Written by Lydia Burdett /
Paddleboarding is an awesome activity, and so is hanging out with your dog. Why not combine the two and learn how to paddleboard with your furry friend in tow? In this blog, we’ll explore some key safety tips to make sure that you follow when you take your dog paddleboarding this summer.
Your selection of paddleboard is an important factor when it comes to taking your dog paddleboarding. You want a spacious board that will provide plenty of stability for you and your furry friend to minimise the chance of either party falling off. For that reason, we recommend avoiding any touring boards, which compromise on stability due to their narrower design in favour of more speed. The Red Ride range is a perfect choice, offering the all-around features you need for taking to the water with your furry friend.
Of all the dog paddleboard accessories, there is one that you definitely need to have: a Dog Buoyancy Aid. It’s essential that you make use of this important accessory to ensure that your pet is properly protected in the event that they fall off the board. Our dog buoyancy aids feature four easy-to-use grab handles making it easy to reunite with your pet in the event of your emergency, as well as light reflective detailing for optimum visibility.
It’s a good idea to get your dog accustomed to your board before you set off into the water. While you’re still on land, try to catch your pet’s interest in the water. Practise getting them to sit or lie down on it using treats until you feel confident that you can get your dog on the paddleboard without them being uncomfortable or anxious.
Once you get your dog on the paddleboard comfortably, it’s time to slowly introduce the water. Initial sessions should be short paddles in shallow water so as to not overwhelm your dog. Give them some time to get used to the process in a safe and controlled environment. Taking your dog paddleboarding will initially be a patient process, but that patience will be more than rewarded as they become more secure and relaxed with the activity.
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It’s important to bear in mind when taking your dog paddleboarding that they are susceptible to sunburn, particularly in areas that do not have much fur such as the nose or ears. Keeping your pet protected from nasty sunburns using sunscreen is a must when it comes to our safety tips. Just remember to use pet-safe products, as human sunscreen can be harmful to dogs.
Remember that a dog’s paws are vulnerable to burns, which means that in hot weather it’s quite possible for your paddleboard to get too hot for them. When you’re taking your dog paddleboarding during hot weather this summer, we advise placing a damp towel on your board for them to sit or lie on. This will keep them safe, protect their paws, and make their experience much more comfortable for them.
You should be checking up on water and weather conditions anyway, but this is especially vital if your pet is tagging along. Don’t bring your dog paddleboarding if the weather looks like it's going to be too hot or the water looks too choppy. If you can, head out early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as these times generally have more moderate and comfortable conditions.
You should also be aware of what wildlife you may encounter in a given SUP area before you bring your dog there. Birds, fish or other fauna may fascinate your dog, causing the paddleboard to tip if they get overexcited. If you know they aren’t good around other animals, it may be worth taking your dog paddleboarding in a quiet spot without any animals to excite them.
We hope that this has been helpful in explaining how to safely take your dog paddleboarding. SUP with your pet makes for an awesome summer activity, so grab your paddleboarding kit and get out there! The Red team is on hand to provide you with expert advice about any of our products and additional SUP safety tips, so feel free to get in contact with us today.
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