Dogs at the Beach – Safety Tips
The beach is a place for people and pets to go to relax and have fun. The things that make the beach so pleasant such as the water, sand, and sun can also be harmful to your pet. Therefore, we created a list of pet safety tips to help keep your dog safe at the beach.
Keeping cool. Protect your dog from heat exhaustion and heatstroke. This is especially important during the summer months as conditions can be fatal. Therefore, it is best to avoid the hottest parts of the day and provide your dog with plenty of access to shade and cool water. Keep the activity to a minimum as it will exhaust and potentially dehydrate your dog.
Avoid drinking saltwater. Drinking saltwater can dehydrate your dog. Make sure to bring plenty of fresh, cool water and a portable dog water dish so your dog isn’t tempted to drink from the ocean. Do not be alarmed if your dog ingests a small amount of saltwater. If they have access to fresh water, they will be fine.
Safety first. Another pet safety item for your pre-beach to do list is to let your dog practice their swimming skills in a controlled environment. It is important to take a close look at tide charts as the size of waves can vary drastically based on the time of year. Put your dog in a flotation device, regardless of how good of a swimmer you think they are.
Sun protection. Dog sunscreen and wipes are formulated to protect your pup from the sun. Apply the sunscreen to areas like the nose and ears, where the fur tends to be thinner. After your dog beach day, check your four-legged friend for signs of sunburn, including red and inflamed patches. Also ensure that their eyes were not irritated by the sun.
Parasite protection. A day on the beach can expose your pet to harmful bacteria and parasites. Staying up to date with dog flea and tick prevention keeps your dog safe if they have to walk through any woods on their way to the beach.
We hope that you enjoyed our list of safety tips for your next beach day with your pup! Follow out recommendations to ensure the upmost safety. It will make your trip to the beach much more enjoyable. It’s time to relax and soak up the sun!
