Everyone loves the boat and that includes your four-legged friend! No matter what kind of dog you have it can be easy for them to get overheated while out on the boat. It is your responsibility as an owner to keep an eye on their behavior and make sure they are cool and comfortable while out on the water. During our time living on boats with our dog, Jetty, we have learned a few tips and tricks on how to keep her cool and comfortable. Thank you, Progressive Boat Club for sponsoring this post and helping us help YOU keep your dog cool while boating this summer.

Tips to help keep your dog cool while boating this summer

Water 

One of the most important things to do while out on the water with your dog is to make sure he/she always has fresh water available. Unlike you or I, dogs cannot physically tell you they are thirsty and need a drink. You should have a bowl filled and waiting before you notice any signs that your dog looks thirsty. If you are prepared for your day on the boat you should have brought a cooler of water for yourself and some that you can share with your pup. One thing that has really helped us is always keeping a collapsible bowl attached to Jetty’s leash. That way you are not trying to come up with a makeshift bowl.

Keep the bowl filled and attached to the leash and place it in a relatively shady spot on the boat. Keeping the bowl attached to your dog’s leash means you will never be without a water bowl. This is not just great for the boat but also the beach and long walks.  

Letting your dog jump in for a swim can also help cool him/her down quickly. If they love to swim this also doubles as great exercise. If your dog is not a fan of swimming opt for some of the other methods below. 

Shade 

If you want to prevent your dog from getting hot in the first place make sure you have plenty of shade. If your boat does not have a t-top or bimini make some sort of covering with an umbrella, towel, or sheet. Sitting in the shade vs direct sunlight can be multiple degrees cooler. Sometimes shade is not available or practical to set up. Keep reading for more ideas! 

Wet Face Mask 

If your dog prefers to always be on the bow and see what is going on, keeping them in the shade is going to be a bit difficult. We have found that wetting a face mask and sticking it in the freezer or refrigerator a couple of hours before a boat trip can help keep her cool even out in direct sunlight. After the mask melts continue to keep it wet by dunking it in the water. 

Cooling vest 

We have recently invested in a cooling vest. This is similar to a wet face mask but it covers more of her coat and stays wet much longer. We are currently in the Caribbean and it is only getting hotter. I noticed Jetty slowing down on our hikes and I knew I needed something more than just drinking water to keep her comfortable. I actually bought the vest as an experiment and did not have very high expectations. We have used it for over a month now and are very impressed. Jetty seems to pant less while wearing it. She also has a little more pep in her step running on the beach. This is great when shade is limited on the boat. The vest essentially offers shade and moisture to any dog wearing it. The vest holds water and keeps her damp and at the same time, direct sunlight is not hitting her coat but rather the vest. 

There are many different types of vest out there. Reading reviews will help you determine if it is a good product and fit for your dog. 

Cool place to lay

You may have noticed that when your dog is hot they prefer to lie on cooler ground. We have found that providing a cool place to lay on the boat can be a big help when cooling her down. Most people bring a few towels on the boat. Wet one and place it in the shadiest spot possible. If your boat is also your home, like us you may not want a wet towel in your home. We keep the wet towel outside the cabin and inside use a cooling mat. We found a mat that requires no water, electricity, and does not need to be refrigerated. The mat is pressure activated and cools up to 3 hours. It recharges automatically after 20 minutes of non-use. There are many types of cooling mats but we prefer the pressure activate type because of its simplicity. 

Having your best friend on the boat with you can be a blast. It could, however, turn stressful very quickly if you are not prepared on how to keep them cool during the hot days of summer. The tips mentioned above have helped us to continually enjoy our days on the boat with our furry friend. I hope they can help you as well. Thank you, Progressive for sponsoring this article to help others make the most of their summer boat days with their dogs! 

To find out more about Progressive watercraft insurance click here!