Photo by Pete Bellis on Unsplash
If you’re headed for the beach in what remains of the summer, then it is highly likely that your dog will be accompanying you to your seaside escapade! A recent TripAdvisor survey found that 53% of people travel with their pets, and 52% only choose pet-friendly accommodation. If you are from an area boasting cooler climes, you may enjoy this post on safe beach trips with your dog. Ensure he stays happy, hydrated, and rested, and make sure to enjoy yourself just as much by opting for a beach where you will be welcomed and where the dog-animal bond is encouraged!
Choosing a Dog-Friendly Beach
Not everyone likes to lie on the sand with pooches running by, but for dog loving families, few things look more like heaven than this! Regardless of the state you are visiting, you will surely find the perfect spot. Some of the most popular include Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach, California; Bald Head Island in North Carolina; and Cannon Beach in Oregon. If you are travelling abroad, you will find a plethora of pooch-friendly beaches to relax on in Europe, Asia, and other continents. Just do the required research and make sure your hotel is close enough to be able to make frequent visits.
Providing Plenty of Shade
You may have heard warnings about leaving your pet in the car; doing so for just a few minutes can cause heat stroke or even death, so make sure to bring a parasol to the beach that is large enough to protect your family and your pooch. There are special sunscreens for dogs; special areas that can be prone to burning include the paws and nose. If your dog has little hair/bald patches or sensitive skin, consider providing him with a swimming top, to protect him from the sun’s rays.
Safety is Key when Swimming
Don’t let your dog in open water unless you are swimming alongside him. Sudden tides and waves can be dangerous, especially if your dog is a novice swimmer. Any dog in the water should ideally wear a flotation vest, unless he is in a contained, shallow body of water and you have your eye on your dog at all times. Drowning can take a matter of seconds, both for human beings and pets. Take the water seriously and if you have hired a home with a pool, make sure it has a sturdy safety fence. Some dogs, like English bulldogs, drown very quickly because they are brachycephalic. This means that their snout is short and they have to tilt their heads upwards to breathe, which makes it more difficult to stay afloat.
Packing Essentials
Don’t forget to pop items for your pooch in your beach bag. Bring him his own towel, poop bags, and a foldable water bottle. In order to stay hydrated, your dog will need to drink more water than when the weather is cooler. You might want to pack eye drops or an antibiotic ointment in case he should suffer a small cut. Scan the beach before allowing your dog to run or frolic along it; some beaches can have crystals, bottles, or other material that can scratch tender paws. A healthy treat or two will also be useful if you will on the beach for various hours. Finally, make sure you have packed a comfy, cozy bed for your dog to relax on when he gets home after an energetic day in the sun.
We have provided just a few tips for those heading for the seaside with their dogs. To keep your dog safe, investing in a few key items (such as a travel bottle, swimming vest, or top) is advisable. Always check on available veterinary care near the beach you are visiting, to ensure your pooch is attended to quickly if needed.
