Pet Tracks

When you live on an island, by definition, you are surrounded by water. For most of the year, but particularly in summer, water activities are our passion. We love being beside it, on it, or, for the stalwart, in it. Since our pets do what we do, we also want to include them in our water-oriented pastimes.

Many years ago, we had a small but comfortably outfitted sailboat. Our weekends revolved around sailing trips with the whole family, including a previous generation of pets, Gypsy the Keeshond, and Java, the Siamese cat. An oft-told family story concerns Gypsy's misadventure one night while we were anchored on our mooring.

Since space on any sailboat is tight, on warm nights the built-in benches in the cockpit area doubled as sleeping quarters. Our oldest son and Gypsy had stretched out for the night, one on each bench, and all was quiet, until a loud "Kerplunk!" woke everyone up. Gypsy had turned over in her sleep, and somehow rolled up over the lip and into the water. Several drowsy people getting a soaking wet, heavily-coated dog back into the boat in the middle of the night was like a Chinese fire drill, but the story had a happy ending and Gypsy lived on for many more years and many more adventures.

Of course, if Gypsy had been wearing a PDF (personal flotation device) retrieving her from the water would have been much easier. At that time, they had no such things for pets, but they do now, and having one on your pet provides an extra measure of safety while around the water, on the boat, at the beach or even by your backyard pool.

In truth, not all dogs can swim, and even those that do can become fatigued easily in difficult conditions, or when hampered by age, health issues or joint pain. A pet PDF is designed to help your pet stay afloat in a horizontal position for swimming. Two further benefits are their bright colors and loop handles for retrieving. The PDF should fit securely with snaps and fasteners located where they won't chafe. Your pet needs time to become acquainted with the life jacket before you get onto a boat or into the water.

Dogs and cats like firm, stable surfaces, so being on a bouncing, slippery boat deck might be cause for some alarm on their part. Also test how the pet reacts to engine sounds. Let your pet get acclimated to the pitch and roll of a boat ride. Be sensitive to your pet's reactions to this whole adventure; if they are terrified, best to leave them at home next time.

Whether boating or beaching, have plenty of fresh drinking water available. Canines lose fair amounts of body fluid when they pant, so keep them hydrated. Use a collapsible bowl, a squirt bottle or a no-spill dish, and if you can, bring an ample supply of water from home to avoid upset tummies.

Dogs and cats suffer the same types of heat emergencies as people do, including heat exhaustion, sun stroke and heat cramps, and they absorb heat through the pads of their feet. Boat surfaces, sand and poolsides get extremely hot in the sun. If the exposure is to be prolonged, protect pets' feet with booties or rub in special creams to add a layer of protection. A cooling swim or wet-down might make them more comfortable.

Providing shade on a boat or at the beach can be a bit tricky sometimes, but pets and people need to have a place to get out of the hot sun. Blankets and umbrellas should be standard beach gear. On the boat, a cozy spot in the lowest, most central part is stable and a good place for your pet to feel secure and be out of the way. This is also a good spot for the cat litter box.

And, while we're on that subject, dogs need potty breaks too. With perserverance, it is possible to train your dog to a particular spot on the boat, perhaps by training to treated disposable, waterproof pads. Or plan your trip to allow for stops ashore. Keep an ample supply of poop bags and pick up and properly dispose of any waste products.

On Nantucket, the Town has requested that we keep our dogs away from their beaches this summer. I offer a few suggestions for you and your dog to enjoy the unique experience of being at our beaches together, while still observing the rules.

First, stay away from life-guarded areas. Go to the beach early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the crowds are less in evidence. Our leash laws apply all over the island, so keep your dog on a leash at all times, and don't allow him to dash into other parties, swimmers or where people are fishing. Absolutely, positively, clean up after your pet and properly dispose of pet waste. Don't allow him to eat flotsam found on the beach or drink salt water. And, when you return home from any salt water adventure that involves swimming, be sure to give a thorough rinseoff

with cool, fresh water. I

Jan Jaeger is owner of Geronimo's, Ltd., Nantucket's pet supply and gift shop, and is a member of DWAA and CWA (Dog and Cat Writer's Associations of America). Her pets at home are Junior, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and three cats. At the shop are the cats, Messrs. Fish and Chips, Flower bunny, Willie guinea pig and two budgies. Send e-mail to jan@geronimos.com.