Safety Tips for Taking Your Dog to the Beach 

Beach days with your four-legged friend can be a blast!  However, taking your dog to the beach will take some preparation.  Keep in mind that anything that can harm you at a beach can also harm your dog.  Think about sunburns, riptides, jellyfish, broken glass, sharp shells, and aggressive dogs.  As we know, a day at the beach is all about fun and relaxation.  Therefore, we have come up with some safety tips to help you and your best friend have a good time in the sun, surf, and sand!

Warm temperatures at the beach can pose a threat to a dog’s health.  We recommend that you bring plenty of fresh, cool water and a doggie bowl along for the trip.  On the other side, you will need to be considerate of how warm the sand is to your dog’s paws.  Pack some beach blankets, towels, and an umbrella to make for plenty of shade along the way!  You do NOT want your dog to get overheated.  Watch for signs such as excessive drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, and issues with coordination.

Very important!  You will need to pay close attention to the beach rules.  Check online to make sure that your beach allows dogs before you go.  Some common beach rules include staying off of the dunes, following leash laws, supervising your dog, no aggressive breeds, ensuring that your dog is up to date on vaccinations, and sometimes no puppies!

The key to off-leash fun at the beach is to have a solid recall command.  This ensures that your dog will come to you when you call them, every single time.  Do yourself a favor and start to incorporate this skill at home.  However, the good thing about the beach is that it is a great place to work on critical commands around a lot of distractions!  Another tip is to bring a first aid kit with you.  You will need to pack items such as cotton balls, ammonia, peroxide, and bandages.  Always keep in mind that not all dogs are comfortable swimming.  A doggie life jacket may be helpful just for a sense of peace!