When you take your pets on a boat, they need to remain safe. It can be a fun trip for them and for you, but safety has to come first.

Getting out on the water in Jacksonville can be a ton of fun. You might want to take your pets with you, but you have to do it in a safe way. Let's look at some of the most important pet safety tips for boating.

Top 5 Boating Pet Safety Tips

1. Have a Pet Life Jacket

You might think your dog is a great swimmer, but this might not be the case. Even a dog that is a good swimmer can get tired fast in the water. Plus, the water could be too cold or too rough.

having a life jacket can give you do that extra buoyancy they need. Some even have lifting handles to help you get your dog back in the boat. There are no regulations for dog life jackets, so make sure you get one that fits well for your dog.

2. Introduce Your Dog to the Boat Ahead of Time

It can be a good idea to take your dog to the boat before your trip out on the water. Let them get used to the boat, sniff around, and spend a little time on the boat without leaving the dock.

It may take some dogs longer to get used to the boat than others. After your dog has gotten used to the boat, you can take them out on the water.

3. Take Sunscreen

While not all dogs need sunscreen, some do. If you have a light-colored dog with thinner hair, they can get a sunburn. It's best to take SPF 30 or higher sunscreen for your pet. Even other dogs can get sunburned on their ears or on their nose. Where skin shows, put a little sunscreen on them to protect your pets.

However, make sure you don't get any sunscreen with zinc oxide in it. This is toxic for dogs, so be careful.

4. Take a Water Bowl

Of course, you need a water bowl for your pets, even when you're surrounded by water. They need clean water to keep them from becoming dehydrated in the hot Florida sun. Plus, you don't want them drinking from a lake, pond, or stream. Water from these areas can come with parasites that could make your dog sick.

5. Have a Pet First Aid Kit

You never know when your pet might suffer an injury or need medication. They may not react as well to boating as you hoped. having a pet first aid kit can help make your trip safer on the boat. Make sure you have the things you need to treat minor scratches and scrape, along with any necessary medications.

Boat pet safety is very important. You should never take your pets out on a boat without paying close attention to the safety of your pets. Use these tips before you head out boating in Jacksonville this year with your pets.