Finally vacation time, hot weather! The promise of days of leisure in the sun and by the sea. Yes, but here it is: your puppy is also traveling. You don’t have the heart to leave him alone in a place he doesn’t know. Let’s take a look at the precautions for taking your dog to the beach.
First, choose your beach well. To find a beach that accepts dogs, go online. Many sites offer a list or even maps of accessible locations. Another thing to do: call the regional tourist office. And if you haven’t done it before, a simple sign on the beach will let you know. Most of the time, your pet will need to be on a leash.
Swimming is ideal for your four-legged pet, especially since most dogs can swim. Check it out anyway, especially for the first time. If you feel scared or uncomfortable, don’t make him go. Some tire very quickly, and it is best to make them wear a life jacket for safety, especially if there are waves. This will also allow you to start him in certain water sports such as rowing or canoeing.
The beach is a great place for your companion to play and explore, but you should never leave your dog unattended. Here are some other things to consider:
• Always provide him with a bowl of water so that he does not drink seawater.
• Remember to bring a bowl for your dog, some dog towels to dry him off, and some food if you are going to be out for dinner.
• Bring some toys for him, like a ball for him to chase into the sea, something to chew on, and maybe even a Frisbee so he can play catch with the rest of the family.
Dogs can suffer from heat stroke or overheating. This is because they don’t sweat and of course they wear a fur coat! So if it’s going to get really hot, consider buying him a cooling jacket to cool it down. These have a special gel that when wet gives off a cooling function. You can also use a damp towel to try to cool him down, not forgetting to regularly wet his legs, neck, and belly. Under NO circumstances use cold water, this can cause your dog to go into shock. Always use lukewarm water, preferably at body temperature and NEVER ice cubes, of course.
The best times to take it to the beach are, therefore, in the morning and at the end of the afternoon. For your comfort, consider placing it under an umbrella. You can also get him some dog sunscreen, especially if he’s a white dog. Do not use your sunscreen or human oil. Avoid strenuous activities in the heat and prefer to keep it in the shade.
Remember to keep an eye on him at all times. Not everyone loves dogs and it could scare young children. My two zig and zag are notorious picnic sandwiches and zag loves stuffed animals and has even been known to bring me the odd sandy sock that I have to try to meet up with its owner. Also check that your dog is not drinking sea water or water that is dirty or has green algae growing in it; All of this will make your dog very sick, but it seems to be very popular with dogs.
By taking the proper precautions, you can have a great time on the beach with your dog. One last tip: your hairball should remain identifiable, in case it gets lost. Have him wear a necklace with your name and phone number so he can be contacted quickly.