Are you and your dog in the mood for some vitamin Sea? Look no further! We’ve put together a list of safety to-do’s for you so you and your dog can play hard and party harder at the beach. So, pack your beach bags and go seas the day!
Preparing for the Beach Trip
- Choosing the right day
There is nothing better than cooling off at the beach on a hot sunny day. However, when planning a beach day out with your dog, it is better to choose a cooler day to prevent chances of overheating and exhaustion. Make sure to prevent days of high or low tide. The water is safest during a slack tide.
- Choosing the right beach
When taking your dog to the beach, do check if the beach takes your dog! Not all beaches are dog friendly. Moreover, the dog friendly beaches also have certain sections that are open for dogs while the other sections may be exclusively for humans. If your dog loves a good walk, choose a beach with a trail or a hike.
- Essentials to pack
Packing for your dog on trips is a task that needs attention to detail. Here are some essentials to carry along on the beach to ensure utmost safety and fun for your dog –
o Life jacket
o Long and short leash
o Treats
o Meals
o Water
o Floatable toys
o Ice packs
o First aid kit
o Medicines
o Boots to protect your dog’s paws on hot sand
o Portable bowls
- Getting there safely
Beach days are when the journey is as fun as the destination! However, your dog may have a different point of view about the journey, especially if they get car sick. As pet parents, we have to try to make the car ride to the beach as safe and enjoyable for our dogs. Here are some car ride essentials –
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o Carry a dog car seat for smaller dogs
o Portable dog crate to reduce unnecessary movements
o Dog seat belt to buckle up for safety
o Mental stimulation puzzles for in-car engagement
o Ensure ample ventilation
o Watch the windows, especially if your dog likes to look outside
Here is a quick guide to ensure optimal travel comfort and safety for your dog
5 tips to have fun and be safe at the beach
1. Carry a life jacket for your dog
Carrying a life jacket for your dog while taking them to water bodies, irrespective of whether they can swim or not, is a no-brainer. When it comes to them, we can never be too safe. A long lead (30-40 ft) is an excellent tool to ensure ample freedom and safety at the same time. It is especially useful in non-off-leash zones and if you do not plan on going into the water with your dog.
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2. Watch out for flora and fauna
The blue-green algae, a.k.a. cyanobacteria, is present in several water bodies and can be toxic to dogs if consumed. They can cause gastric problems and vomiting. Avoid water bodies that contain flora and fauna that may be potentially toxic to your dog.
3. Encourage play in the shallow end
Steer clear of choppy waters and the deep end. Accidents do not announce themselves, hence, it is highly recommended to encourage your dog to engage in play in the shallow end of the beach. This applies to non swimmers and pro swimmers. If your dog is a pro swimmer, swimming pools and enclosed water facilities are better areas to engage in deep-end swimming.
4. Prevent consumption of salt water
If your dog is going to be spending majority of the time in water, some amount of salt water consumption is inevitable. However, keep an eye out to ensure that they are not actively drinking large amounts of salt water that may potentially cause diarrhea, seizures, vomiting and other health issues.
5. Provide ample time for socialization and desensitization
It is exciting if your dog takes to water like a fish, but if they don’t, give them ample amount of time to socialize and get acclimatized to the water. Rushing them into jumping into the water will only cause them stress and anxiety, thereby discouraging them from going near the water altogether. Here’s a quick guide on how to teach your dog to swim.
4 tips to keep your dog shielded on a hot sunny day
- Invest in doggy sunscreens and sun protection clothing
Dogs are as prone to sun burns and the harmful effects of UV rays as us humans. Dog sunscreens are especially useful for dogs with less fur and sensitive skin. Keep dabbing ample amounts of it frequently through the day, especially between noon to 4pm.
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- Avoid prolonged exposure to hot sand
We often don’t realize how hot the sand can get when we wear flip flops to the beach. Be mindful of this when your dog accompanies you to the beach. Prolonged exposure to hot sand can quickly cause burns, rashes and overheating in dogs, which may even prove fatal.
- Shade your dog frequently through the day
Make sure to provide ample shade to your dog under the beach umbrella or under the tree frequently through the day. This will prevent overheating and maintain their body temperature, thereby enabling them to play for a longer time.
- Keep your dog hydrated and optimally fed
It goes without saying that a long day at the beach will make your dog crave some extra food. Ensure ample hydration and frequent small meals through the day. Avoid over feeding them to prevent vomiting and uneasiness during play.
Dog friendly activities for a fun day at the beach
One of the many reasons why dogs make great outdoor companions is that they can accompany us for almost every activity we wish to engage in. Why limit beach activity with your dog to just swimming when they can do so much more. Here are some water activities that dogs can be trained to enjoy-
- Paddle boarding
- Canoeing
- Water fetch
- Surfing (for the hardcore water babies)
- Baywatch (for the not so hardcore water babies)
- Diving (make sure to be wary of rocky surfaces while selecting a diving point)
- Running by the shore
- Beach trail/ hiking
Cleaning Up and Environmental Consideration
- Pick up after your dog
Picking up after a dog is every pet parent’s moral duty and obligation towards the environment. Dog poop does not help the soil or the water in any way. The large amounts of harmful bacteria in dog fecal waste only kills the healthy flora and fauna and contaminates the environment.
- Do not litter
How would you like it if you arrived at your favorite spot at the beach and find plastic, paper and food waste all around you? If you don’t like the thought of it, make sure to never leave behind traces of it when you wrap up your day at the beach.
- Do not encourage your dog to relieve themselves near the water
Dogs may not be the best judge of picking the right spot to relieve themselves at the beach. Chances are if they are in water for long, they may choose to relieve themselves at the shore, thereby contaminating the water. Make sure to get your dog out of the water for frequent pee and potty breaks.
- Make sure to hang out in dog-friendly areas
There is no doubt that we absolutely love and adore our dogs. But it is important to respect the apprehensions and reservations of those around us too. Hanging out in dog friendly sections of the beach will attract dog-friendly people and dogs and only add fun to the frolic.
A little post-beach TLC for your dog
- Give your dog a good bath
A good bath after a long day at the beach is an absolute given to ensure excellent coat health and overall good dog health. You do not want your dog to sit in excess salt on their fur and potential pollutants from the water. Shampoo and condition them as soon as you get home and make sure they go to sleep clean and fresh.
- Watch out for bugs and particles that may have latched on to your dog’s fur
Dog coat makes an incredible place for bugs and other particles to latch on. Check your dog’s coat and skin thoroughly for foreign elements and insect bites.
- Take a break for a few days before the next beach trip
It is important to take a break for a few days before planning the next beach trip with your dog. This gives them time to settle down mentally and physically and prevent overstimulation combined with potential health issues.
Conclusion
A beach day with your pooch is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable activities to do this summer. It’s a great way to create unforgettable memories with them. So with the safety tips mentioned above, Don’t worry and Beach Happy with your dog!
