If the relationship between you and your furry friend is getting monotonous, you may want to take them out on a stand up paddleboard in the water.
Doing that can be one of the best things to do with dogs near you, but first, you need to get your hands on the best stand up paddles for your dog.
The SUP you choose should be:
-Stable
-Non-slip
-Accommodating for both you and your dog’s weight
Come with us as we take you through the journey of getting the best SUP for your pooch.
Top-Rated SUP Paddles for Dogs Review
We have tried and tested different paddles. And here now is our unbiased feedback on 10 of them.
Buying Guide for Best Stand up Paddles for Dogs
Your pooch deserves the best so when searching for the best stand up paddle for your dog, you need to keep several things in mind.
Accommodation of Additional Weight
Ordinarily, most paddleboards have a resilience level that accommodates up to 275 pounds. However, there are boards in the market that are smaller than the average board.
This means that they will have less support and that can be a problem especially if you have a heavier and bigger dog.
Grip Pads for your Dog
The average paddleboards should come with traction pads for your dog’s paws to facilitate better standing.
While most dogs can sit and stand well on any paddleboard regardless of whether it is solid or inflatable, it is good to get a SUP with traction pads at the front, which is where most dogs stand or sit.
Do not worry if your paddleboard does not come with these pads. You can always purchase self-adhesive traction pads for better grip.
The best thing about the separate traction pads is that you can place them at both the back and front of your SUP.
Adequate Deck Surface Area
You want to ensure that the length and width of your stand up paddle is the correct size. An average board measures 30” wide and 10” long but if you can get one with more space, the better.
The extra space will cater for extra luggage and room for your pooch to wander around. You might even want to sunbathe and you want enough room for that.
What About your Dog’s Paddle Board?
It makes perfect sense for you to want your dog as a companion while you are out in the water.
Now that we have looked at what paddleboard would suit the both of you best, here are a couple of more things to keep in mind.
SUP Stability
When paddling with your pooch, stability is certainly the most important factor to consider. You not only want a SUP that is stable, but also one that can handle waves without faltering too much.
As you and your pooch get used to the water, you can advance to a faster travelling board.
A Properly Sized Board
We touched on this a bit but it is important to go for a board that can accommodate up to 40 lbs. more than your weight and that of your pooch combined together.
Of course, you want to consider the breed of your dog in terms of size. You cannot compare a Chihuahua to a German shepherd.
You can always weigh yourself and your dog beforehand to get your combined weight. Do not forget to include the weight of any additional items you will be bringing on board as well.
Good Board Maintenance
You want to ensure that your paddleboard is in good condition especially if it is an inflatable SUP. Check to see if there are any punctures or any other areas that require attention.
The last thing you want is a paddleboard that starts exhibiting issues when you are in the middle of the water.
Related: How to Paddle with your Dog
Frequently Asked Questions about Stand up Paddles for Dogs
We get numerous questions about what paddleboards are best suited for paddling with dogs. Such questions make us very happy because it shows that a considerable number of people love to engage in this fun activity with their pets.
The questions answered below can give you a clearer idea.
Can I put my dog on an inflatable paddleboard?
Yes, you can. However, there is a chance that your dog will obstruct your paddle if they are too close to your feet.
It may take a bit of practice to get used to an inflatable SUP with a big dog but paddling is fun and we feel it is a great option for paddling with a dog of any size.
What is the best SUP size for a beginner?
Ordinarily, SUP’s for general use measure 10-11 feet long and 32-34 inches wide. However, if stability is of precedence for you, you may want to go for a board that measures 33-34 inches in width.
Of course, you can get a wider paddleboard but you risk having a slow board that will be less fun in the water.
Can my dog go on a paddleboard?
If it is a small dog, you can have them sit at the front of the board. However, you can only allow this if you have mastered the art of keeping your dog away from the paddle.
If it is a bigger dog, they can sit at the back of the board for better weight distribution.
How do I treat my dog’s hot spots?
The best way is to visit a vet who will be in a better position to prescribe medication. For hot spots, they usually prescribe topical medication such as Gentamicin spray or oral antibiotics.
In other cases, the vet may opt to inject your dog with cortisone to help begin the healing process.
Best Stand Up Paddles Verdict
Even though it might seem tricky to identify the best overall, we’ve got something to say. Based on our careful analysis, “Retrospec Weekender 10′ Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard” offers the most.
With that said, this board is highly durable, light-weight, and easily portable.
What’s more? It comes with a 3-piece aluminum paddle, user-repair kit, waterproof phone case, iSUP Rucksack, and a high-pressure manual pump.
With all these at hand, you can enjoy a series of seamless paddling fun with your fuzzy friend on board. Sounds great? That’s it!
Related: How to SUP With Your Dog
Concluding Remarks
You do not have to be one of those dog owners that always leaves their pet behind when going out for an adventure.
Paddling with your pooch can be a fun and thrilling experience that will give you time to strengthen your bond.
Selecting the best SUP is an overwhelming task especially if it is your first time, but that should not be the case now that you have all the information in this guide so go ahead and enjoy the fun times ahead.