Soft sand under the paws; ocean breeze in the air; new sights, sounds, scents – no wonder dogs love the beach. But the beach doesn’t always love them back. Many traps can ruin a great day on the shore. However, if you keep these nine simple rules in mind, a day at the beach will be the highlight of your pup’s summer!
Know before you go
Off-leash rules vary, so check local government agencies or tourist offices when planning your play day, and Google “off-leash beaches” for any coastal state to find a variety of information-filled websites. . Some states, California and Florida, for example, offer plenty of dog-only beaches, some with fenced sections for dog parks. In a few places, like Oregon, dogs are allowed off-leash on almost all beaches, but in those places, as Oregon law states, “they must be under direct control (within sight and responsive the controls)”. Direct control is always key when puppies are off leash, which brings us to beach rule #2.
Perfect reminder
No ifs, ands or buts – when we leave dogs off leash, they must obey the reminder to protect them from harm and danger. Amid crashing waves and whistling winds, your dog may not hear a verbal signal; in such conditions, keep them close or train your dog to remember a whistle and even a wave.
Don’t drink the water
Seawater salt poisoning is a significant threat to beach-loving dogs, so throw the tennis ball in the sand, not the waves, and rinse it often with fresh water. Pack plenty of drinking water and plan frequent breaks so your pup isn’t tempted to try to quench his thirst with saltwater. Also, the seaweed that causes so-called red tides is toxic to dogs, so always avoid the beach when these toxic algae blooms occur.
Knee-length only
Even if your dog likes to swim, save his pool time for fresh water. Salt poisoning from ingesting seawater is dangerous; strong currents and powerful crashing waves can overwhelm even the best four-legged swimmers; and some surf areas are home to dangerous stingrays and jellyfish. Let your dog frolic in the shallow water, but no deeper, and stay well clear of the surf line during times of stormy waves and extreme tidal fluctuations. If your dog might be tempted to dive more than his paws into the water, equip him with a life jacket.
Keep them clean
Pack garbage bags. Bag dispensers are common in beach parking lots, but don’t count on them, but count on other bathers being rightly upset if they step into the dog shit. And speaking of cleanliness, when the day at the beach is over, brush your pup thoroughly and check the ears and eyes for sand and debris.
No seafood
The reminder (or a “Leave it” or “No” cue) is essential in protecting dogs from dead and dying stranded sea creatures, such as crabs, fish, starfish, mussels, and even birds. Sampling the seafood buffet can cause serious bacterial or parasitic infections and, both seasonally and regionally, shellfish can become infected with dangerous toxins. Additionally, some species of jellyfish and other sea creatures, such as the Velella jellyfish on the west coast, sometimes wash ashore in droves, making many beaches unsuitable for dogs who might eat (or roll over) the decaying creatures. Call ahead to verify these strandings.
Chase the ball, not the birds
Beach birds – gulls, terns, sandpipers and more – are all protected species, making them a big no-no for curious puppies, so restrain your dog when birds catch his eye and pay extra attention to them. attractiveness of birds for sporting breeds. Marine mammals are also protected, and on many coasts baby seals rest on beaches while mother seals hunt for food offshore. Heed all signs announcing closures to protect wildlife.
dawn patrol
By far the best time to hit the beach with Fido is in the morning, and not just for those memorable beach sunrises. Even popular tourist beaches are often devoid of humans early in the morning, making this the perfect time for pooches. Plus, the dawn patrol alleviates worries about hot weather, hot sand, and too much sun.
Too much of a good thing
Unless your dog is a well-conditioned canine athlete, take it easy on the beach, especially in hot weather. On the other hand, a long session on the beach is perfect for hyperactive breeds that get a lot of exercise and need it. After all, a tired dog is an easy dog, and if you follow the rules of the beach, your pup will come home happy, healthy, and ready to curl up and dream of sand, surf, and good times.