Few things make dogs happier than romping around in the waves and sand! But there are a few precautions to take to make sure your day goes smoothly. Before you go, check out these tips for keeping your dog safe at the beach!
What dog lover doesn’t love watching their pup frolic in the waves and dig in the sand? This is a trip you will remember for a lifetime! But your pet-friendly beach getaway could be ruined if the day ended with a trip to the vet. Below are some things to remember to keep your dog safe at the beach.
Keep your dog safe at the beach
1. Not all dogs can swim.
It’s true, dog paddling doesn’t come naturally to all dogs. In fact, some breeds like Corgis and Pugs don’t swim at all!
To find out if your puppy can swim, walk him in calm water, encouraging him to follow you as you go. If he seems eager but lacks the skills, learn how you can teach him to swim safely.
LEARN MORE ⇒ Tips for teaching your dog to swim
2. Invest in a dog life jacket.
Encountering waves, currents, or tides can quickly exhaust your dog, which could be fatal. If your dog likes to swim in the ocean, consider getting a dog life jacket. When deciding which life jacket will work best, look for one that attaches at three points and has a handle on the back, making it easier for you to get your dog out of the water.
Also, plan your trip according to the tides. The best time of day to take your dog to the beach is after low tide when the water returns. Local tide charts can easily be found online.
3. Don’t let your dog drink or eat things he shouldn’t.
Drinking salt water is a really bad idea. And yet, many dogs act as if they are trying to sweep the whole ocean! Be sure to bring plenty of fresh water and a bowl so your dog won’t be tempted to find his own water source.
Dead fish, seaweed, sharp shells and jellyfish sometimes end up on the shore. As tempting as they may be to your dog, they are all dangerous for pets to ingest. If your dog can’t leave the smelly thing alone, find a new spot on the beach to settle down.
4. Beware of submerged hazards.
When choosing a spot on the beach, take a quick walk in the water to check for sharp rocks, coral, shells, or jellyfish that could cut your dog’s paws. Of course, you can’t protect your pup from everything, so always have your first aid kit handy!
Remember that it is not always obvious that dogs are in pain. So watch your pup’s body language and check him carefully for cuts and scrapes if you notice him acting differently.
LEARN MORE ⇒ Make a Pet First Aid Kit
5. Calm water is best.
Even from a distance, surfboards, jet skis, boats, and big waves can scare your dog. Your best bet is to find a quiet place to play with your pooch. Or locate a local dog beach where surfing and boating are not permitted.
6. Cold water can hurt.
If your dog has arthritis or other joint problems, swimming in cold water can irritate his condition. Encourage him to stick to shallow water and bays where the water is warmer.
7. Hot sand can burn.
Even on days when you might not expect it, the sand can get hot enough to burn your dog’s paws. Always test the sand with your bare feet to determine if your dog needs booties or other protection for his paws.
LEARN MORE ⇒ Which dog boots are best for your dog?
8. Dogs also need protection from the sun.
You’re not the only one who has to worry about sunburn! Bring an umbrella, tent, or other shade structure that will accommodate you and your dog.
And don’t forget to apply sunscreen specially formulated for dogs to your pup’s nose and ears 30 minutes before going to the beach and several times throughout the day.
9. Don’t overdo it.
Running on sand is exhausting, so don’t expect your dog to fetch as long as he can at the dog park. And start slow. Giving him time to warm up might help avoid a muscle pull.
10. Rinse thoroughly.
When you’re done playing, take the time to rinse salt, sand, and microscopic organisms from your dog’s coat. And be sure to dry your dog’s ears as moisture in the ear canal can cause ear infections.
To make these tips for keeping your dog safe at the beach easy to remember, our friends at PetHub have created a handy info graphic:
Pet-Friendly Beach Getaways
Now that you know how to keep your dog safe at the beach, it’s time to start planning your trip! Not all beaches are pet-friendly, and some only allow dogs at certain times or at specific times of the year. Here are some of our favorite beaches where dogs are welcome all day, every day:
Cannon Beach, OR
With plenty of room to find a stretch of your own, the only restriction at pet-friendly Cannon Beach is that dogs must be leashed or under the voice control of their owners.
Carmel, California
Beautiful Carmel Beach, a mile-long stretch of golden sand that stretches from downtown to the 9th hole of the Pebble Beach golf links, is all pet friendly!
Dogs are welcome to romp off-leash or visit nearby Carmel River State Beach, where leashed pets will find plenty to explore.
Galveston, TX
For a beach vacation with a dog, Galveston is perfect! You’ll find history, food, and 32 miles of sand on the Gulf Coast to enjoy with your best friend.
Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
Blue Caribbean waters and miles of pet-friendly beaches await at the pet-friendly Indiana Dunes National Park! There are several beaches to choose from and leashes are required.
Mackinac Island Lake, Michigan
Visiting the pet-friendly Mackinac Island is a unique experience. Cars are not allowed, but you and your pet will have no trouble getting around! And dogs are welcome to play all along the lake.
Wildwood Dog Beach, New Jersey
On the beautiful, wide stretch of sand known as Wildwood Dog Beach, leashed dogs are always welcome. Just look for the gigantic fire hydrant and enjoy a day of sand and surf together.
LEARN MORE ⇒ Pet-friendly beach destinations
We hope these tips will help make your next beach vacation even more fun. Tell us about your favorite dog-friendly beaches in the comments!
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