Water activities with your dog: it’s possible!
Kayaking on a lake, paddleboarding in a river or swimming in a body of water: the water offers a wonderful playground for your dog. But canine water safety follows specific rules.
Comparison of water activities
| Criteria | Kayak | SUP (Paddleboard) | Canoe | Free swimming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog difficulty | Average | High | Easy | Easy |
| Min size | 10kg+ | 5kg+ | All | All |
| Equipment | Kayak sit-on-top, vest | Wide board, vest | Open canoe, vest | Vest if necessary |
| Risk | AVERAGE | Medium-high | Weak | Weak |
| Learning | 2-3 exits | 4-6 exits | 1-2 exits | Immediate |
Introduce your dog to paddle (SUP)
Inflated board on the grass. Let your dog sniff and climb at his own pace. Reward. Repeat for several days.
Board in very shallow water, stabilized with your foot. Cue the dog with a treat. The goal: accept the uncertainty. 5 minutes max.
Kneel on the board, dog between your legs. Paddle gently in flat water. Stay close to the edge.
After each session (10-15 min): treats, games, free swimming. Stop before signs of stress.
After 4-5 outings, extend to 20-30 min. Stand up gradually. Dog lying in the center.
After several weeks in flat water, try a light current. Vest required. Master the board climb yourself first.
- Brachycephals (Bulldog, Pug, Boxer): difficult breathing while swimming. Drowning possible.
- Short legs (Dachshund, Basset, Corgi): insufficient propulsion, rapid fatigue.
- Massive body (Bullmastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux): unfavorable buoyancy.
- Mandatory vest for these breeds. Back handle for easy fishing.
Dog-friendly nautical spots
- Verdon Gorges — Turquoise waters, kayaking and canoeing. Lake Sainte-Croix ideal for beginners.
- Lake Annecy — Crystal clear water, perfect paddle, alpine landscapes. Dog-friendly beaches in Doussard.
- Canal du Midi — Zero current, shaded banks. Quiet canoeing paradise.
- Ardèche gorges — Canoe descent (8-32 km). Rental companies accepting dogs.
- Morvan lakes — Six lakes in the forest, moderate attendance, paddle and kayak.
Every summer, lakes are contaminated by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), potentially fatal for dogs. Signs: greenish water, foam, foul odor. After ingestion: vomiting, convulsions. Veterinary emergency. Check the ARS bulletins before any outing.
Water safety: 6 golden rules
Water activities kit
Discover our guide to beaches allowed for dogs. Also see our article on coastline with his dog and our summer vacation tips.
Frequently asked questions
Is a life jacket compulsory when kayaking?
No legal obligation, but very highly recommended. Capsizing is always possible. A vest with a back handle allows you to retrieve your dog. For brachycephals, it is essential. Count 25-60 euros.
Is salt water dangerous?
Yes if ingested in quantity: hypernatremia (vomiting, convulsions). Offer fresh water every 15 minutes at sea. Limit to 20 minutes if your dog swallows waves.
How to prevent ear infections?
Dry the inside of the ears after each swim. Veterinary ear cleaner once a week in season. Breeds with floppy ears (Cocker, Labrador) particularly vulnerable.
Can my dog swim in a flowing river?
Only weak current and good swimming dog. Avoid floods, rapids, downstream of dams. Vest required. Lakes remain the safest option.
