Sailing with pets
Pets are great companions for life and travel. If you are thinking of renting a boat and spending a vacation on board, you should know that you do not have to leave your pet behind, because by taking a series of simple security measures, everyone can enjoy unforgettable days of rest. Navigating with your pet is easier than you think.
Keep reading this article to learn about:
- How to prevent motion sickness in your pet.
- Basic recommendations to navigate with your pet.
- Essential security issues.
- Preparing your pet’s luggage.
Your pet will help fill your days with joy and fun during your sailing holidays. Imagine anchoring in a paradise cove where you can enjoy a spectacular bath in its crystal clear waters and be with the whole family! In this article, the Boatjump team is going to share with you everything you need to know, so you can navigate with your pet and continue exploring new places together. We want that to be the starting point to start planning your vacation with your faithful companion.
How to prevent motion sickness in your pet.
If you are going to sail with your pet, it is essential that you prepare the trip in advance. You may have an animal that loves to bathe, or it may prefer to stay on deck. Whether it is the first time they get on a boat or if they are only young, you will have to be especially aware of them.
Like humans, cats and dogs can also get seasick. You will know that your pet is getting dizzy because they will start to salivate a lot, wobble and even pee and / or poop. If your pet tends to get seasick in the car, it is very likely that she will also do it on the boat. If you have the possibility, the best thing is to try, making short trips and seeing how your pet reacts.
You can talk to your vet and have him provide you with medication for motion sickness (it is not the same as for people). And also, do not feed them an hour before getting on the boat or starting to sail.
Basic recommendations when sailing with pets.
Just as you need to prepare everything before the charter, you need to make sure your pet is prepared for it.
The worst thing that could happen to your pet is heatstroke. It will not be enough for them to sit on the deck and enjoy the sea breeze. It is important that you prepare a shady area for them and that you make sure they drink. This way, you will avoid dehydration that could be deadly for them.
If you plan to go sailing with your dog and do it frequently, it is best to teach him to swim. Some dogs like it, others are scared. The best way is to do it when the sea is calm, so that the waves do not scare them, they can learn swimming even in less than two weeks.Take the opportunity to teach your pet not to jump suddenly and that if he falls into the water, he knows how to react.
Create a postive experience for your pet on board.
It is very important that the first time your pet gets on a boat is a positive experience, that he feels safe and that he knows that he is going to have fun. Your dog or cat should always wear their life jacket. The vest will help us if he falls into the water or if he gets very tired swimming.
It is essential that you hang a perimeter net on the boat. If you are enjoying sailing, it is possible that at some point you could get lost and your pet fell into the water. In these circumstances it is likely that you will not realize it, with the netw you will be able to avoid this type of unforeseen event and rest easier.
In the case of cats, you must always carry them in a carrier and let them out during the stops you make. Cats need to gain confidence little by little. The carrier is very useful, since in the case of rough seas, it will be much easier to calm them, since a cat’s natural reaction when scared is to run away. The most advisable thing is to have it fixed so that the cat can be calm.
In the case of dogs, it is easier to calm them by talking to and stroking them, but if a storm arrives it will also be necessary to put them in their carrier fixed in a safe place on the boat.
FIND YOUR ALL-INCLUSIVE BOAT
Preparing your pet’s luggage.
As we have discussed previously, bring your pet’s carrier. You will need it if they get scared, or if you notice that their reactions could be dangerous or if the sea is rough. Take her bed to the charter boat as well, but iof course, try not to move from one side to the other. You can put something under the bed to prevent it from sliding easily. If you are traveling with a cat, bring their litter box, becaus eit is an easy way to make them feel safe and familiar in this new circumstances. But, in the case of dogs, it will be more complicated since they are used to relieving themselves on the street. Take underpads with you and try to do some previous training with them. Pets should take a life jacket and make sure it´s the right size. You will need to carry it on board at all times.
Provide safety and comfort for your pet on the board.
Keep in mind that you will not be able to be on hand 24 hours a day. If, for example, you decide to get off the boat and practice some water sport, it is best to leave your pet tied with his leash so that he does not jump into the water. Bring your regular feeding and water bowl, the food you need for the days you spend on board and a toy that you use to make your pet feel at home. Take your health card and the pet’s identification data, you will not be able to travel without taking your identified animal and its papers in order. Prepare an emergency kit with: basic medicines, anti-inflammatory cream, analgesics, antidiarrheals, medicine for motion sickness, antiparasitic solution, hydrogen peroxide and gauze. If you have any questions, consult your veterinarian beforehand, it is about preventing any incident that may arise on the boat.
Start planning your vacation with your pet on board
Do you like the idea of having an unforgettable experience with your pet on board? Despite the security measures, traveling with your pet can be a lot of fun. There are many pets that have already boarded a boat to enjoy a family vacation, as is the case with Mayra, the traveling dog. If you don’t want to miss out on the unique experience of renting a boat and taking your dog or feline with you and you don’t know which is the best option for your four-legged friend, we help you find the perfect boat here!
- Rent a sailboat for your next holiday - October 18, 2021
- With or without skipper? - October 4, 2021
- How to be eco-friendly while sailing - September 27, 2021