Any dog owner who loves their pet would love to see them playing in the water and sand. It’s a special experience! But your fun beach trip with your pet could turn bad if you end up at the vet. Here are some important things to remember to keep your dog safe at the beach.
Not all dogs can swim.
Yes, not all dogs can swim naturally, like Corgis and Pugs. To see if your dog can swim, take him to calm water and encourage him to follow you. If he wants to swim but doesn’t know how, you can teach him to swim safely.
Invest in a dog life vest.
Waves, currents, or rip tides can tire out your dog fast, and that can be dangerous. If your dog swims in the ocean, think about getting a life vest for him. Look for one that fastens at three points and has a handle on the back, so you can lift your dog out of the water easily.
Also, go to the beach when the tide is low. It’s safer for your dog to swim when the water is coming back in. You can find local tide charts online.
Don’t let your dog drink or eat things he shouldn’t.
Drinking salt water is not good for dogs. But some dogs try to drink a lot of it at the beach! Bring enough fresh water and a bowl for your dog so he won’t drink salt water.
Sometimes, you might find dead fish, seaweed, sharp shells, or jellyfish on the shore. These things might smell good to your dog, but they’re not safe for him to eat. If your dog keeps going near them, find a different spot on the beach to stay.
Beware of submerged dangers.
When picking a spot on the beach, walk in the water quickly to make sure there are no sharp things like rocks, shells, or jellyfish that could hurt your dog’s paws. Keep your first aid kit nearby just in case.
Dogs don’t always show when they’re hurt. So, watch your dog closely and check him for cuts and scrapes if he seems different.
Calm water is best.
Even far away, things like surfboards, jet skis, boats, and big waves can scare your dog. It’s better to find a calm spot to play with your dog. Or find a dog beach nearby where there’s no surfing or boating allowed.
Cold water can hurt.
If your dog has arthritis or other joint problems, swimming in cold water can make it worse. Encourage him to stay in shallow water and bays where the water is warmer.
Hot sand can burn.
Even on days when you might not think it’s hot, the sand can get hot enough to burn your dog’s paws. Always test the sand with your bare feet to see if your dog needs booties or other protection for his paws.
Dogs need protection from the sun, too.
You’re not the only one who needs to worry about sunburn! Bring an umbrella, tent, or other shade structure for you and your dog. Also, remember to apply sunscreen made for dogs on your pup’s nose and ears 30 minutes before going to the beach and reapply it several times during the day.
Don’t overdo it.
Running on sand is hard work, so don’t expect your dog to fetch for as long as he does at the dog park. Start slowly. Let him warm up to prevent muscle pulls.
Rinse thoroughly.
After playing, make sure to rinse off salt, sand, and tiny organisms from your dog’s fur. Also, dry your dog’s ears well because moisture in the ear can cause infections.
