The dog days of summer are here. The days are hot and so are the nights, so getting out on a boat is a great way to cool down. And lots of boaters bring their dogs along, so we wanted to provide you with 5 essential tips to help you get your furry friend ready for the water.

1. Adjustment Period - If you’ve never taken your pet boating or it has been an entire year since you last took them, plan a short trip on the boat so that the dog can gradually get used to the boat and the water. It may take a few trips before the dog gets comfortable and if your family helps encourage the dog with lots of attention and some treats, you’ll be able to have a boating dog in no time.

2. Life Jackets - These aren’t just required for people, but for dogs as well. Even if your dog can swim, it is important to have a properly fitted life jacket that the dog will wear at all times. You never know when the dog will accidentally fall into the water, get tired while swimming, or panic when the water is moving so the life jacket will keep it afloat.

3. Sunshine Protection - The sun can be extremely hot for pets, not just for their fur, but also for their feet on the deck of the boat. You want to make sure to provide a shady location where they can rest. And, if you have a short-haired pet or one with light coloring, you’ll want to apply dog-safe sunscreen.

4. Fresh Water - Make sure to provide plenty of clean, fresh water for your pet to drink at all times. Discourage your pet from drinking from the water you’re boating in as it can make them sick.

5. Potty Breaks - Your pet will likely need a chance to relieve themselves a number of times while out on the water. If you’re able to pull into a spot on land for the dog to use, be prepared with bags to pick up any waste. If you’re father away from land or stopping isn’t possible, bring along plenty of puppy training pads that can be put down on the boat deck for the dog to use. When soiled, they can be bagged up into a larger trash bag and fresh ones can be put down. * One final tip - Don’t forget to take photos of your dogs on the boat. You can share them with the Sea Tow Foundation and tag us @SeaTowFoundation when you post them on social media. By following these tips, you can enjoy a safe and memorable boating experience with your furry companion.