We all know the basic things we need aboard our houseboats to ensure our own safety. First aid kits, food, plenty of water, and life jackets are some of the items we check for when prepping for time on board. But are we aware of the needs of our furry friends? Pets have a variety of needs too and we’ve compiled a list of nautical pet products to make sure you satisfy them all.

PetSafe Pet Loo

If you have your pet on board, the inevitable is going to happen – your dog is going to need to relieve itself. Instead of maneuvering your houseboat back to shore, we recommend the PetSafe Pet Loo, a portable indoor/outdoor potty for pets.

Resembling a patch of grass, the PetSafe Pet Loo is great for busy pet-parents concerned about accidents on their houseboat. The top layer of synthetic grass allows urine to drain through into the base and the reinforced base is slightly angled so fluid trickles down into the waste container. With the PetSafe Pet Loo, your pet gets the backyard he needs without you having to turn around and sprint for shore or worry about a mess on board. (www.petsafe.net/petloo)

Waggo

We’ve all done it before. You throw your dog’s toy into the water and watch him dash excitedly into the water to retrieve it. However, that excitement quickly shifts to disappointment when your dog is unable to find it and his favorite toy gets lost in whatever body of water you decided to toss it into.

With Waggo’s Anchors Aweigh Toy you’ll never have to worry about losing your dog’s toys while on your houseboat. The toy floats, making it possible for your dog to always retrieve it. Perfect for the playful, this durable nautical dog toy will stand up to hours of fun. Choose from nautical navy, classic cherry or mint for a toy that will keep your water dog busy on land or at sea. Small toys are 6 by 5 inches and large run at 7 by 8 inches. (www.waggo.com)

Salus Marine

Most dogs can swim, but they have more fun in the water and you have greater peace of mind when they wear the Salus Skippy dog vest. The Skippy uses Cordura nylon for durability. Flotation under the belly and chest give greater buoyancy and two-handle straps make it easy to grab and lift your heavier playmate out of the water.

The Salus Skippy dog vest also has reflective piping that’s visible whether your dog is in or out of the water, then there’s also a side mesh pocket for a leash and doggy treats. Your dog will not only remain safe during your day out on the houseboat, but he will also have everything he needs within paw’s reach. (www.salusmarine.com)

Outward Hound

The Outward Hound Granby Life Jacket sports high visibility colors, multiple reflective strips, easy-grab handles, quick-release buckles and outstanding flotation. Durable ripstop material stands up to repeated use and dries quickly for beach play. The full foam coverage and front neck float also provide a comfortable fit for water fun.

Some of our favorite features of this life jacket include the top grab handle for easy rescue, the front floats that keep your pup's head above water, the reflective accents and bright colors for high visibility, the adjustable straps and the neoprene belly band for comfortable and secure fit. (www.outwardhound.com)

EzyDog

The EzyDog Cujo Leash adapts high-end watersports into a unique dog leash design. The firm wakeboarding no-slip handle and short length are engineered to give you greater control over your dog while still making it comfortable for both you and your pet. Built-in shock absorption protects both human and dog by breaking the static jolt caused by sudden movements or pulling.

Whether it’s a stroll through the marina or a visit to the beach, the Cujo leash is the perfect solution for a safe walk. This Cujo leash is available in both 25-inch and 40-inch lengths in colors blue, red, black, chocolate, green camo, and pink camo. (www.store.ezydog.com)

West Paw

Light, bouncy and soft enough for dogs to catch with their mouths, West Paw’s Boz is a floatable dog ball that has a durable exterior texture which engages fetch fanatics. While human hands can’t typically squish Boz, dogs can compress the ball between their teeth giving them a satisfying endorphin release.

Better than a tennis ball, Boz is more durable, squishy and doesn’t contain any toxic glues or lead. Size small fits in a standard ball thrower. Like all Zogoflex and Zogoflex Air dog toys, Boz is recyclable, made in the USA, floatable, guaranteed against dog damage, FDA compliant, non-toxic and dishwasher safe. (www.westpaw.com)

Kurgo

Playing fetch in the water is a great workout for your dog, but why should they have all the fun? Bring some excitement to your game by replacing your slimy ball with these Kurgo’s floating skipping stones. Shaped just like real stones, you can skip them over the water as far as you can, wait for your dog to bring them back, and then repeat until you beat your personal best or one of you passes out from exhaustion. Kurgo’s floating skipping stones come in easy-to-spot colors, never get waterlogged and float well even after a good chewing. (www.kurgo.com)

Warren London

Dogs need sunscreen too. Help protect your dog from the sun with Dog Sunscreen spray. Warren London’s natural sunscreen contains FDA-approved ingredients to help protect your pet and it also includes Aloe Vera to help moisturize as well. With this sunscreen, your dog will stay in top shape the entire time you are out on the houseboat. (www.warrenlondon.com)

Skouts Honor

Skouts Honor’s Stain and Odor is a powerful, earth-friendly essential which works wonderfully for cleaning up mild to severe pet messes that can happen aboard. This product removes tough stains and odors on carpet, fabric and any water-safe surface.   Similarly, their Odor Eliminator instantly eliminates lingering odors on contact. This is a boating must-have and is great for getting rid of mold/mildew odors in addition to stinky 'wet dog' smell from furniture and carpets.  

Also, don’t forget to give your pet a few spritzes of this Probiotic Deodorizer after swimming to keep his skin and coat looking, feeling and smelling great. Topical probiotics help balance out their skin's biome, preventing bad bacteria overgrowth which can cause itch, odor and dryness. (www.skoutshonor.com)

Handi-Ramp

Handi Products PetSTEP Ramps will reduce the amount of effort it takes for your best friend to perform everyday tasks like getting on and off of your boat. The non-slip rigid rubber surface is soft on paws and will provide superior traction in any weather condition. The ramp folds in half, is durable, lightweight and portable, making trips with your pet a simple task.

The Original PetSTEP Folding 70-inch Pet Ramp is the perfect accessory to help pets climb in and out of the back of vehicles or swimming pools. This lightweight portable ramp can be folded in half and has molded ergonomic handles built in on each side, making it easy to carry and store. The original PetSTEP ramp is an excellent item for newborn or older animals as well as for pets that require special care and attention. (www.handiramp.com)

Ruffwear

Ruffwear’s Float Coat is a confidence-inspiring canine life jacket built with time-proven, abrasion-resistant materials. A natural swimming position is made possible for your canine friend by strategically placed closed cell foam panels, and the coat’s water compatible webbing remains stable in wet environments. A telescoping neck closure adjusts for a range of dog sizes and is permanently attached and secure.

While you’re shopping, you will also want to pick up Ruffwear’s Gnawt-a-Stick, inspired by Oregon coastal driftwood, a favorite token among beach-combing dogs in the Pacific Northwest. This natural sustainable latex rubber toy is durable and chew-resistant, with a faceted, gum-massaging surface. It bounces erratically for an engaging game of fetch, and it floats upright to remain visible and easy to retrieve. (www.ruffwear.com)