Taking pet on a boat poses special problems

Q We will be retiring soon and plan to move on to our boat full time. Of course, we will take our dog, Salty, with us. Salty is a 4-year-old Cairn terrier who loves the boat, but we have never taken him on long trips. How do we get him used to extended stays on board?

A: There are several things to consider when traveling on the water with a pet. The first is to be sure that your pet does not get seasick. If Salty has spent time on the boat before, you should be OK, but sometimes long offshore trips still can result in motion sickness.

Before you head out across the Gulf Stream, make slow, short trips and watch for drooling or loss of appetite as early signs of seasickness. It is best to dock or anchor in a quiet harbor immediately if these signs occur, but if you cannot do this, medicate before vomiting or diarrhea begin. Benadryl is one of my favorites for motion nausea, but Dramamine and meclizine also can be used. Ask your veterinarian if these would be safe for your pet and for appropriate doses. Gradually increase the length of your trips as your pet gets used to the motion.

For those who have never taken their pet on the boat, spend time with him while the boat is tied at the dock.

Once your pet is OK with the motion of the boat, you must consider what you are going to do when he has to relieve himself. Cats are easy because you can have a litter box on board, but dogs may require a different solution. If you cannot get ashore at least three times a day, you may need to train your dog to eliminate on the deck. Try purchasing a piece of artificial turf, place it on the bow and encourage him to use it. Smaller dogs can be trained to use dog litter (paper pellets) or pads.

It can get very hot on a boat, especially inside the cabin. Be sure to provide lots of fresh water for your pet. He will consume more water at sea than at home. Provide plenty of shade and never leave your pet locked inside the cabin in the summer unless the air conditioner is running. This is just like leaving a pet locked inside a hot car.

If your pet has a special bed or crate, be sure to make space for this on the boat. This helps them feel comfortable in a different environment.

You should have a way for the pet to get back on the boat if he should fall or decide to go for a swim. Nets, like small hammocks, can be hung overboard for cats. Be sure to show him where this is. Dogs prefer ramp-type devices. I recommend that the pet always wear a life jacket when on the dock or deck of the boat. Pet life jackets have handles on the back that make it easier to lift the pet out of the water.

When traveling across state and international lines, you need to have up-to-date rabies and health certificates. Be sure to contact countries where you expect to go ashore before you arrive so you will know their specific regulations. Rabies-free islands are the ones you really have to watch.

Congratulations on your retirement and enjoy the boat!

Dr. Katherine A. Saenger owns Bees Ferry Veterinary Hospital and Boarding Kennel and is a former board member of the John Ancrum SPCA. Send questions to her at vetsaenger@bellsouth.net.