If you’re planning on bringing pets aboard for a cruise, here are five things to consider to keep them safe and happy:
Lifejackets
We all know how important it is to have safety gear for all of the humans aboard the boat, but what about pets? While a pet bird or lizard may be another story, a dog or cat might find themselves in a situation where a lifejacket will be the difference between life and death. Many dogs know how to swim, but if they get stuck at sea for long periods of time, they won’t make it without a lifejacket. In times of distress, like a boat sinking or a lifeboat flouncing, even the most well behaved pets can be unpredictable.
That is why it’s best to keep a lifejacket on your pets at all times. A brightly colored vest will help you easily locate them. There are no legal safety standards for manufacturers of animal safety gear, so it’s best to do your research and find one that has done safety tests. It’s also important to get your animal used to the lifejacket before they hop aboard. Start by having them wear it an hour each day, then work your way up until they are comfortable with it.
Sun Protection
Any short-haired animal can get sunburned, and even long-haired ones can have issues if exposed for long periods of time, especially when close to the equator. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of the sea with no options, so it’s very important to pre-plan when bringing your animals aboard your boat.
Non-toxic spray sunscreen works best, and a lower SPF is best for all animals. SPF 80 won’t do them any more good than SPF 20. It’s also important to make sure your boat has a designated shady spot for them to sit and rest from the sun.
Heat Stroke
Although many animals are heartier than humans when it comes to the cold, it’s just as easy for pets to get heat stroke as it is for us. The only difference is that they can’t tell us when they’re too hot. By the time you notice the symptoms (excessive panting, lethargy, and clear signs of discomfort), it may be too late. That’s why it is so important to have shade and plenty of fresh, clean water for them to drink.
If your pet does exhibit signs of heat stroke, it’s important to take immediate action. Don’t use chilled water or ice, but do try to get them immersed in some cool water. Massage their legs to help with circulation and add a smidge of salt to the water they drink to keep electrolytes balanced. Take their temperature frequently, and if it doesn’t go down, or if you see any signs of shock, turn toward shore or call for help immediately.
Potty Training
If your pet is going to be onboard more than a few hours, it’s important to have a designated spot for him or her to do their business. A cat is fairly easy; just bring a litter box aboard. A dog is another story...
It’s common to use a small piece of carpet or astroturf, but the most important aspect of this system is to make sure it’s pre-scented. Your dog won’t know to go there and only there unless it already smells like them or another animal. If you can’t get them to urinate on it beforehand, rub some of their urine on it with a towel a few times before taking off. It sounds gross, I know, but it will do the trick. There is also the option of purchasing pheromones that you can place wherever you want your pet to do his business.
Familiarity
The last thing to consider before bringing your pet onboard your vessel is familiarity. If you have time to get him or her used to the boat and the environment before your excursion, do. Make sure you have anything dangerous put away and any pet-proofing in order.
Lastly, it’s most important to be aware of your pet’s personality and needs. If you’re planning to be out at sea for a long period of time, take him or her out for a shorter trip beforehand to see how he or she does. If your pets appear scared, anxious, or unhappy the whole time, maybe it’s best to leave them on shore with a loved one. While it would be great to have your beloved pets travel the most amazing areas of the world with you, sometimes it’s just not in the cards.
by AJ Early
Tuesday, June 7, 2016 - 08:45
If you’re planning on bringing pets aboard for a cruise, here are five things to consider to keep them safe and happy:
Lifejackets
We all know how important it is to have safety gear for all of the humans aboard the boat, but what about pets? While a pet bird or lizard may be another story, a dog or cat might find themselves in a situation where a lifejacket will be the difference between life and death. Many dogs know how to swim, but if they get stuck at sea for long periods of time, they won’t make it without a lifejacket. In times of distress, like a boat sinking or a lifeboat flouncing, even the most well behaved pets can be unpredictable.
That is why it’s best to keep a lifejacket on your pets at all times. A brightly colored vest will help you easily locate them. There are no legal safety standards for manufacturers of animal safety gear, so it’s best to do your research and find one that has done safety tests. It’s also important to get your animal used to the lifejacket before they hop aboard. Start by having them wear it an hour each day, then work your way up until they are comfortable with it.
Sun Protection
Any short-haired animal can get sunburned, and even long-haired ones can have issues if exposed for long periods of time, especially when close to the equator. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of the sea with no options, so it’s very important to pre-plan when bringing your animals aboard your boat.
Non-toxic spray sunscreen works best, and a lower SPF is best for all animals. SPF 80 won’t do them any more good than SPF 20. It’s also important to make sure your boat has a designated shady spot for them to sit and rest from the sun.
Heat Stroke
Although many animals are heartier than humans when it comes to the cold, it’s just as easy for pets to get heat stroke as it is for us. The only difference is that they can’t tell us when they’re too hot. By the time you notice the symptoms (excessive panting, lethargy, and clear signs of discomfort), it may be too late. That’s why it is so important to have shade and plenty of fresh, clean water for them to drink.
If your pet does exhibit signs of heat stroke, it’s important to take immediate action. Don’t use chilled water or ice, but do try to get them immersed in some cool water. Massage their legs to help with circulation and add a smidge of salt to the water they drink to keep electrolytes balanced. Take their temperature frequently, and if it doesn’t go down, or if you see any signs of shock, turn toward shore or call for help immediately.
Potty Training
If your pet is going to be onboard more than a few hours, it’s important to have a designated spot for him or her to do their business. A cat is fairly easy; just bring a litter box aboard. A dog is another story...
It’s common to use a small piece of carpet or astroturf, but the most important aspect of this system is to make sure it’s pre-scented. Your dog won’t know to go there and only there unless it already smells like them or another animal. If you can’t get them to urinate on it beforehand, rub some of their urine on it with a towel a few times before taking off. It sounds gross, I know, but it will do the trick. There is also the option of purchasing pheromones that you can place wherever you want your pet to do his business.
Familiarity
The last thing to consider before bringing your pet onboard your vessel is familiarity. If you have time to get him or her used to the boat and the environment before your excursion, do. Make sure you have anything dangerous put away and any pet-proofing in order.
Lastly, it’s most important to be aware of your pet’s personality and needs. If you’re planning to be out at sea for a long period of time, take him or her out for a shorter trip beforehand to see how he or she does. If your pets appear scared, anxious, or unhappy the whole time, maybe it’s best to leave them on shore with a loved one. While it would be great to have your beloved pets travel the most amazing areas of the world with you, sometimes it’s just not in the cards.
by AJ Early