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Paws on paddles - Week 2
After a short intro into the world of stand-up boarding, let’s get started with the gear you need to make this a fun and safe experience.
Ensuring a safe and enjoyable paddle boarding experience for both you and your dog requires the right gear. This guide will equip you with everything you need for this exciting water activity, and explain why each item is crucial.
Your most important piece of equipment: a dog life jacket
Do dogs really need life jackets?
Yes, and this is why.
The new standard for dog flotation aids
Human life jackets undergo rigorous testing to meet ISO standards, yet this benchmark hasn't been extended to canine life jackets. To address this gap, we've developed a testing system closely aligned with human standards to create a dog life jacket like no other in the market. Collaborating with experts in dog anatomy, biomechanics, and buoyancy, we've pushed the boundaries of traditional dog life jackets.
How?
Conventional dog life jackets are often bulky and hinder mobility, particularly on land. We encountered difficulties in finding a jacket that offered both buoyancy and stability in water. Moreover, thick vests posed a risk of overheating during hot summer days. Our innovative Protector life jacket overcomes these challenges, providing optimal buoyancy, stability, and comfort for your dog.
A dog friendly paddle board
You might already have a paddle board, but if not, here's what to consider when choosing one for dogs:
- Full deck pad: Some paddle boards are very slippery. For your dog's safety and comfort, we recommend a board that provides good grip over the entire surface. So-called yoga paddle boards often have this feature and are also very stable. If your current board lacks grip, you can add a yoga mat or bath mat with suction cups.
- Length and width: Having one or more dogs with you on the paddle board makes it more unstable, so look for a long and wide board for added stability.
- Durability: Most paddle boards are designed to resist puncture and damage, but make sure to choose one that can withstand your dog's nails.
A leash or a long line
Using a leash for your dog is often necessary in many harbors, beaches, and public areas. It helps maintain control, particularly if your dogloves the water so much that it's hard to call them back on to your paddle board.
You have the option of selecting either a short or long leash, depending on your preferences and specific needs. Opting for a longer line can offer your dog more freedom to move around. However, regardless of the length you choose, it's crucial to supervise your dog at all times and ensure the leash doesn't become tangled around their legs.
Paw protection and anti-slip
Every summer, we're reminded of the risk of dogs suffering from burnt and blistered paws due to walking on hot asphalt or sand. Fortunately, this can easily be prevented by using dog booties.
Booties not only shield your dog's paws from heat but also provide protection against cuts from glass, sharp rocks, and seashells.
We offer two types of dog booties suitable for paddle boarding, the Protector booties and the Protector light socks. Both are cut-resistant and puncture-resistant.
The Protector booties have a rubber surface to offer additional traction on slippery surfaces, which is particularly useful if your paddle board has a smooth surface. These dog booties are also water resistant, so if you want your dog to wear booties while swimming, the Protector light socks are a great option. These booties allow the water to flow through.
Your dog´s favorite toy!
Bringing your dog's favorite toy(s) along can make paddle boarding even more enjoyable. The toy can serve as a reward for desired behavior or simply provide entertainment through activities like fetch or tug-of-war in the water.
While it might be tempting to use sticks for play, they can pose risks to your dog's safety. Chasing after sticks could lead to accidental swallowing or choking, or cause splinters in their mouth, throat, or digestive tract. Opting for dog toys ensures a worry-free and enjoyable experience.
Getting warm and dry
On cooler days, it's a good idea to bring along a towel to dry your dog after swimming. Additionally, consider putting on a dog jacket to keep your dog warm. Not only does a jacket ensure your dog's comfort, but it also helps prevent your car or home from getting wet.
We suggest opting for a wool jacket, as it absorbs moisture effectively without feeling damp or chilly. This natural performance fiber offers excellent temperature regulation. It also dries quickly and is naturally odor resistant.
Dog waste bags
Leave the beach and your surroundings as clean as you found them! Remember to bring dog waste bags, and not only one; dogs tend to need to potty after having a swim.
Believe it or not; water
Yes, you read that right. If you are paddle boarding in salt water, you are advised to bring water and a water bowl to make sure they stay hydrated and don’t drink salt water, which can be harmful for them. Some lakes may also be polluted or contain blue-green algae, which can make your dog sick.
A first aid kit
You are recommended to always have access to a first aid kit in case an accident happens. When paddle boarding, paw cuts are among the most common injuries. We've interviewed veterinarian Trude Mostue on first aid, and this is one of the topics covered.
Next week’s topic is introducing your dog to the paddle board for the first time.
Until then, have fun together!