Most of us love heading to the beach to soak up the sun on a beautiful summer’s day (not me, admittedly – growing up in England makes me long for 70F and cloudy in these endless North Carolinian summers). If you own a dog, bringing your pet along to the beach makes it an experience that all the family can enjoy – and gives them an opportunity to explore new surroundings.
Just as humans take precautions such as applying sunscreen before a trip to the beach, we should also be mindful of some of the potential hazards that can befall our dogs during this type of trip. In this article, we’re going to outline eight ways to keep your pup safe on your next trip to the beach.
But first - should you actually take your dog to the beach?
This is a good question. While you obviously can take your dog to the beach (if local rules allow it), there are lots of enriching adventures you could undertake with your dog that would offer more value. Consider these factors – sand can be irritating to your dog’s coat; beaches are often crowded, which means your dog will need to be constantly supervised; and the ocean provides an obvious point of peril.
With that said, sometimes circumstances mean you have no choice but to bring the dog along (ex: you are on vacation and can’t leave your dog alone in the place you are staying). If you feel you must bring your dog to the beach, read on to ensure they are as safe as possible.
1) Proper preparation
You probably wouldn’t head out to the beach without the obvious essentials – towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, a cooler of beverages, etc.. Well, it’s the same with your dog. You should pack the things you’ll need for them – such as a gallon of fresh water, a collapsible bowl, and a towel. It may also be worth considering heading to the beach early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the highest intensity of the sun.
An additional note for preparation is to check any local rules relating to the beach you are planning to visit. Some beaches have restrictions on dogs or may require them to be on a leash at all times.
2) Sun and heat safety
As we mentioned in the first point, try to avoid being out in the sun at the hottest parts of the day (between 12pm and 4pm). We all know how dangerous it can be to leave our dogs in a hot car for any period of time, but it’s a similar story at the beach – particularly if there is little or no shade available.
When you are at the beach, make sure they have access to plenty of water. Keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior and body language – if they begin to pant or drool excessively, they may be overheating.
3) Water safety
Despite a reputation across the species for being strong swimmers, it is estimated that thousands of dogs die each year as a result of drowning. Always supervise your dog when they are in the sea, and remain close to them – you simply never know when a strong wave could hit.
In addition, don’t assume your dog is a good swimmer simply because they are a dog! The ocean is probably the worst place to find out whether they can swim or not. Consider testing their swimming ability in a more confined location (ex: swimming pool, dock diving pool, etc.) before letting them loose at the beach.
4) Paw and skin protection
The beach can be very irritable for every part of your dog’s body because of one main factor – the sand. It will get everywhere, and you will need to thoroughly rinse and clean your dog once you’re finished at the beach. Be mindful to clean their paws thoroughly.
Remember, also, that beaches are prone to debris and litter from discarded bottles, rocks, shells, fishing hooks, and so on. When walking your dog along the beach, try to avoid crowded areas, and check their paws regularly to ensure they haven’t stepped on any debris.
5) Hydration and diet
We’ve already covered the importance of fresh water and ensuring that your dog remains hydrated. On a similar note, consider their mealtimes and how their routine may be affected by your trip to the beach. It may be worth bringing some of their regular snacks along to ward off any hunger. Keep a watchful eye on them to ensure they don’t get into any human food that has been left behind by other beachgoers.
6) Safety around people (especially children)
No matter how friendly your dog is, and no matter how many people they’ve come into contact with, make sure you are fully aware of what is going on around them at the beach. Kids are usually running, and they may be throwing or kicking a ball. The other problem with the beach is that you need to be aware of what’s going on all around you – there’s the potential from interactions in front of you, from either side, or even from behind you. Be very careful, particularly at busier beaches.
7) Safety around wildlife and other dogs
It isn’t just people that you need to be aware of at the beach. Other visitors may bring their dog along, so be vigilant regarding any interactions. You should also prevent your dog from chasing seabirds or getting mixed up with other creatures – for the safety of both your dog and the local wildlife.
8) What to do after getting home from the beach
A long day at the beach can be tiring – and it’s the same for your dog. Let them rest and relax to recoup their energy, but not before giving them a thorough bath, as this should help to remove any salt, sand or algae on their skin. Keep an eye on any changes for 24-48 hours after you’ve made it home. Sickness, diarrhea, a lack of coordination when moving, or severe lethargy could all be symptoms of heatstroke.