Getting ready to head out to Jordan Lake? Lake Johnson? Lake Wheeler? Outer Banks? Spring is here, and you’re ready to get out on the water. But, is your boat ready?

Even if you’ve kept it properly stored for the winter and protected from the elements, there are still a number of things you need to do before hitting your local lakes and rivers.

While much of your focus will be on the boat itself, don’t forget other important things, such as your trailer, your vessel registration and, of course, your watercraft insurance coverage. (Of COURSE we do that!)

As for the boat and trailer, check out these tips from Discover Boating, which provides boating information and public outreach on behalf of the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

Engine and Electric

Your boat’s been sitting for a few months, so it’s not ready to zip across the water just yet. Here are a few things to check before firing up the ignition:

• Make sure fuel hoses are not soft, brittle or cracked and check the system for leaks or damage. Also verify that fittings and clamps are secure.
   
• Check all other belts, hoses and cables as well. Replace if needed.
   
• Inspect electrical connections for corrosion and verify your battery is holding a charge.
   
• Check all fluid levels and change/top off as needed.
   
• Test for proper ventilation.

Propellers and Hulls

Damage to your propeller or hull can make for an unpleasant day on the water. Here are some things to look for:

• Propellers that have dings or distortion. This can lead to not only an unpleasant ride but can also damage your drive train. While securing your propeller, check that the bearings are not worn out.
   
• Hulls with blisters or cracks. Cleaning the hull (use an environmentally safe solution) gives you a good opportunity to check for damage. While you’re at in, clean above deck, too.

Trailers

You should treat your trailer with as much care as your boat. After all, you can’t go boating if you can’t get your boat to the water.

• Inspect the grease fittings on the hubs and reapply grease as needed.
   
• Test the lights on your trailer each time before you get out on the road.
   
• Rinse thoroughly after exposure to salt water.
   
• In case of tire trouble, ensure your vehicle's jack will work to lift the trailer and that you will be able to loosen and tighten the wheel lug nuts.
   
• Look over the trailer bunks once your boat is in the water to ensure the padding isn’t worn.

Safety Equipment

No matter how well your boat runs, you should never run it without the proper safety equipment. So take inventory of what’s onboard to be sure you have:

• Enough life jackets for all potential passengers. Make sure they’re in good condition, too.
   
• Fire extinguisher. Be sure it’s the correct classification for your boat and is in working order.
   
• Emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) so you can be found if you get lost.
   
• Carbon-monoxide detector, if there’s an enclosed area on your boat.
   
• Working navigation lights.

Proper preparation can mean the difference between a great day on the boat and a disastrous one. So take a little time to make this boating season a happy and safe one. Hope to see you out on the water!

There are well over 150 million dogs and cats living in American households today, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. And, their vet visits cost more than $14 billion – yes, billion – a year, says the American Veterinary Medical Association.

It goes to show just how much we love our fur kids and want the best for them and their health. But, in addition to visiting the vet, pets in the United States are going swimming, getting massages and visiting acupuncturists to help support their well-being.

Surprised? Don’t be. Just like with humans, traditional medicine for pets sometimes has its limits. Many pet owners find alternative therapies to be very beneficial.

Here, we break down three of the more popular alternative therapies pet owners are turning to when their furry friends need some TLC.

1. Hydrotherapy can be excellent for dogs that have difficulty moving their joints. The buoyancy of the water lessens stress to the joints that weight-bearing exercises can cause. For some dogs, hydrotherapy is a good option if they have any mobility issues caused by things like arthritis or hip dysplasia. It’s also often used for pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation. Additionally, pet hydrotherapy can help to improve mobility, balance and coordination. That’s just a short list of the benefits of hydrotherapy for man’s best friend. Check out theCanine Hydrotherapy Association for a complete list.

What to Expect
Canine hydrotherapy pools are heated and often include ramps to assist dogs with mobility problems into the water. Water treadmills, life vests, floating devices and toys can further enhance the experience.

2. Massage is quickly gaining in popularity as a beneficial alternative therapy for pets. Many owners see increased improvement in their pets’ overall disposition following massage therapy. In fact, many hydrotherapy centers include massage in their rehabilitation plans. Animal massage benefits pets in much the same way it benefits people. It increases circulation to the immune system, reduces pain and anxiety, increases joint flexibility and loosens tight muscles. Caregivers of senior pets are turning to massage therapy to aid in the relief of pain caused by age-related maladies, such as arthritis and muscle atrophy. Plus, it’s good for the coat and skin because the massage strokes help distribute natural oils.

Want to Try It?
Requirements for animal massage practitioners vary by state, so look for one who meets the requirements where you live and who has good referrals.

3. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that humans have been using for centuries, and it’s becoming increasingly popular for animals. Acupuncture is done by inserting needles into points along the surface of the body to produce a healing response. It assists in relieving pain, boosting the immune system and removing metabolic wastes and toxins. Animal acupuncture can treat many conditions, including chronic pain, allergies and asthma. Sometimes, applications of heat and laser light are used during a session. The acupuncturist may also recommend herbs or a special diet for your pet for a well-rounded, holistic approach.

Find an Animal Acupuncturist
All animal acupuncture practitioners must also be licensed veterinarians, according to the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS). You can search for an animal acupuncturist on the IVAS website.

All of these modalities can be used separately or in conjunction with one another. However, it’s a good idea to check with your regular veterinarian before trying one of these or any other alternate pet therapy. Your vet should be familiar with your pet’s overall health condition and should be able to foresee any complications. If you have pet insurance, don’t forget to check if you have any coverage for alternative therapies.

No matter what type of therapy you choose for your pets, we wish them long and healthy lives!

Most households keep a first-aid kit for their families. But often overlooked is the first-aid kit for the furry family member.

A cut paw, a bite during rough play, an upset tummy, a toxic exposure, a bee sting or an accident at the dog park. That’s just a short list of mishaps your dog may encounter.

Chances are you already have most of the items you’d need if your beloved canine got injured or sick. But, it’s a good idea to create a dedicated kit just for your pet so you can grab it quickly when an accident strikes. Even better, make it a portable kit so you can take it in the car when you’re out and about with your dog.

Here’s what the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Humane Society of the United States and other experts suggest you have in your pet first-aid kit:

• Emergency Contacts: List the phone number and driving directions of your regular vet and the nearest 24-hour animal hospital.
   
• Scissors: You don't want to be looking for these when your pet comes in from the back yard with a bloody paw.
   
• Sterile Plastic Gloves: Anytime you see blood, use gloves to protect yourself and your pet from bacteria on your hands.
   
• Bandages: A spongy brand works best. Choose some that will stick when the fur is wet.
   
• Non-Stick Gauze Pads: Choose a size similar to the bottom of your pet’s foot.
   
• Vet Wrap: A flexible bandage that sticks to itself, it’s a must-have for any pet first-aid kit. You can get it at your local pet store or from your vet. Be careful not to wrap it too tightly, especially with a toe or foot injury that may swell. Vet wrap will constrict a bit, and you don't want to cut off the blood supply.
   
• Cotton Batting: You can buy this stuff in big rolls from the horse supply store; use it as padding under vet wrap.
   
• Cloth Tape: To secure bandages when you can't use vet wrap.
   
• Neosporin: Triple antibiotic ointment; choose one with added pain reliever.
   
• Thermometer: A quick acting human rectal thermometer works great for taking your dog's temperature. A normal temperature for a dog should be between 100.5 and 102 degrees. (Don't forget to mark the thermometer with a piece of tape so you don't accidentally pop it in your mouth the next time you have the flu!)
   
• Vaseline: For the thermometer.
   
• Rubbing Alcohol: To clean the thermometer.
   
• Hydrogen Peroxide: To induce vomiting should your pet ingest something toxic. Always contact your vet or poison control (800-222-1222 or 888-426-4435) before using.
   
• Empty Toilet Paper Rolls: These work great as a temporary splint for a foot or leg or to protect a bleeding tail. Split it open to use as a splint or punch holes in it (for air) for an injured tail.
   
• Saline Solution/Eye Wash: The same stuff you would use for yourself. Use it as a rinse for shallow cuts or for something stuck in the eye.
   
• Antiseptic/Antimicrobial Cleanser: Use as a cleanser for deep cuts. Follow the directions for dilution on the packaging. Can also be used for soaking cut paws.
   
• Oral Syringes: Great for lots of stuff, including giving water to an animal that's unable to drink on its own, dispensing liquid medications or flushing out wounds.
   
• Benadryl: In case your pet gets stung by or decides to eat a bee and has a reaction. Do not dispense without checking with your vet first; write the proper dosage on the package you keep in your kit.
   
• Tweezers: Watch the beauty bark – the woodchips many dog parks use for ground cover. Your dog can get little slivers of this stuff in the skin above its nails. Also good for removing ticks.
   
• IMMODIUM A-D or Pepcid: This really helps with diarrhea or an upset tummy; give only according to your vet’s direction.
   
• Regular Medications: Also include medications your pet regularly takes or anything your vet has recommended for your dog’s specific needs.

Remember, if you see anything you're not sure of – inflammation, swelling, odd behavior, discomfort – or you don’t feel confident attending to your dog’s injuries or illness yourself, call your vet. It’s also a good idea to know your dog’s normal temperature and heart rate (resting and stressed) and the color of its gums so you can easily assess if there is anything out of the ordinary. Write down this information and keep it in your kit, as well as any dosage directions you discuss with your vet.

Finally, if you’ve administered any home first-aid to your pet, it’s always a good idea to contact your vet and see if a visit is in order. Infections can be ugly and a trip to the vet is pretty cheap compared to the discomfort of your furry kid.