we understand that ones pet is a
firstmate and for many pet owners the boating adventures one seeks wouldn't be complete
without their four legged friend. We have put together pet gear that works and makes
that boating excursion fun for everyone.
Many in their enthusiasm to make their four legged
friend apart of the experience forget that they have different needs and percausions
should be taken to guarantee their safety. Below we have outlined some things to
think about while sharing the experience of boating with your pet. On the links to
the left you will see the collections we have put together for you that we find work.
Contact us if you have any questions or to place an
order. www.shipstore@yachtworks.net
Yacht Works Basics
for your Canine Crew
2002 Discover Sailing
FOOD & WATER: Pets need access to
drinking water at least three times a day, or more if the weather is hot. Dogs should be
walked ashore at least twice a day. Some skippers have had luck training Fido to poop on
the deck, so be ready with a washdown bucket. Cats are less of a problem in this regard as
they will use a litter box on board; the clumping litter is neater than regular clay for
use on board.
FLOTATION DEVISES: Any dog or cat can tumble overboard when
you're not looking and a harness or flotation vest is recommended while under way. Most
dogs can naturally doggie paddle but not indefinitely! Hypothermia or a blow to the head
can make their "swim" life threatening. Dogs with short legs such as toy breeds
will struggle more to stay afloat and large dogs will be harder to pull out of the water.
For cats, a large landing net kept handy could save on of his nine lives; some cruisers
hang a piece of carpet or coarse fabric such as burlap over the side so that a cat can
claw its way back up on board at dock or anchor. A "dog overboard" drill to
practice retrieval is not a bad idea either.
HEAT: Just like leaving an animal in a car on a hot day, a
boat can become sweltering for a pet. heat stroke is a real danger. even in the shade the
temperatures can get dangerously hot. A pet that appears to be having a heat stoke can be
doused with sea water, or sprayed with a dockside hose to cool him off quickly. A dogs
normal temperature should run 101 to 101.5 degrees.
Cats love to snuggle up into small hidden areas. Boats are perfect for this. Be careful
that your cat is not napping amidst dangerous equipment, wiring or the boats engine.
SUNBURN: Yes, some breeds can get sunburn, especially those
with light colored noses or muzzles. Their eyelids can be sunburned and they can suffer
eye damage as well from too sun exposure.
FIRST AID: Cruising pets may need first aid for injuries,
too. Keep on board some topical antibiotic ointments for cuts and scrapes and regular
"people" eye wash. Keep their nails trimmed as well so paws don't get caught in
deck hardware.
