Top 10 Best River Tubes for Dogs

The Best River Tubes for Dogs

With summer season around the corner, you and your pet buddy can have a little fun in the sun by getting a river tube for your dog. Drifting down a calm river on a tube float is an affordable way to have a new, enjoyable experience with your dog. Taking your dog floating in river waters has several benefits: river floating provides a form of stimulation for the dog, who often gets bored and restless. River floating also helps the dog cool off during the intense summer heat. Water floating is also a form of playtime, exercise, and a way to tire out your dog so they can have sufficient sleep later. There is plenty of inflatable rivers floats you can use with your dog. As a pet parent, you should know the best option for your specific dog. We have compiled a list of the 8 best river tubes for dogs, to help you make the decision.

The 8 Best River Tubes for Dogs

Preview Name Ratings
Intex River Run 1 Buy On Amazon
CoolerZ Rapid Rider Inflatable Tube Buy On Amazon
Intex River Rat Inner Tube Buy On Amazon
GoFloats Flamingo Party Tube Buy On Amazon
River Otter Inflatable River Tube Buy On Amazon
Intex Color Whirl Floating Tube Raft (2-Pack) Buy On Amazon
2-Person Inflatable Boat Buy On Amazon
Floating Island Raft Buy On Amazon

1. Intex River Run 1

Features

Dimensions: 12” × 4.1” × 14” Diameter: 53”

Weight: 5 Pounds

Colors: Blue, Red and Pink

Best Use: All Dog Sizes

Key Features

  • Made from Durable Vinyl Skin Material
  • Mesh Bottom for Temperature Regulation
  • Comes with two heavy-duty handles
  • Two Air Chambers for Added Safety
  • Has a grab rope for easier control and docking

The Intex River Run 1 makes our top 8 best river tubes for dogs list because it has a mesh to keep you and your dog cool while you float. Intex products are popular with water lovers because they are inexpensive, durable, and have a focus on safety. The Intex River Run 1 is perfect for your dog because it has a mesh bottom that keeps your dog cool without getting their fur wet. Safety features include an all-round grab rope that lets you control your dog’s movements and two sturdy handles for improved navigation. The tube also comes with two air chambers that improve its buoyancy while you float. This tube also has a two-person version, which is advisable if your dog is anxious around large water bodies.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Durable, Scratch Resistant Vinyl Skin
  • Comes with a 30-Day Warranty
  • Shipping Package Includes Repair Patch

Cons

  • You should check the shipped package for any product defects

Buy On Amazon  

2. CoolerZ Rapid Rider Inflatable Tube

Features

Size: 53” x 53” x 19”, Diameter: 53”

Weight: 5.09 Pounds

Colors: Yellow, Blue, Pink

Best Use: All Dog Breeds

Key Features

  • Made of Long-lasting, High-Quality PVC Material
  • Comes with a Built-in Backrest for Improved Comfort
  • Has a Mesh Bottom for Better Cooling
  • All-round grab rope improves mounting
  • Comes with heavy-duty handles for better control

The rapid rider is another tube popular with floaters for plenty of reasons. With an inner tube diameter of 53 inches, this tube can comfortably accommodate an adult human, which means it can support a fully grown dog. The rapid riders float also has a backrest that lets your dog enjoy floating without straining its joints and back. The float also features woven mesh seating which helps keep your dog cool in the sweltering summer heat. You can control your dog’s movements while floating using the all-around grab rope. The Rapid Riders floating tube comes in 2-person and 4-person versions which you can choose to share with your dog if they are new to the aquatic environment.

Pros

  • Durable Material
  • Inexpensive
  • Resistant to chewing and scratching
  • Easy to Inflate

Con

  • Rocks can Puncture the Mesh

Buy On Amazon 

3. Intex River Rat Inner Tube

Features

Size: 10” x 47” x 47”, Diameter: 48”

Weight: 2.9 Pounds

Colors: Black

Best Use: Medium-to-Large-Sized Dog Breeds

Key Features

  • Shipped package includes 2 River Rat Tubes
  • High-Quality Vinyl Material
  • 2 Air chambers for comfort and durability
  • Smooth inner tube
  • Suitable for use in pools, rivers, and lakes

This inflatable tube by Intex makes our top 8 best river tubes for dogs list because it offers the best value for money. One package contains two floating tubes, which you can connect via the provided grab rope so that you can guide your dog down the river. Made of high-grade PVC Vinyl, these tubes hold up in the river and can survive the occasional bump into rocks on shallow waters. These affordable inflatable tubes also include two air chambers that improve buoyancy, providing enhanced comfort and lifespan.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Sturdy and Durable Construction
  • Easy to Inflate and Deflate

Cons

  • The Dark Colors Absorb and Retain Heat, which may make the dog uncomfortable

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4. GoFloats Flamingo Party Tube

Features

Size: Junior (30”), Regular (45”)

Weight: 2 Pounds

Color: Pink

Best Use: Medium-to-large dog breeds

Key Features

  • UV Treated raft grade PVC material
  • Rapid valve inflation
  • Eye-catching flamingo design
  • Large size ideal for dogs of all sizes
  • Suitable for use in ponds, pools, lakes, and rivers

The GoFloats Flamingo Floating Tube is perfect for the adventurous pet parent, adults, or children. The eye-catching giant pink flamingo will add a touch of tropical fun as your dog drifts along the river. While the flamingo is the main form factor, GoFloats tubes also come in other fun shapes, such as unicorns and dragons. The tube features the patented rapid fill valve that inflates and deflates ten times quicker than regular valves. They are also made of UV treated plastic that is 25% thicker than regular floats, making them safe for use in rivers and lakes.

Pros

  • Quick Inflation and Deflation
  • Sturdy, durable materials
  • Stylish design

Cons

  • Colors are prone to sun fading

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5. River Otter Inflatable River Tube

river-otter-inflatable-tubeFeatures

Size: 44” × 44” × 12”, Inner Diameter: 32”

Weight: 8.65 Pounds

Colors: Red, Lime, Blue

Best Use: All Dog Breeds

Key Features

  • Tough PVC Outer Shell with Urethane Inner Bladders
  • Welded, Double-Zipper Access Seams
  • PVC Mesh Bottom with Security O-ring for improved safety
  • Comes with Durable Dual Handles

When it comes to aggressive river floating, no tube is better suited than the AIRE Rocktabomb Inflatable River tube. It is designed by NRS, which specializes in high-quality kayaking gear, and the inflatable river tube has been constructed with similar standards. It has an ergonomic design that makes it perfect for floating on rivers, lakes, and pools for extended periods. It has a high-grade PVC exterior that is lined with a Urethane inner bladder so it can handle even the roughest waters. It comes with a PVC reinforced bottom mesh to keep your dog cool as it floats above the water.

Pros

  • Sturdy- Can withstand river abuse
  • Easy deflation and inflation
  • Stiff mesh floor improves comfort and safety

Cons

  • Lacks a grab rope

Buy On Amazon 

6. Intex Color Whirl Floating Tube Raft (2-Pack)

Features

Size: 9” x 8” x 7.5”

Weight: 2.5 Pounds

Colors: Red, Green, Blue, Orange

Best Use: Most Dog Breeds

Key Features

  • Heavy-duty handles for better transportation
  • 2 Air chambers for improved stability
  • 12-gauge vinyl material
  • Ships with a patch repair kit
  • 30-day manufacturer warranty

This inflatable tube from Intex comes in various stunning colors. The tube is made from high-grade vinyl which keeps it safe from puncturing when navigating rocky waters. It also has two sturdy handles for easy mounting when in the water. It also features two air chambers to improve stability and safety in the water.

Pros

  • Very Stable in Water
  • Colors add a splash of vibrancy to the summer fun
  • Easy to store, inflate and deflate

Cons

  • The ink may run and transfer onto your clothing

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7. 2 Person Inflatable Raft

2-person-inflatable-raftFeatures

Size: 47” x 47” x 12.6”

Weight: 4.05 Pounds

Color: Realistic Camouflage Texture

Best Use: All Dog Breeds

Key Features

  • Made from lightweight, durable, Fortech material
  • Wraparound grab rope for handling and connecting with other tubes
  • Heavy-duty handles for easier transportation
  • Quick-release valve for swift deflation and inflation
  • Pliable mesh bottom for cooling

This inflatable tube allows you and your dog to lounge in the water for hours without compromising your comfort or safety. It is constructed using Fortech, a durable material synthesized by fusing strong PVC with dense polyester, making it safe to use in rivers and lakes. The package also comes with a repair kit to mitigate accidental tears and punctures. If you want to enjoy time lounging in the river with your dog, the REALTREE lake runner is a safe and comfortable choice.

Pros

  • Premium, durable material
  • Mesh bottom keeps your dog cool when floating
  • Quick-release valves make it easy to inflate and deflate

Cons

  • Unstable valves may let the air out under pressure

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8. Floating Island Raft

floating-island-raftFeatures

Size: 108” x 153” x 108”

Weight: 3.1 Pounds

Best Use: Small-to-medium dog breeds

Key Features

  • Heavy-duty vinyl construction
  • Double seat for improved comfort
  • Wraparound rope for easier navigation
  • Comes with air chambers for increased stability

This series of river tubes transforms your floating experience into a floating party! The ample space allows your dog plenty of room to lay and enjoy the sun while enjoying the water. The tube is made of extra-thick, 18-gauge vinyl to prevent punctures and tears from river abuse. The raft is easy to use and comes with a quick-release valve for faster inflation and deflation. The raft is big enough with wide air chambers that improve stability and is also easy to patch in case of punctures.

Pros

  • Easy to inflate, deflate and patch
  • Sturdy, durable construction
  • Reinforced Mesh seat keeps your dog comfortable

Cons

  • Costly

Buy On Amazon 

Conclusion

With any of the river tubes mentioned in this article, you and your dog are guaranteed to make the most of rivers in the summer. You should, however, prepare a few things before you set out on the trip. Make sure your dog’s nails are ground to minimize the likelihood of puncturing your chosen tube. You should also pack a few essential supplies such as: a dog life jacket, dog treats, a raft repair kit and doggy treats to provide encouragement. While on the trip, alternate between swimming and floating to keep your dog from getting restless. Armed with this information, you can set off on your trip and let your dog enjoy the best that nature has to offer.