5 Tips to Enjoy a Safe Trip to the Beach with Your Dog
After being trapped inside for the majority of the winter months, your pet is just as eager as you are to get outside and get some fresh air. Every dog owner should be taking the family pet for a walk as often as possible, but the typical walk around the neighborhood can get boring in a hurry. If you are lucky enough to live along a coastline, now is the time to hit the beach and bring your dog with you.
It is not uncommon to see individuals and families enjoying a day at the beach with their four-legged friends. Dogs love the water and the open spaces on the beach give them plenty of room to run. Before heading out the door, make sure to read the following tips to ensure that you and your dog enjoy the beach safely this summer.
1. Watch the temperature
Warm summer temperatures pose the same health risks for your dog that they do for you. When you are packing up for a day at the beach, remember to bring plenty of cool water, a doggie dish, and a towel for your dog. If you have a beach umbrella, bring that along too - your dog is going to need shade to relax in. Spread out a towel for your dog to relax on under the shade of the umbrella to give them comfort and relaxation away from the sand. If you don't have an umbrella, then it is important to set up shop under a pavilion or tree. Keep an eye on your dog for signs of overheating. If your dog begins panting rapidly, drooling, has coordination problems, or suffers diarrhea, you need to get them home and cooled off immediately. Provide your dog with plenty of water breaks while playing, and keep its bowl in the shade to ensure the water remains cool.
2. Master the recall command
If your dog is struggling with the "come" command, a day at the beach could turn into a nightmare. Dogs with a tendency to run away or poor training with the recall command should not be allowed off their leashes at the beach. Many pet retailers sell long leashes (up to 30ft in length) that will allow your dog a sense of freedom without giving it free reign to wander too far.
3. Follow the beach rules
Many beaches have rules that apply to public use. No two beaches are guaranteed to have the same set of rules governing behavior and usage. It is always wise to bring your dog's leash, ensure it is wearing a collar and/or ID tag, and stock up on waste bags so you can clean up after your dog. In addition to written rules, try to keep some of the unwritten rules in mind so you and your dog are polite at the beach. If your dog is a digger, the beach is the perfect place to let it get the urge out of its system. However, make sure you fill in any holes it leaves out of consideration for other beachgoers. Don't allow your dog to harass other dogs or beachgoers. If it is barking too much, it is probably time to call it a day.
4. Avoid hazards
The beach is a natural environment, and as such it comes with some natural hazards that can harm your pet. Keep a close eye on your pet to ensure it isn't trying to eat any strange creatures crawling along the beach or drinking saltwater. Your dog could become seriously ill if it ingests wild animals, and saltwater can induce vomiting or diarrhea. Remember to give your dog a quick rinse with freshwater before leaving the beach. Some dogs suffer from rashes or general discomfort on their skin and paws after coming in contact with saltwater.
5. Know your breed
Last but not least, know what genetic factors might make a day at the beach more dangerous for your pooch. Short-muzzled breeds like the English Bulldog, Boston Terrier, and Pug can overheat quicker than other dogs. If you have one of these breeds, keep a close eye on their comfort level at the beach. Dogs with shorter coats, lighter fur colors, or no hair at all, can suffer from sunburn just like humans. If you have one of these breeds, you'll need to purchase sunscreen made especially for dogs. With all dogs, keep an eye on their nose to ensure it doesn't burn.
If you follow all of these tips, you and your dog can have a day at the beach that is filled with fun and exercise. Best of all, everyone will come home happily worn out and ready for a good night's sleep.
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It is not uncommon to see individuals and families enjoying a day at the beach with their four-legged friends. Dogs love the water and the open spaces on the beach give them plenty of room to run. Before heading out the door, make sure to read the following tips to ensure that you and your dog enjoy the beach safely this summer.
1. Watch the temperature
Warm summer temperatures pose the same health risks for your dog that they do for you. When you are packing up for a day at the beach, remember to bring plenty of cool water, a doggie dish, and a towel for your dog. If you have a beach umbrella, bring that along too - your dog is going to need shade to relax in. Spread out a towel for your dog to relax on under the shade of the umbrella to give them comfort and relaxation away from the sand. If you don't have an umbrella, then it is important to set up shop under a pavilion or tree. Keep an eye on your dog for signs of overheating. If your dog begins panting rapidly, drooling, has coordination problems, or suffers diarrhea, you need to get them home and cooled off immediately. Provide your dog with plenty of water breaks while playing, and keep its bowl in the shade to ensure the water remains cool.
2. Master the recall command
If your dog is struggling with the "come" command, a day at the beach could turn into a nightmare. Dogs with a tendency to run away or poor training with the recall command should not be allowed off their leashes at the beach. Many pet retailers sell long leashes (up to 30ft in length) that will allow your dog a sense of freedom without giving it free reign to wander too far.
3. Follow the beach rules
Many beaches have rules that apply to public use. No two beaches are guaranteed to have the same set of rules governing behavior and usage. It is always wise to bring your dog's leash, ensure it is wearing a collar and/or ID tag, and stock up on waste bags so you can clean up after your dog. In addition to written rules, try to keep some of the unwritten rules in mind so you and your dog are polite at the beach. If your dog is a digger, the beach is the perfect place to let it get the urge out of its system. However, make sure you fill in any holes it leaves out of consideration for other beachgoers. Don't allow your dog to harass other dogs or beachgoers. If it is barking too much, it is probably time to call it a day.
4. Avoid hazards
The beach is a natural environment, and as such it comes with some natural hazards that can harm your pet. Keep a close eye on your pet to ensure it isn't trying to eat any strange creatures crawling along the beach or drinking saltwater. Your dog could become seriously ill if it ingests wild animals, and saltwater can induce vomiting or diarrhea. Remember to give your dog a quick rinse with freshwater before leaving the beach. Some dogs suffer from rashes or general discomfort on their skin and paws after coming in contact with saltwater.
5. Know your breed
Last but not least, know what genetic factors might make a day at the beach more dangerous for your pooch. Short-muzzled breeds like the English Bulldog, Boston Terrier, and Pug can overheat quicker than other dogs. If you have one of these breeds, keep a close eye on their comfort level at the beach. Dogs with shorter coats, lighter fur colors, or no hair at all, can suffer from sunburn just like humans. If you have one of these breeds, you'll need to purchase sunscreen made especially for dogs. With all dogs, keep an eye on their nose to ensure it doesn't burn.
If you follow all of these tips, you and your dog can have a day at the beach that is filled with fun and exercise. Best of all, everyone will come home happily worn out and ready for a good night's sleep.
Feature image credit
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