July/August • 2021 • GASPARILLA MAGAZINE 49
anywhere “off-limits” to dogs that you should
know about, or if anyone in the house has
allergies. Be specifi c with the people you stay
with if your dog has dietary limitations and
ask them to please refrain from feeding your
dog things that make them sick.
Remember too, if your host has children in
the house and your dog is not used to them,
problems you never thought of can arise.
You will also need to check for potentially
toxic plants or other substances around
the home, especially if the people you are
visiting don’t own pets themselves. That can
include rodenticides and insecticides used in
abundance.
Look at all sides of this equation prior to
making a commitment to stay in someone’s
house with your dog, so there is no animosity
upon departure. It’s always wise to check what
hotels might accept pets in the area, just in
case things don’t work out.
Boating with Dogs
• Have a “dog overboard plan.” Try to make
sure someone has their eyes on the dog at all
times, especially in choppy water, in rolling
waves, or when another boat wakes you.
There has been more than one dog found in
the Gulf of Mexico or Charlotte Harbor, and it
took time to identify whose dog it was. On the
fl ip side, there have been dogs lost that were
never found. Identifi cation for your dog is a
must when boating.
• Get the right kind of life jacket and make
sure it fi ts properly. If you have questions
you can contact your veterinarian or speak
with Jane at Island Dog Boutique & Supply
Company in Boca Grande.
• Offer fresh water and shade. Dogs cannot
sweat like we can, so they will require more
hydration and respite from the sun.
• Get your dog used to the boat. Short, slow
trips to begin with will establish your dog’s
confi dence. For at least the fi rst trip, keep
the leash in hand, as
you don’t know how
the dog will react,
particularly when
other boaters go by, or
dolphin or other fi sh
jump
• Bring a leash and
plan for potty breaks.
Even if your dog is
fully acclimated to
the boat and doesn’t
need a leash, it doesn’t
mean one isn’t required for when you’re on
land. Make sure you also bring bags to clean
up after your pet, wherever you make landfall
for “relief.”
• Pay attention to your dog, but don’t get
distracted. Distracted driving in a boat can
cause an accident just as distracted driving in