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ffighter559 · 07-12-2019, 19:42

Long time lurker and in the market for my boat! However I do have an issue that I haven’t seen addressed yet! So after 101, 103, and 104, and being on the water a bit, I have a issue that I don’t know how to deal with! My 5 year old lab, who loves to swim, will not quit drinking salt water! And his bowels are always messed up terribly, to be polite about it! I would love for my boy to sail with me, however it’s becoming a huge issue! Any advice would be more than welcome! I can’t make the decision to leave him with someone Instead of sailing with me? Anyone else had the same issue? Please don’t flame me, I’m at my wits end!
Thanks ahead of time!

Mike OReilly · 07-12-2019, 21:05

I tried to bring my cat along in this new cruising life. Turns out he got seasick and desperately scared when the boat was rolling. Nothing more pitiful than a seasick cat.

Although it was hard, we decided it was too cruel to subject him to this life. We left him with relatives.

Steve Bean · 07-12-2019, 21:09

Have you consulted with a veterinarian, or vet university?

BugzyCan · 07-12-2019, 22:27

Perhaps you can train him with two bowls of water, one salt, and one fresh. If he goes for the salt water, you tell him no very firmly, and when he drinks the fresh you reward him with a treat. After a while, take him to the ocean, and if he drinks it, you tell him no, but if he doesn't, you give him a treat and be nice to him. Labs are very smart, and I bet he will pick up on this quickly. Good luck.

Also, be sure you always have fresh water for him to drink on the boat.

Curious, where does he pee?

**JPA Cate** · 07-12-2019, 22:50

ffighter559:

Bugzy's method should work. You should also know that drinking salt water is very bad for your Lab's kidneys. You want to deal with it because of the excrement problem; and some might think you need to deal with it because of the health implications. I don't mean to be cruel, but I thought it needed to be stated.

Ann

**a64pilot** · 08-12-2019, 12:03

I think your only hope is to keep the dog out of the water.
Our Lab did the same, she would swim and lap water up occasionally.
Seeing as how she was just simply way to big to be on the boat, we left her with friends. It was much harder on my Daughter than it was for the dog.

ffighter559 · 08-12-2019, 14:05

I want to thank everyone for the advice! before i give up, i'll try the two bowl trick. thank you also as I was not aware of the kidney issues. Thanks to all again!