Canine considerations

Sailing with a Bernese Mountain Dog isn’t just possible—it’s a joy. Their gentle nature, loyalty, and love of the outdoors make them wonderful companions at sea. But given their size, thick coat, and unique needs, preparing for life onboard takes a bit of extra planning. Pete and Jen spent quite a bit of time planning this trip, and the canine element added additional considerations to make sure both Svea and the crew have a safe, happy, and wag-filled voyage. ⛵🐶

Provisioning for Svea

Unlike most dogs who sail, Svea was brought up on Rimau so was already used to the boat, and yacht routines. Four months of food was purchased together with ample doggy treats. As we were stopping at marina's rather than mooring on buoys, we know that extra provisions could be acquired if needed. Other considerations include:

Pre-Trip Veterinary Consultation

• Health Check: Ensure your dog is fit for travel.

• Vaccinations: Update all necessary vaccinations.

• Seasickness Prevention: Discuss options with your vet. ​

Seasickness Management

• Acclimatization: Gradually introduce your dog to the boat to reduce anxiety if they do not frequent the vessel regularly.

• Diet: Maintain regular feeding schedules and avoid unfamiliar foods before sailing. 

• Symptoms to Watch: Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.

Hydration

• Fresh Water Supply: Ensure ample fresh water is available at all times.

• Portable Bowls: Use spill-proof bowls to prevent messes. We added shackles to ours as Svea likes to knock them into the sea.

Paw Protection

• Deck Safety: Inspect the deck for hot surfaces or sharp objects.

• First Aid: Carry a pet-specific first-aid kit for treating cuts or abrasions. ​

Safety Equipment

• Life vest / grab harness: Equip your dog with a properly fitted life jacket. We love the Baltic life jackets, not only because they are from Sweden, but they ideal for lifting Svea up following dog over board or swimming practices.

• Harness and Tether: Use a harness with a tether to secure your dog on deck.

• Safety Netting: Consider installing netting around the boat's perimeter to prevent overboard incidents. Svea did not need this, however it is a good idea for smaller dogs.

Comfort and Routine

• Designated Rest Area: Create a comfortable space for your dog to relax. Svea sleeps by the galley and spends time when sailing in the aft cabin.

• Familiar Items: Bring along your dog's favourite toys or bedding to provide comfort.​

• Train them to safely get on and off the boat, either by jumping, using a ramp, or a sling. Svea grew up on a yacht, so she can disembark with ease both by the stern when moored stern to, or under the guardrail by the spreaders.

Kit considerations

• Non-slip matting

• Portable toilet turf or mats for longer passages - we have tired these but they didn't work.

• Dog drying robes—for post-dinghy dashes!

• A tracking tag like Apple AirTag or Tractive GPS

Pet Passport and Paperwork

• While you won't need a pet passport within the UK, you may need up-to-date vaccinations, flea/worm treatments, and possibly health certificates if you plan to dip into Ireland or the Channel Islands. Rules for NI have recently changed so a Pet Travel Document (PTD) is needed.  A PTD is free, lasts a lifetime, and is applied for online using a Government Gateway account. You don't need rabies vaccinations or tapeworm treatment with a PTD. Ensure your dog is microchipped, and that the microchip number matches the one on your PTD. 

Shore Time Matters

• Plan stops with easy shore access, parks, and dog-friendly pubs. We ensured that legs were in most cases no longer than 60 NM. If a leg was to be longer than this we changed it to a night sail.

• Avoid marinas where dogs aren’t welcome. Marinas like Shotley, Lowestoft, Hartlepool, and Inverness are known to be canine-friendly. Due to our 60 NM limitation, this was not always possible and we will highlight all marinas - the good, bad and ugly in the blog.

Socialising in Ports & Marinas

Berners are usually adored by strangers, but not all dogs (or sailors) appreciate a giant cuddle monster leaping ashore. We use:

• A short lead when mooring

• Clear recall commands

• Treats to reward calm behaviour in new places

We plan to mark out dog-friendly pubs, beaches, and walks before we arriving as Svea enjoys exploring new places as much as we do..

Safety & Weather Considerations

Berners have thick coats and can overheat quickly, especially on sunny days or in the cabin. We plan to keep Svea cool by:

• Anchoring in shaded bays

• Swimming when safe and supervised - this has been practised.

• Using a fan or cooling mat below deck

In rough weather, Svea is secured safely, below deck between two soft bags where she won’t slide.

Final Thoughts 💭

Sailing with a Bernese Mountain Dog takes a little more space, a lot of planning, and a good sense of humour. But it’s a magical bond—watching your giant fluffball sniff sea breezes, nap under the stars, and explore the coast by your side.

With the right prep, Svea will be more than just a pet—she’ll be Pete's proud first mate.

Fair winds and wagging tails! 🌬️🐾