Take Your Dog Tubing With This Helpful Guide! • SaltwaterMecca

Tubing down a lazy river on a warm day is the perfect way to relax for someone who loves the water.

The only way it gets better is if you bring your dog along!

Check out this guide if you don’t want to leave your furry friend home the next time you go for a float.

Will Your Dog Like Tubing?
What Type Of Tube Will Your Dog Need?
What To Pack For Your Dog
Keeping Your Dog Safe
- Doggie Life Jacket
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Will Your Dog Like Tubing?

Any dog that loves the water will most likely enjoy tubing. Even dogs that don’t necessarily enjoy the water can have a good time on a tubing float.

Just be sure to get a tube that has a solid bottom so water doesn’t get in, or if you have a small dog, have them ride with you in your tube.

Take Your Dog Tubing With This Helpful Guide!

What Type Of Tube Will Your Dog Need?

Dogs don’t need special tubes. The most important thing is to ensure that it’s large enough for your dog to lay in comfortably, preferably while wearing a life jacket, for a long period of time.

Also, make sure that it is suitable for your dog’s weight. Most quality river tubes are made to hold 400-500 pounds, so this shouldn’t be an issue.

Make It Durable

Also, be sure to get a tube made of durable material, like vinyl, that can withstand your dog’s nails without being punctured.

Most river tubes are designed to endure scraping over rocks and sticks, so finding one that is durable enough for a dog shouldn’t be a problem. Intex makes several quality tubes that can be purchased through Amazon.

Traditional Style Is Best

While you can find “dog loungers” which are made of vinyl and look like an air mattress, it is much better for even a calm river to purchase the typical round river tube for your dog.

Dog loungers can easily tip over and given that rivers can have strong currents, it’s best to keep your dog in a tube at all times.

Round tubes also usually come with a grab rope around the perimeter which can be critical in an emergency.

Double Up

For small to medium dogs, some of the best tubes are tandem. With a tandem tube, you can sit in one side with your dog in the other.

There is also often space for a cooler in the middle. A tandem tube is great for dogs with separation anxiety or dogs that might not be too keen about water.

Two For Towing

If you have a larger breed that is too big to fit in a tube with you or will take over a tandem tube, then you should purchase two individual tubes and tow your dog behind you. If you tow your dog behind you, keep the rope short.

Remember that you can’t communicate with your dog the way you can with a person, so you want them fairly close in case their tube capsizes and they end up in the water or have any other issues.

What To Pack For Your Dog

The packing list for a day tubing with your dog isn’t much different than it would be for taking your dog on a boat.

Bring the basics like plenty of fresh water, a collapsible water bowl, poop bags, treats, and a leash.

Consider bringing the following extra items given that you and your dog will both be on a sunny river in tubes all day:

Sunscreen for dogs
A properly fitted doggie life jacket
Dog toys that float
Dog shampoo
Dog towels
First aid kit for dogs
Tube repair kit
Duct tape

A good packing list can be the difference between a fun day on the water and a day full of frustrations, so take the time to pack properly for the adventure at hand.

Keeping Your Dog Safe

While a lazy day tubing should be inherently pretty safe, keep in mind that accidents do happen. The biggest danger you will face tubing with your dog is water.

Most dogs are excellent swimmers, but not all and even a good dog can wear themselves out or be overcome by rough water.

Doggie Life Jacket

Invest in a quality doggie life jacket and ensure that your dog is wearing it whenever they enter the water.

It’s ideal to have your dog wear it the entire time they’re in the tube as tubes can flip, but dogs with thick coats can overheat easily, so use your best judgment.