Interview with Damien Medan, co-founder of the association "les toutous surfeurs", who speaks to us about his wonderful project... Visit their Facebook page to discover unusual videos, reports, and information about surfing and other activities to do with your dog!
Hello, so... I have been a veterinarian for 10 years now, and I've been working at the Zatozte veterinary clinic in Bidart, in the Basque Country (64) for about 3 and a half years.
Well, since I moved to Bidart, I've had many clients tell me that they paddleboard and surf with their dogs on small waves. I found it very amusing, so we asked the neighboring communes if they would agree to host a surfing competition with dogs on their beaches. We asked Biarritz, but the commune refused. They didn't want animals polluting the beaches.
It's important to know that no beach in the Basque Country (64) allows animals, but the commune of Anglet was nonetheless in agreement. However, we had already found another participating commune in the Landes: Vieux-Boucau. Generally, the beach of Vieux-Boucau is not accessible to dogs, but this time, the commune made an exception.
The essential item is a life jacket specially designed for dogs. This allows them not to get too tired when they fall into the water and need to swim back to the board.
Next, we recommend putting a grip on almost the entire board, because wax is not enough and the dog slips. Alternatively, opt for a foam board, which is more suitable. If the surfer desires, they can attach a leash to the animal's vest, and despite what one might think, there has never been an accident with the leash!
So, no... Because generally, people do sports with their dogs, as we have a relationship particularly suited with these animals. We don't want it to become something "experimental" with other animals.
We will accustom them gradually to the small waves and the board. With the help of dog trainers and through games, it will be possible to surf later on safely with your dog.
Yes, of course, it's just like for us humans! Before setting off, avoid giving them a large meal just before the effort. Even though there have never been problems with hydrocution, the dog should be light and in great shape. On the beach, do some warm-ups with your dog.
And after surfing, it's important to rinse the animal thoroughly, especially the eyes and ears. Then, within half an hour after the exercise, you can give them a snack or a treat to replenish their energy.
No, never with us, because we prioritize safety above all! When we put a dog in the water, on their board, only 4 participate at the same time, supervised by MNS, surf instructors, and dog trainers.
Moreover, we set up a veterinary first-aid station on the beach.
However, as with all sports, there are always risks that should be kept in mind. There can be collisions, a risk of drowning in case of big waves or currents, sprains, problems for dogs with heart conditions...
Before starting to surf with your dog, it is preferable to ask your veterinarian's opinion.
When the dog falls into the water near the shore and decides to get back on the board rather than return to the beach, it generally means they like it.
Other signs can also indicate whether they like it or not... Like wagging their tail, for example.
Afterwards, the owner must know their animal well and be able to judge whether they enjoy it or not... You should never force your dog to surf!
Dogs have a natural diving reflex from birth, which helps prevent drowning.
However, do not surf with an epileptic dog or one under anti-epileptic treatment, as this treatment inhibits the diving reflex, and they risk drowning.
In any case, you should consult your veterinarian, as with any sporting activity.
Large dogs tire quickly when swimming. The vest is absolutely essential for them. Especially for brachycephalic dogs (such as bulldogs), which, in addition to being bulky, often have respiratory problems.
In terms of health, we learned from a friend who is a veterinarian and a specialist in canine rehabilitation that surfing is beneficial for the joints and posture muscles, which is great news for arthritic dogs, for example!
Yes, so this year, we decided not to reschedule the surfing competition in Vieux-Boucau, as in the previous two years, because of the risk associated with tidal pools and dangerous currents.
We asked the commune of Hendaye since there are small waves on their beaches, but they refused...
One of our participants from last year (in dog surfing) told us about dog mountain biking in the Landes, which inspired us to organize a "dog triathlon" and show creativity, because we love that!
The lake of Vieux-Boucau is ideal for hosting this competition. It's a seawater lake, without waves, and the trail around the lake is about 4 km, a quite suitable distance for canicross and dog mountain biking. Participants will then do dog paddleboarding (or canoeing), followed by dog mountain biking (or scootering), and finish with canicross.
There will be various stands, and once again this year, we welcome the rescue dogs from Bordeaux. We will thus have a chance to talk about animal health with the public.
Thank you to Damien Medan for agreeing to our interview, and we will see you this Sunday, September 25th, 2016, in Vieux-Boucau, to participate in or watch the spectacle of the dog triathlon!
For more information and to participate, visit: https://www.zatozte.fr/cani-triathlon.html!
Elsa Blacha.
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