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In this post, I am dog-gone happy to present you with my picks for the best kayak gear for dogs you can get right now including ramps, mats, leads, life jackets, riggers, and more.
While taking your dog kayaking can be a bit more challenging than taking him for a walk or a run, I think it’s an even better bonding experience. However, having the right gear can help make all of the difference out in the water.
So without further ado, here are the top 13 best kayak gear for dogs:
- #1 – Beavertail 1200/2000 Stealth 400142 Dog Ramp for Bird Hunting Boat
- #2 – MOOCY Sun Shade Canopy For Kayak
- #3 – Lewondr Small Dog Sunglasses
- #4 – AMOFY Pet Mat
- #5 – Ultra Waterproof Dry Bag
- #6 – Embrava Best Sports Water Bottle
- #7 – COMSUN Collapsible Dog Bowl
- #8 – Bodhi Dog Sunscreen
- #9 – Vivifying Dog Check Cord
- #10 – Rabbitgoo Dog Harness
- #11 – Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket
- #12 – FOAMMAKER Universal DIY Traction Non-Slip Grip Mat
- #13 – Lixada Stabilization Inflatable Outrigger Stabilizer
Why Take Your Dog Kayaking?
Some people might question the wisdom of taking a dog out on a kayak, but those who have mastered this canine outing would have it no other way!
There are many reasons for pursuing this adventure, but here are some of the main ones.
- Companionship for both dog and owner. Dogs are faithful companions that love spending time with their owners, and dog owners treasure the friendship and company that a loyal dog offers. It may not always be feasible to take another person out kayaking with you, but your dog will always be willing and eager.
- Exercise and stimulation for your dog. Many dogs are kept in small yards and do not have the freedom to explore and enjoy the wider outdoors. Taking your dog on a kayaking adventure gives them exercise and stimulation by enjoying this excursion with the person they love the most!
- It is good exercise for you. Taking a dog along will ensure that you are more active than if you left your furry friend at home.
- You will have more fun. Just seeing your pet’s enjoyment on the outing alone will make the trip more fun for you.
- Safety. The outdoors can be dangerous, particularly if you are kayaking in the wilderness where there is the possibility of encountering large animals such as bears. Your dog’s senses are much more acute than yours, and they can warn you of potential danger before you find yourself in a predicament.
ayaks are typically made for one either person or two people. You might be scratching your head wondering whether this leaves much space aboard this small narrow vessel for a dog.
The short answer is so many dog owners love being out in the open water with their furry friends. And with a bit of additional gear, your beloved pet will be happier and safer in and around the water.
If you are concerned about safety, don’t be. Dogs are instinctively better swimmers than us two-legged creatures. Just use common sense (and maybe some of the safety gear I feature here), and you and your fuzzy friend will feel safe and secure out in your yak.
Best Gear To Take Your Dog Kayaking
For your kayak outing to be a pleasure for both you and your dog, the right gear and equipment are essential. Consideration needs to be given to both your needs and the needs of your pet to ensure you are safe and comfortable.
The best place to start is to take a good look at your kayak and determine whether it is even suitable for you and your pet. Some smaller kayaks are simply not conducive to taking a dog on board.
In terms of gear, you also need to consider the size and shape of the kayak and the needs of your dog. Do you have a longboat that would be conducive to a no-slip mat? Are you concerned about your dog getting too much sun? If so, a canopy might be prudent or at the very least a good pet sunscreen. Do you have a large or rambunctious dog and are afraid of capsizing? If so you might want to consider an “outrigger” to keep the boat balanced. I’ll give you my recommendations for each of these below.
Choosing The Right Kayak For You And Your Dog
The right kayak will be the critical starting point to safely take your dog out on the water with you. Some kayak designs are simply not suitable for a dog.
Some sea kayaks often fall into this category because they are narrow and pointed at both ends, which does not leave room on the kayak for your dog.
I have a couple of suggestions for kayaks suitable for a canine passenger without cramping your own space on the craft.
I’ll include my top two kayak recommendations for dogs at the end of this post. But first, let’s get into my 13 picks for the best kayak gear for dogs.
#1 – Beavertail 1200/2000 Stealth 400142 Dog Ramp for Bird Hunting Boat
The Beavertail dog ramp
is designed for bird hunting dogs to quickly board or disembark from a kayak. Even though the product is designed for hunting, it can just as easily be used for recreational purposes.
Pros:
- The Beavertail is made to be rugged and tough to handle the difficult terrain that hunters sometimes frequent.
- The ramp can swing up and out of the way when it is not being used. The Beavertail is also much lighter than many other alternative boating dog ramps.
Cons:
- The main con of this type of dog ramp is that it is made to fit a particular kayak style, so it may require some modifications to make it work on your kayak.
#2 – MOOCY Sun Shade Canopy For Kayak
The sun’s heat out on the water can become quite taxing for your dog, especially for extended periods out on the kayak. It is essential to offer some relief from the sun for both you and your dog with the addition of a shade canopy.
The MOOCY Sun Shade is quick to set up as well as take down and offers a substantial eight square feet of shade coverage.
Pros:
- The MOOCY Sun Shade is easy to operate and is designed to be compatible with most kayak types. The frame uses existing hardware on the kayak, so there is no need to fit extra securing points to your kayak.
- It is lightweight and easily fitted by yourself and provides a good level of shade over the kayak.
Cons:
- The MOOCY Sun Shade cannot be used in windy conditions. It is rated for calm conditions or light wind conditions. Strong winds or strong gusts can collapse the canopy and damage the framework.
#3 – Lewondr Small Dog Sunglasses
We all know how dazzling the sunlight can be and the glare from the sun being accentuated by the water. Your dog’s eyes can be affected by the wind and glare in the same way that your eyes are affected.
A pair of Lewondr Small Dog Sunglasses that protect from UV and are windproof and waterproof are the ideal protection for your dog’s eyes.
Pros:
- These dog sunglasses are adjustable for comfortable fitment and provide good protection for your dog’s eyes. They are anti-fog, waterproof, and provide wind protection as well.
- The strap construction makes for secure fitment, so the glasses will not fall off easily and get lost. They have foam padding around the eyepiece to prevent too much pressure from being applied to the dog’s eyes.
Cons:
- The con factor of this product is that it is made for smaller-sized dogs only, and it may take quite a lot of training to get your dog used to wearing them and not wanting to scratch them off.
#4 – AMOFY Pet Mats
Your dog will be pretty active on your kayak, but he will also need a comfortable place to lie down. It is good to encourage your dog to lie still in one spot while the kayak is in motion, as his constant moving around on the kayak may result in instability.
The AMOFY Pet Mat is the ideal mat to place in your kayak on the spot you want your dog to lie down. The mat is made for indoor or outdoor use, so it is of durable design.
Pros:
- The AMOFY Pet Mat is machine washable, which is an excellent characteristic of an outdoor mat. It is also comfortable for your pet, and its non-slip properties make it ideal for the kayak.
- This pet mat is also water-resistant and easy to clean and can accommodate all sizes of dogs. The mat comes with a convenient stuff bag for storage.
Cons:
- It is challenging to find a downside to this product, and if we must nit-pick to find one, it is only water-resistant and not waterproof.
#5 – Ultra Waterproof Dry Bag
A dry bag is a must-have for kayaking. This awesome Ultra Waterproof Dry Bag is ideal for packing water-sensitive items such as spare clothes for yourself and treats for your dog.
Pros:
- This dry bag comes with padded shoulder straps for easy transportation, and it has a heavy-duty grab- handle at the top of the bag.
- It features additional external pockets that are not waterproof but provide convenient access to other items that can be carried in the bag.
- The bag will also float should you capsize your kayak out on the water.
Cons:
- The only downside of the Ultra dry bag is that it may be a little large, making it difficult to fit in the storage section of some kayaks.
#6 – Embrava Best Sports Water Bottle
Dogs need more water than we do to stay hydrated, and if you are kayaking on water that your dog cannot drink, you will need to take additional water on the kayak. The Embrava Sports Water Bottle is the ideal product to carry extra water.
Pros:
- This water bottle is made from non-toxic and BPA-free plastic that is tough and eco-friendly. It does not impart any plastic taste to the water. It has a sput that you can drink from and a screw-off lid to pour water into a bowl for your dog.
- The bottle is completely recyclable. It is has a non-spill, dustproof and leakproof lid. It also comes in varying sizes, so you can pick the size that best suits your needs.
Cons:
- This bottle is not dishwasher safe, and the price may be considered a little high, but the quality is well worth it.
#7 – COMSUN Collapsible Dog Bowl
A small bowl to give your dog a drink while out on your kayak can be considered a non-negotiable piece of gear, especially if you are kayaking in water your dog cannot drink. The COMSUN Collapsible Dog Bowl is the ideal choice for this necessary piece of equipment.
Pros:
- The bowls come in a pack of two, which is great, so you can have a spare or use one for food and one for water. It is collapsible, which reduces the amount of packing space the bowl takes up in the kayak.
- It also has a carabiner so the bowl can be secured to the kayak to prevent it from being lost overboard. The bowl is non-slip, so it won’t scoot around on the kayak when your dog is trying to drink.
Cons:
- If left in the direct sunlight for long periods, the bowls could perish and crack, especially along the folds.
#8 – Bodhi Dog Sunscreen
Dogs with light-colored fur also generally have fair skin that is susceptible to sunburn and sun damage in the same way as our skin. Bodhi Dog Sunscreen is specially formulated to protect the exposed skin of your dog from sunburn and damage.
Pros:
- This sunscreen for dogs comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle that will fit easily in your kayak storage compartment or your dry bag. It is non-greasy and has a built-in moisturizer that will help to protect your pet’s skin from the wind.
- It can be used on your dog’s nose, ears, and belly and is formulated to be non-toxic for pets.
Cons:
- You will need to re-apply the sunscreen after your dog goes swimming.
#9 – Vivifying Dog Check Cord
A lead for your dog is essential on a kayak, especially if you are a long way from shore. A long Dog Check Cord or lead is ideal for giving your dog some freedom but still being able to retrieve him when needed.
Pros:
- The dog check lead is 20-feet long, which allows your dog some freedom. The cord floats, an essential characteristic because the cord will not drag your dog under the water.
- The bright color makes the cord visible in low light and murky water. The clip is robust, making it suitable for all size dogs.
Cons:
- The lead can become tangled in obstacles, but this would be true of any lead used in the water. If your dog is a tendency to chew, he may chew through the rope, so keep it out of his reach till you need to clip it on.
#10 – Rabbitgoo Dog Harness
A dog harness is better for your dog than a collar. If you need to pull your dog aboard the kayak, a collar can slip off, making it difficult to retrieve your dog. The Rabbitgoo Dog Harness is an addition to your gear to easily lift your dog back on board your kayak.
Pros:
- The rabbitgoo Dog Harness will not choke your dog when you use it to lift them from the water. It is easy to fit and remove the harness from your dog with two quick-release clips. The harness has a heavy-duty handle on the back which is useful for lifting your dog out of the water.
- This harness is made for medium to large dogs and has easy adjusting buckles to get the perfect fit for your dog.
- The harness is made with broad bands across the chest that will not cut into your dog when you lift him with the harness. The straps on the harness also have reflective strips, which improves visibility in low light.
Cons:
- The harness is for larger dogs, but similar harnesses can be sourced for small dogs. The harness is not machine washable but can be washed by hand.
#11 – Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket
The enthusiasm of our canine friends can easily get them into trouble in the water, especially if there are some strong currents in the water or your dog tries to swim too far from the kayak. It is in such situation situations that the Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket is literally a lifesaver!
Pros:
- The main outstanding features of this dog life jacket is that it is available in sizes ranging from extra-small to extra-large, so you are sure to find a size that will suit your dog.
- The life jacket is brightly colored with reflective accents on the jacket so you can keep see where your dog is at all times, and he will be easy to spot in the water.
- The top rescue handle is robust and intended to be used to lift the full weight of your dog to get them out of the water.
- The jacket is designed to not limit the dog’s movement in the water and provide buoyancy in the right locations specific to dog physiology.
Cons:
- The only negative about this life jacket is that there is no attachment for a leash, but you can easily attach a leash with a carabiner to the back handle.
#12 – FOAMMAKER Universal DIY Traction Non-Slip Grip Mat
Your dog will want to move around on the kayak, but the smooth, slick surface of the kayak might make it difficult for your dog to keep its footing. A FOAMMAKER DIY Non-Slip Mat is the ideal traction pad to place on areas of your kayak for your dog to walk without slipping.
Pros:
- This product is specifically made for boats, kayaks, and surfboards to provide traction on these watercraft’s slick, slippery surfaces.
- The mat comes in strips that can be cut to the right size for the area that you want to place on your kayak. The application is via a simple peel-and-stick method.
Cons:
- Some kayaks have a textured surface, and the self-adhesive backing does not always stick very well on this type of surface.
#13 – Lixada Stabilization Inflatable Outrigger Stabilizer
Kayaking with an excitable dog on board can make your kayak unstable, especially if the water is a little choppy at the same time. If your canine passenger is particularly boisterous, a set of Lixada Stabilization Inflatable Outrigger Stabilizer can make all the difference for your stability.
Pros:
- The Lixada Outriggers are compatible with most kayaks, and the mountings that come with the unit are manufactured from corrosion-resistant stainless steel for durability.
- The deployment and retraction of the outriggers are easy and simple. It can be done while you are out on the water.
Cons:
- The main detracting feature of this product is that it is a little on the pricey side, but the solid, durable construction is worth the product’s price.
Are There Specific Kayaks That You Recommend?
#1 – Pelican Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak
The Pelican kayak is a 10-foot fishing kayak designed for one person, but there is ample space for your dog on the kayak. Where your dog can sit will depend on its size; it could sit upfront in front of you or even behind the seat in the packing area.
Pros:
- Because this is a fishing kayak, it is a broader kayak, which makes it more stable on the water, particularly when your dog launches itself off the boat unexpectedly!
- This kayak also has space for fishing rods to do some fishing while you are out on the water.
Cons:
- A downside of this Pelican kayak is that it is not designed to accommodate a trolling motor if you wanted to fit one.
- The seat that comes fitted to the Pelican kayak is not very comfortable for extended trips out on the water, so you may want to add a little more padding.
#2 – Driftsun Teton 120 Hard Shell Recreational Tandem Kayak
A tandem kayak is a perfect kayak for a canine passenger, and the Driftsun Teton 120 is an ideal choice! This is a 12-foot kayak that comfortably accommodates two people, or one person and a dog. If your dog is not too large, there could be enough space for two people and your dog on the kayak.
Pros:
- The kayak has ample dry storage to take enough supplies for everyone on the kayak, including your dog.
- The seats are removable, so you could remove one of the seats to give your dog extra room on the boat.
- The kayak is tough, durable, and stable and can be used in fresh water and saltwater environments. The additional space provided makes this kayak our top pick for a dog-friendly kayak!
Cons:
- The only disadvantage of this kayak is its size. It is possible to load and off-load the kayak from your car by yourself, but it will require a substantial effort. It is much easier to load with two people doing the job.
Getting Your Dog Aboard
Some water entry points can be slippery and muddy, so you may want to consider providing an easy way for your dog to climb aboard your kayak from the bank.
This will keep your dog dry as he climbs aboard and prevent him from tracking muddy paws across your kayak.
Conclusion
Kayaking with your dog can be a great experience for both of you, but you need to be prepared to ensure the experience is safe and comfortable for both you and your passenger.
Take the time to plan and rig your kayak in a way that best suits the needs of your canine friend. Bear in mind that all this may be new to your dog, so have patience and persevere with training him to get used to the rules and all the new gear.
Remember to always keep a watchful eye on your dog when he is kayaking with you to make sure you notice should he get into any difficulty!