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Top tips for taking your dog out paddle boarding
Below are some tips for getting your dogs on the paddleboard , and by following these top tips , I hope you and your pup have the best experience . Remember , if it doesn ’ t work the first time , don ’ t give up ! 1 . Make sure you are well trained , experienced and in complete control of your board .
2 . Ensure your dog is well trained , has good recall etc . 3 . Let the dog get used to the board on land . 4 . Check weather conditions : check the wind and swell , I don ’ t like to take Percy out in the wind stronger than 10mph , and I look for flat water . If it is raining , I might leave him at home , and I plan to try a dog raincoat for him .
5 . Ensure the dog is wearing a buoyancy aid ; I got a good one for Percy from Terrain Dog : www . terraindog . com /.
6 . Paddle in a location you know well , perhaps a river , lake , or canal rather than the sea . 7 . Plan a small paddle first . 8 . Go with another well trained , experienced paddler . 9 . Stock up on dog treats 10 . Never attach your dog to you or the board because of the risk of entanglement . 11 . Wear appropriate clothing and equipment
– be prepared to fall in . 12 . If your dog doesn ’ t settle , abort , try another day .
OK , so what could go wrong !
Drowning … Drowning can come in several guises ; even the strongest swimmer can run into difficulty . A dog can become entangled in foliage or discarded items on a riverbed ; snort in water whilst swimming , which may present issues immediately or later . This is known as secondary drowning , where the lungs are irritated , and the body tries to compensate by producing fluid ( this fluid causes secondary drowning ).
What to look out for … Obviously , suppose your dog is struggling in the water . In that case , early signs of an issue your dog is suffering could also be that their breathing is laboured or irregular , coughing , or adopting an odd posture ( a sign of discomfort ). If you see any of these signs , check for the pulse and colour of the gums . A weak pulse and pale gums are indications your dog is in trouble . If not dealt with , difficulty breathing could lead to collapse and loss of consciousness .
What to do … Small dogs can be picked up above the ankles and swung between the legs , or you could use the ‘ coupage ’ technique taught on courses to try and expel the water . If the dog has become unresponsive , then be prepared to give CPR . Keep the dog warm and call the vet to let them know you ’ re on the way . Even if your dog appears to make a full recovery , you should still have him checked by a vet .
Water intoxication … Drinking too much water – could be unintentionally drinking or swallowing whilst swimming . Symptoms include lack of coordination , lethargy , nausea , bloating , vomiting , dilated pupils , glazed eyes , pale gums , and excessive salivation .
Advanced symptoms include difficulty breathing , collapsing , loss of consciousness , and even seizures . So be prepared to give CPR ; call the vet to let them know you ’ re on the way .