Nothing beats going out on a pontoon or a deck boat in the summer with the whole family. What makes enjoying the day out in the sun and playing in the cool water even better is being able to bring your furry best friends along for the trip. Everyone wants to have a good time and that includes your dogs, so our team scoured the Web and found 10 products every boat owner should have to make your dog more comfortable and you more secure about bringing man’s best friend out on the boat.
Buddy Bowl
The Ray Allen Buddy Bowl is a unique and secure option when you're on the go. Its sleek and splash-proof design guarantees the water stays in the bowl and not haphazardly sloshing around taking those sharp turns when out on the water. The entire bowl is composed of three parts: the spill proof lid that minimizes water contamination and evaporation ensuring their water is fresher longer, the funnel with a helpful ‘fill line’ that promotes healthy drinking habits, and finally, the bottom container keeping the water cool and fresh.
The Buddy Bowl comes in three sizes, the 32 ounce ($19.99), 44 ounce ($24.99) and the 64 ounce ($29.99), with the larger two available in additional colors besides white. Made from FDA-approved, non-toxic polyethylene, the Buddy Bowl is BPA free and super easy to clean. Your pets will also love it for its ability to keep excess water out of their noses and ears. Knock it, push it, even tumble it upside down. The Ray Allen Buddy bowl is true to its word: not one drop of water will spill. (www.rayallen.com)
Boarding Steps
WaterDog Adventure Gear (WAG) has created the perfect addition for your pontoon boat this summer. The Boarding Steps, model HSM-10, is bright yellow with a black sliding ladder providing safe, sturdy, and easy-to-use access for your favorite furry friends. No more having to lean over and pull your dog from the water, potentially hurting your back. This dog-friendly ladder is designed with flat 4-inch deep steps with integral toe plate and 4-inch step height for a consistent 45 degree rise angle.
Its sturdy layout guarantees that it will not move or change angles while your dog is going up or down the stairs. Made for pontoons, it attaches directly to the deck, leaving the swim ladder open. Uses flush-mount threaded inserts and adjustable legs with rubber bumpers to rest against your pontoon; fold it for easy storage. WAG’s Boarding steps are the real deal, made with plastics, anodized aluminum extrusions, and stainless steel. For dogs up to 130 pounds, the HSM-10 model retails for $479. (www.getwag.com)
Grass Mat
The Large Dog Grass Potty Patch is an ideal addition to your pontoon to ensure a safe spot for your canine buddy’s potty time. This grass pad features a unique three-layered system: artificial grass, washable pee pads, and a big tray to hold it all together. The Potty patch collects and separates the urine in the bottom, making for a quick and easy clean after use. The best part is that the entire ensemble is reusable. The washable pee pad gives optimal absorption and controls unpleasant odors for long periods of time and it’s machine washable.
The base is also waterproof and the artificial grass feels real enough to encourage your dogs to comfortably use it. The entire patch is quick to assemble and easy to clean. Once purchased, you can set the entire mat down in a designated spot on your boat and that’s it. No more stress or worry about your dog making messes or accidents while cruising around and enjoying the lake. The large potty patch is 35 inches by 22 inches with an MSRP of $58.04. (www.pickforlife.net)
RexSpecs Goggles For Dogs
Some may think a dog doesn’t need their own goggles, but they need just as much protection from harmful UV rays as we do. Luckily Rex Specs had you covered with its Goggles For Dogs V2. These goggles are specifically designed with comfort in mind with an adjustable strap system that won’t interfere with your dog’s movements or performance. It provides stable and secure eye protection with interchangeable lenses and all lenses come with UVA/UVB protection blocking 99.9 percent of harmful UV rays.
The lens is designed spherically, providing your dog with optimum field of view and space for long duration of wear. This is also great for when your dogs dive off the back of your pontoon because their underwater sight is greatly improved with the clear, impact resistant lens.
The goggles are also vented with breathable mesh and foam edges on the side. Did we mention they're waterproof? The vented frames drain water quickly and limit fogging. The Rex Spec goggles come in a splendid variety of colors and fit a range of dogs from extra large to extra small and retail for $72.20. (www.rexspecs.com)
Pet Travel Bag
Whether you’re going out for a day or you want to make a whole weekend of it, the Modoker Large Pet Travel Kit is the ultimate bag for you and your dogs. This travel bag is durable and safe to use, built with a water repellent oxford outer material with PVC backing and leak-proof inner lining. No need to worry about bringing your dog’s home water and kibble bowls, Modoker has included two silicone and dishwater safe collapsible bowls, along with two dog food carriers and a water-resistant place mat.
This bag covers all the necessary bases for a fun trip on your pontoon. The large inner compartment is perfect for storage of treats, toys, and more. With multiple pockets on the sides you can stay organized and secure knowing you won’t leave anything at home. It can fit virtually anywhere on the boat, out of sight and out of mind. The Modoker travel kit retails for $56.99. (www.modoker.com)
Dog Life Jacket
The Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket ensures your dog’s ultimate safety and care. Fashioned for dogs of all shapes and sizes, it is secure and adjustable thanks to the telescoping neck closure. The premium fully-featured life jacket also includes a strong handle to lift dogs out of the water. With a worry-free design, the jacket also comes with a leash clip-in point under the handle and is fabricated with reflective trims of bright blue and teal, sunshine yellow, or roaring red and orange.
The Ruffwear Float Coat for Dogs retails for $89.95 and it isn’t just fashionable, it also makes it easier to spot in low-light conditions. It is made with a buoyant and soft PVC-free foam, ensuring your happy-go-lucky dog maneuvers comfortably both in and out of the water. Whether you're floating or boating, this life jacket that is specifically designed for your pets is worthy of a closer look. (www.ruffwear.com)
K-9 Care Sunscreen
It may come as a surprise but even dogs can get sunburned, especially white or light-colored dogs. Some dogs can even be susceptible to burn and solar skin cancer. Luckily Epi-Pet has you covered with its K-9 Care Sunscreen. Their veterinarian developed, sunscreen formula is water-resistant, safe for dogs and easy to use.
Apply this sunscreen liberally to the entire body of your dog as you would with your own sunscreen, giving special attention to the face, muzzle and the outside of their ears. With this product on board, your family boating trips are sure to be enjoyable for everyone involved, dog and human alike. Keep your peace of mind and your furry friend’s health intact with Epi-Pet’s 3.5-ounce K-9 Care Sunscreen, now with a new colorful look. The best part is that at $17.95 it’s affordable. (www.epi-pet.com)
Fetch Ring Dog Toy
West Marine is the ideal place to find all your boat accessory needs. From fishing to electronics and even some of the best dog toys you could bring on your boating trip, they have it all. The Bay Dog Fetch Ring is one of those spectacular and fun toys you can purchase from their website or in one of their many stores that is sure to get your furry friend’s tail wagging.
Designed to be waterproof and buoyant, the Fetch Ring is perfect for dogs who love to jump in the water and play fetch. With durable ballistic nylon ropes attached to the sides, you’re able to play a great game of tug-o-war. The entire Fetch Ring ($17.75), designed to look like a life preserver, is made with the highest quality materials to ensure maximum toy life. The middle is created with solid foam to be comfortable enough in your dog’s mouth while also being sturdy and durable for hours of play without worry of shredding the outside lining. (www.westmarine.com)
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Pet Hair Remover
The Fur Zapper Pet Hair Remover allows you to remove annoying pet hair from your clothes, towels, blankets and more. The company's motto is, “Shed happens.” They understand how difficult it can be to get dog and cat hair in most difficult places. That’s why they created the fur zapper from a soft, tacky, and flexible material that clings to the hair, thereby leaving your clothes looking fresh and clean.
All you need to do is throw it in with the laundry into the washer and dryer and let Fur Zapper do its magic. This product is 100 percent hypoallergenic and skin safe and is made to keep working even after a 100 plus laundry cycles. So after a long day out on your boat with the family and pets, you won’t have to worry about all the hair and dander that will surely cover the towels and even the dog’s boat bed. The Fur Zapper ($14.99) is a sure-fire way to make boating trips, and everyday life, just that much more enjoyable. (www.furzapper.com)
Stain & Odor Remover
Accidents happen, and they're never fun to clean up, especially from upholstery or carpet on your pontoon or deck boat. Thankfully Rocco and Roxie’s Pro Strength Stain and Odor Eliminator for dog and cat urine has you covered. Their bio-enzymatic formula is guaranteed to virtually eliminate any pesky stain and odor from urine, feces, vomit and other organic stains. Their motto is, “If it’s gross, it’s gone.”
The enzyme bacteria in their formula breaks down ammonia and organic matter until it’s entirely eradicated. So the stain is not only gone but discourages marking in the future. This stain and odor remover is great to use for any surface, both at home and on your pontoon or deck boat. It is chlorine- and color-safe, and safe to use around pets and children.
Proudly made in the USA and environmentally friendly, Rocco and Roxie’s product earned the seal of approval from the trusted Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), which proves it’s high quality and one of the best products out there to use. A 32-ounce bottle retails for $19.97. (www.roccoandroxie.com)
