A lot of people love getting outside with their dogs; however, most people are lucky to make it to the local dog park for an hour or so. We are all animal lovers at Three Brothers Boards, and we have been encouraging our paddle board and kayak tour guests to bring their dogs free of charge for many years. Paddle boarding in Daytona is a ton of fun, and we have had many of our guests tell us that it was “hands down the funnest thing they have ever done with their pet.” In fact, if you’re looking for the most fun thing to do with your pets, paddle boarding with your dog is hard to beat. It’s guaranteed to be a fun time—but there are a few things to consider before you hit the water.
The first, and most important, thing is to make sure you have water for your dog when you go paddle boarding is water. When a dog’s temperature starts to rise, its body cools itself through panting, drooling, and dilating blood vessels on its surface. This process is known as vasodilation. These methods of regulating their body temperature will only work for so long, and then the dog will become dehydrated and its blood pressure will drop. This will lead to a heat stroke and possibly death. In fact, if a dog’s internal temperature reaches 110 degrees Fahrenheit, it will die in a matter of minutes, so make sure to have a backup water supply for your dog.
You will also need a life vest to keep your dog safe if they do fall in. There are many different types of life vests for dogs. When paddle boarding, it’s important to choose a vest with a handle on the top of the dog’s back. This way, if your dog falls in you can easily pick it up without falling in yourself. There are many online options for these types of dog life vests, and they range in price from $12- $24.
Another thing that can really be helpful for your dog is a Puppy Traction Pad. These pads have an adhesive back made to stick directly to your board in the areas that your dog would need traction. The Puppy Traction pads allow your dog to walk further up on the board. This way, your dog isn’t always right by where your feet are.
Paddle boarding with your dog can be a fun and exciting way to get outdoors. However, it’s important to ensure we have everything needed for a safe and enjoyable experience before hitting the water.
