Safe Boating With Your Dog: Everything You Need to Know Before Heading Out on the Water
Boating with your dog can be one of the best parts of summer—fresh air, sun on their fur, the thrill of cruising across the water. But just like traveling in a busy city, spending time on a boat comes with risks that aren’t always obvious. With the right preparation and safety gear, you can make every trip smooth, safe, and fun for your pup.
Below is your complete guide to safe boating with your dog—ideal for beginners, new pet parents, or seasoned boaters.
Top Tips That Make For a More Enjoyable And Relaxing Outing
Before you even get outside, make sure you have:
A shaded spot to prevent overheating
Non-slip mats so your dog doesn’t slide on wet surfaces
A designated “dog spot” where they can sit or lie down
A gate or barrier to prevent falls overboard
Essentials For Your Dog Once You Hit The Water
1. Start With a Dog Life Jacket (Even If Your Dog Can Swim)
Even strong swimmers can get exhausted, disoriented, or injured in open water. That’s why a properly fitted dog life jacket is non-negotiable. Dogs are highly curious, they may seem secure until it's too late.
What to look for:
Bright, high-visibility colors
A snug but comfortable fit around the chest
A strong top handle for quick lifting
Adjustable belly straps and secure buckles
Buoyancy under the belly and around the neck
Introducing it at home first is a good idea so they’re comfortable before you get outside. Mine doesn't care for winter coats or sweaters, so wasn't a huge fan of putting it on. It takes some warming up to in some cases!
2. Manners That Make a Bigger Difference Than You Think
A few simple behaviors improve safety and reduce chaos on board:
“Stay” when boarding and unloading
“On your mat” for sitting still while the boat is moving
“Wait” at the edge of docks and swim platforms
3. Prevent Overheating and Dehydration on the Water
Boats can get hot fast. Dogs can’t sweat like we do, so overheating is a real danger.
How to keep your dog cool:
Bring a travel water bowl and fresh water (never let your dog drink lake or ocean water).
Use a cooling vest or cooling mat on scorching days.
Provide shade—use a Bimini top or portable umbrella.
Offer swim breaks in safe, calm areas (with their life jacket still on).
Signs of heat stress include excessive panting, drooling, stumbling, or bright red gums. If you see any of these, cool your dog immediately.
4. Protect Their Paws and Skin
Boat surfaces can heat up quickly.
Hot deck: Apply paw balm or use a mat so your dog doesn’t burn their pads.
Sun exposure: Dogs with short coats, pink noses, or light skin may need pet-safe sunscreen.
Saltwater trips: Rinse your dog after the ride to remove salt buildup and prevent itching.
5. Plan for Bathroom Breaks (SUCH A BIG ONE)
Even with the water surrounding you, dogs need to know where to go. When you're surrounded by water for miles, it can be a real predicament to figure out where to bring your dog.
Some Options:
A portable dog potty pad with turf
Scheduling breaks at marinas or sandbars
Training your dog to use a specific pad on deck
Keeping a small cleanup kit onboard (waste bags, wipes, deodorizer) makes life easier.
6. Know What to Do If Your Dog Falls Overboard
Even with preparation, accidents can happen.
Here’s the safest approach:
Keep eyes on your dog at all times
Circle back slowly—avoid using high speeds near them
Turn off the engine before they re-approach the boat
Use the life jacket handle or a dog-friendly ramp to lift them aboard
A dog-overboard drill is smart to practice in calm water.