First aid for SUP and outdoor swimming
Canine First Aid for SUP and outdoor swimming
Paddleboarding and watersports are becoming popular pastimes to enjoy with your dog—it can be fun for both the two- and four-legged members of your family. You may have attended training that covered safety for yourself and other human members of your party, but how much consideration have you given to your dog? What precautions should you take before setting out, and what would you do if something goes wrong?
Before you hit the water
Let’s start with your dog. Some dogs love to swim, while others don’t—so is your dog happy around water? Is he a good swimmer? Even the best swimmers can tire easily; ten minutes of swimming is equivalent to 30–40 minutes of hard running. Consider getting a life jacket. Build up sessions gradually if your dog prefers swimming alongside rather than riding on your board.
Think about his collar too. Collars can easily get caught on reeds and other vegetation in or around water. A panicking dog could easily strangle himself, so choose one with a pinch release—or consider placing ID on the life jacket instead. Do you know your dog’s vital signs? These vary for every dog, so keep a note of them somewhere handy.
Prperation is key
Now you’re all kitted up and ready to go—but are you prepared if the worst happens? If you carry a first aid kit, are the contents suitable for use on a dog? Conforming bandages are best. Do you have a foil blanket? These can keep a cold, wet dog warm or be used as a stretcher. Do you have the number for the nearest vet, and have you checked their opening hours? And how will you get back to your vehicle in an emergency? Have a plan.
What could go wrong?
Drowning
This can occur in several ways. Even strong swimmers can run into difficulty. A dog may become entangled in foliage or discarded items on the riverbed, or snort water while swimming. This may cause issues immediately or later—known as secondary drowning—where the lungs are irritated and the body produces fluid in response.
Signs to watch for:
- Struggling in the water
- Laboured or irregular breathing
- Coughing
- Odd posture (a sign of discomfort)
- Weak pulse and pale gums
If breathing difficulties aren’t addressed, they could lead to collapse and unconsciousness. What to do:
- Small dogs can be picked up above the ankles and swung between the legs.
- Use the “Coupage” technique taught on our courses to help expel water.
- If the dog is unresponsive, be prepared to give CPR.
- Keep the dog warm and call the vet—even if they appear to recover fully.
Water Intoxication
Drinking too much water—either intentionally or while swimming—can be dangerous.
Symptoms include:
- Lack of coordination
- Lethargy
- Nausea, bloating, vomiting
- Dilated pupils, glazed eyes, pale gums
- Excessive salivation
Advanced symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
Be prepared to give CPR and call the vet immediately.
Sunburn
Out on the water, reflection increases the sun’s effect—even on dull days. Dogs, especially white or lightly coloured ones, can get sunburn.
Apply a dog-friendly sunblock, especially to the ears and top of the nose where fur is thinner. If your dog gets sunburnt:
- Treat it like any burn: cool the area with water for at least 20 minutes.
- Move them into shade.
- Monitor vital signs and place them in the canine recovery position.
- Call the vet.
Heatstroke
Dogs are less able than humans to cope with heat—they only sweat through their paws.
Early signs:
- Excessive panting
What to do:
- Move the dog into shade and place in the recovery position.
- Cool down slowly with cool water.
- Do not cover the dog—heat must dissipate.
- Avoid sudden immersion in water, especially if temperatures vary significantly.
- Check gums using a capillary refill test and monitor pulse.
- Call the vet.
Strangulation
As mentioned earlier, dogs can become entangled in reeds and foliage. If using a collar, ensure it has a pinch-style buckle and is unlocked. Consider an embroidered collar or one with a flat ID plaque rather than a dangling disc.
If caught:
- Your dog may panic and tighten the collar.
- Remove it quickly—possibly one-handed.
- Never put your hand inside the collar.
- Get the dog to the bank, check vital signs, and prepare for shock or CPR.
- Call the vet.
Cuts
Treat similarly to human cuts:
- Rinse with saline (your human kit is fine).
- Apply gauze and bandage firmly.
- If bleeding through, add another layer—don’t remove the original dressing.
- If a foreign object is protruding, leave it in place and bandage around it.
- Keep the area dry.
- If bleeding is heavy, prepare for shock or CPR.
- Call the vet.
I’ve covered a few scenarios you might encounter while out paddling. If you’d like to know more about canine first aid—such as how to check vital signs, find a pulse, or give CPR—come and join one of my courses.
Always carry plenty of clean, fresh water and a bowl. Happy paddling!
