Editor's note: This post was originally published in July 2017.

Is there anything more fun for a dog than summer? Romps on the beach and long sunny days playing fetch with their humans – it doesn’t get much better for a dog!

For those with boats, summer fun also means setting off to sea, sometimes with canine companions on board. With the wind in their fur and salt air on their noses, lots of dogs adore setting sail with their owners.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are a number of safety precautions to consider before taking off. Many owners don’t realize that canine life jackets are absolute safety essentials, even for water-obsessed breeds like Labs. The truth is that strong waves can pull under even strong swimmers, so every canine on board should always be equipped with a dog life jacket.

To help four-footed sailors stay safe this summer, we’re sharing this new Dog Boating Safety Tips infographic illustration from K9 of Mine. Read through these canine boating safety tips before setting out to sea!

From the editor: Suggested items to bring when boating with your dog

Surf N Turf Dog Life Vest

Kurgo First Aid Kit

Gourd Water Bottle 

Mash N Stash Bowl or Collaps A Bowl

Meg Marrs is the Founder and Senior Editor at K9 of Mine. A lifelong animal lover, Meg is especially crazy about canines. When she's not cuddling puppies, you can find her making lopsided bowls on the pottery wheel or lounging in a hammock with a good book.