With summer just around the corner, one of the most fun ways to take advantage of the weather with your dog is to head to the beach.
The sand, waves and sun can make for an invigorating day, but they also bring with them some dangers you should plan for. Even if your dog is friendly, swims well, and follows your commands, things can still go wrong quickly.
Here are ten safety tips to help you enjoy a fun and accident-free trip to the beach with your dog.
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Socialization is key
If you plan to be off leash with your dog in public, you absolutely need to make sure your pup gets along well with other people and animals.
Even among friendly dogs, misunderstandings can occur. Play may become too aggressive. Fights may break out over toys. You never know what could go wrong at the beach.
If your dog is not properly socialized, you must keep your dog on a leash in public, even in places where dogs are allowed off-leash.
Choosing the right beach
Before you plan your trip, be sure to check out the beach. Obviously, you will want a beach that allows dogs, but you should also read online reviews and go to the beach without your dog in person. Make sure it’s fairly clean.
If crowds make your dog nervous, choose a beach that is less crowded and visit at a time that is less likely to be so crowded.
Find out if the beach is suitable for your dog before you show up with them.
Even good swimmers should have life jackets
Life jackets are so important, even for dogs that are good swimmers.
Undercurrents can be unpredictable, and if your dog is pulled away from shore, they may not have the strength to swim back. Dogs may also get tired, lost or confused and have trouble swimming.
Get a brightly colored life jacket that has great reviews online so your dog can be seen and won’t be at risk of drowning in the waves.
Have a calm zone
It’s important for your dog to have an area with shade, water and a way to cool down. Heat stroke and dehydration can creep in even if your dog spends time in cool water.
Bring a bowl and fresh water for your dog so they can drink something clean. Have towels that you can get wet and put on your dog if they need to cool down quickly. You may even want to bring some ice packs for coolers just in case.
Make sure your puppy takes an occasional break, even if they don’t seem tired or overheated. When puppies are having fun, they don’t always realize how hot and tired they are, which can be very dangerous.
Sunscreen for dogs
A dog’s coat can protect them from some sunburn, but even canines can benefit from sunscreen. Dogs with hair loss, thinning hair or lighter colored coats are at greater risk, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors.
Ask your veterinarian about sunscreens for dogs so you can decide which one is best for your pup. Do not apply human sunscreen to your dog and avoid any sunscreen that contains zinc oxide, which can be toxic to canines if ingested.
Apply sunscreen to areas with thin coats, such as the nose, face and ears. Follow the instructions of your veterinarian.
Always supervise and sign in
Even if the dog appears safe and seems happy, you need to be vigilant at all times when they are off leash.
Watch for signs of fighting with other dogs, heat stroke, dehydration and hypothermia, which can happen even in the summer if a dog spends too much time in cold water.
Check your dog often. Check their paws for any signs of wounds, as there can be many sharp objects on the beach.
Until your dog’s collar or harness is attached to their leash again, your eyes should be on them.
Choose the right toy
Some veterinarians suggest that tennis balls can cause dogs to swallow sand, which can lead to gastrointestinal blockages.
Instead of using tennis balls, cloth toys or other items that may collect sand more easily, use rubber balls, frisbees and other toys that do not collect sand as easily.
Your dog may still swallow some sand – who wouldn’t at the beach? – but it’s unlikely to be enough to cause a problem.
Bring a leash, towel, first aid kit and necessary supplies
You’ll need to have a leash. In the event of an emergency or incident, you will need a way to contain your dog and move them to a safe place.
Towels are also necessary because your dog’s fur can absorb moisture, turn into steam and overheat their body. Once your dog is out of the water, dry them off.
You should have a first aid kit for minor injuries and any other supplies you may need that day, which may include things like medication, food and extra water.
Update tags, microchips and any other ID
If the worst happens and your dog runs away or gets lost, the best way to get them home is to show identification.
Make sure their collar tags are up to date as well as their microchip information and any other ID they may have. Make sure you have a recent photo of them as well.
It’s always important to keep this information up to date, but it’s especially important if they’re going to be in an unrestrained environment.
Wash up afterwards
Untreated bodies of water can be full of harmful bacteria, parasites, chemicals and toxic substances that can harm your dog. If you can, at least rinse your dog off as soon as possible after going to the beach, and then give them a more thorough bath when you get home.
You should especially clean ears, paws, and any areas where there are folds of skin, as these are favorite hiding places for parasites and bacteria.
This will reduce the chances of your dog getting sick from what they pick up from the day’s fun.
Finally
What other safety tips do you have for dogs going to the beach? How do you prepare your dog for playing in the sun? Let us know in the comments below!
