There’s no doubt that you can have a lot of fun with an inflatable kayak at the beach or maybe on a river or a lake. But what if you’d like to combine your passion for your inflatable kayak with dog adventures?
After all, there’s nothing dogs love more than playing in the water! So, can a dog ride in an inflatable kayak? They can, but you’ll need a dog-friendly inflatable kayak and there are a few things you need to consider.
Can you take a dog in an inflatable kayak?
Yes, you can take a dog in an inflatable kayak. Inflatable kayaks are made from strong, durable materials which means that putting your dog on your kayak won’t be a problem – they shouldn’t be able to damage it. Just make sure they are wearing a doggy life jacket!
It does depend on the dog somewhat, because if your particular dog doesn’t enjoy being in the water, then they won’t enjoy being in an inflatable kayak, so do bear that in mind.
I’d also recommend that you take your dog on a two-person inflatable kayak, as you might find it a little cramped on a one-person kayak.
But inflatable kayaks certainly aren’t cheap! They’ll set you back a few hundred bucks at the very least, so it’s understandable that you might be concerned about your dog popping your inflatable kayak, from both a safety perspective and an expense perspective.
Suggested read: How Safe Are Inflatable Kayaks?
Will a dog pop an inflatable kayak?
No, a dog almost certainly won’t pop an inflatable kayak, because inflatable kayaks tend to be made from materials that are strong enough to withstand biting and clawing from dogs. However, just to be extra certain, there are steps you can take to protect your inflatable kayak from your dog.
Something to consider when choosing a dog-friendly inflatable kayak is what material it’s made from. While most are made from strong, durable materials your dog won’t pop, it’s worth checking. PVC nylon or similar synthetics are a safe bet and will be strong enough to withstand bites or claws.
Even though due to their general sturdiness, durability, and resilience, it’s highly unlikely that a dog will pop an inflatable kayak, there are some additional steps you could take to protect your inflatable kayak from your dog.
How to protect an inflatable kayak from your dog
Steps you can take to protect your inflatable kayak from your dog include trimming their nails and choosing your inflatable kayak carefully to ensure you’re using a dog-friendly inflatable kayak.
As I said earlier, don’t sit your dog in an inflatable kayak if they’re not a fan of the water in general, as going in an inflatable kayak is likely to agitate them. It’s unfair on your dog to put them in such distress.
And it could also result in your dog accidentally damaging your inflatable kayak by biting or clawing at it out of fear. So do protect your inflatable kayak from your dog by not sitting them in it if they’re nervous around water.
As well as protecting your kayak, you’ll also want to look after your dog, so make sure you buy them a life jacket. Even if you feel like your dog is a confident swimmer, and the lake you’re visiting isn’t too big, you don’t want to take risks.
Best Dog Proof Inflatable Kayak
My recommendation of the best dog-friendly inflatable kayak is the Upwell Inflatable Recreational Kayak. It’s very reasonably priced, and it’s not too big, making it ideal for one person plus a dog. And its size makes it especially good for rivers or lakes.
In terms of value for money, it’s hard to beat, and it’s colorful and stylish. In terms of being a dog-friendly inflatable kayak, it’s made from hard-wearing PVC nylon, and as it’s been designed with two people in mind, there’s plenty of room for you and your pooch!
Even though the Upwell Inflatable Recreational Kayak is my top recommendation for solo kayakers who want to take their dog, it’s perhaps a little small if you also plan to take another human with you.
Weight capacity – 650lb
Robust, thick PVC material
Weight capacity – 650lb
Best Inflatable Kayak For Two And A Dog
Maybe you want to take another human with you as well as your dog. In that case, my recommendation for the best dog-friendly inflatable kayak is the Driftsun Almanor Inflatable Recreational Touring Kayak.
This certainly isn’t the cheapest inflatable kayak. However, it’s the best for two people and a dog.
It’s a particularly dog-friendly inflatable kayak because not only is it made from hard-wearing PVC nylon, which means your dog won’t puncture it with their teeth or nails, but in addition to two adult seats, it also boasts a third seat specially designed with dogs (or children) in mind!
Weight capacity – 650lb
Robust, thick PVC material
All accessories (paddle, pump, repair kit) included
To Sum Up…
My final answer to the question “can a dog ride in an inflatable kayak?” is absolutely, yes! A dog is highly unlikely to damage an inflatable kayak, but if you have concerns about your particular pooch, then there are the additional steps I’ve outlined that can be taken to protect your inflatable kayak from your dog.
So get yourself out and enjoy the water on a dog-friendly inflatable kayak with your canine chum!
