TIPS ON ANIMAL CARE AND NEEDED ITEMS, WHILE ON BOARD

[LOLA]

WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND TO HELP MAKE HAVING AN ANIMAL ON BOARD MORE COMFORTABLE AND SAFE?

[___/)ances With Sails]

I'd like to know what mats or alternative measure yall are taking to keep your dogs' footing below on the wood floor and in the cockpit as well.

[zeehag]

teakwood grate for cockpit if you can find one--make one --white oak works too but teak wood is best...best nonskid known....

[LOLA]

__/)ances With Sails...I use 2 throw rugs w rubber backing...I think that would keep the patter and scratching down on the wood floor...warmer too, and easy to shake over the rail. I can't rem if can be seen in my photos.

[LOLA]

Oh excellent site on Captain Dr Dave..I suggest we all put in our Bookmarks, and Favs...I plan to get items..the Pets on board is good.

[zeehag]

i have braided my old mooring lines to make a rescue loop for kat so if he does fall into water he has a way to come up into the boat and be home...and i make certain he has his own berth and space for resting away from others--he only likes mom and will investigate then hide in a place from which he is able to keep an eye on folks

[LOLA]

Good tip Zeehag...has Kat used it yet?

[zeehag]

kat hasnt gotten swimming lessons yet--this bay is second most toxic body of water in country so i will wait and use jacklines for him when sailing so he doesnt fall overboard---he is quite sure footed and knows there is something evil down there but also knows it wets his feets...humans have used it, tho and he is seeing them as they use it--he is smart kitty and boat has been really his only home---i have high bulwarks so is safer than a slick deck--my ericson has slick fiberglass decks, but formosa is more kat friendly..he loves this home.....

[Liv]

Our dog's PFD, the best one we could find and still looking for better, obviously is the most important item for us and Moose on board. Almost as important is to make some shade for him while we're under sail. Creating shade in the cockpit seems a great challenge to us.
Moose is a raw fed dog, so for me it's very important to keep his raw meats fresh. I cannot take chances with the saftety of his meat. So, when we run out of raw meat, I start fishing.. LOL.. Raw fish is good.. Moose agrees.

[LOLA]

Great fresh fish,,,can a dog eat the inner parts?

[zeehag]

dog or kat can eat innerds of fishies--is goood for them actually-liver has oils that bring out coat and vitamins A and D and other good things for them.....

[Liv]

Yes, zee,
fish is full of Omega 3's, which is what we're all in need of. The only thing, of course, is the mercury content/level and other toxins that are found in fish these days.. That's what we get for living in a toxic world . I fear for our oceans..:-(

[zeehag]

when i am sailing i will be catching fish and eating them---the kat can eat same as i do--he loves fishies...i know there are no sparrows for him to catch and snack on---he will have to do as we do ...good thing he loves fish......beats the hell outta feeding him cat foods with melamine from china-------one must measure the risks and live without fear .... only thing i mind in fishies is ciguatera.....