Finally vacation time, hot time! The promise of restful days in the sun and by the sea. Yes, but here it is: your little dog 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 precautions for taking your dog to the beach.
First, choose your beach well. To find a dog-friendly beach, go online. Many sites offer a list or even maps of accessible places. 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 great for your four-legged pet, especially since most dogs can swim. Check it out anyway, especially if it’s your first time. If you feel scared or uncomfortable, don’t force him to go. Some get tired very quickly, and it is better to make him wear a life jacket for safety, especially if there are waves. This will also allow you to initiate him into certain water sports such as paddle tennis 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:
• Constantly 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 will be out for dinner.
• Bring her some toys, like a ball to chase around in the sea, something to chew on, and maybe even a frisbee so she can play catch with the rest of the family.
Dogs can get heat stroke or overheat. This is because they don’t sweat and of course they are wearing a fur coat! So if it’s going to be very hot, consider buying him a cooling jacket to cool him down. These have a special gel that when wet emits a refreshing function. You can also use a damp towel to try to cool him down, not forgetting to regularly wet his legs, neck and tummy. 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.
Therefore, the best times to take it to the beach are in the morning and late afternoon. For your convenience, consider placing it under an umbrella. You can also get him some doggie sunscreen, especially if he’s a white dog. Do not use your human sun cream or oil. Avoid strenuous activities in the heat and prefer to keep it in the shade.
Remember to keep an eye on it at all times. Not everyone loves dogs and they can scare small children. My two zig and zag are notorious picnic thieves and zag loves stuffed animals and has even been known to bring me back the weird sandy sock which i have to then try to reunite with its owner! Also check that your dog is not drinking seawater or water that is dirty or has green algae growing in it; all of that will make your dog seriously ill, but he seems to be very popular with dogs.
By taking the right precautions, you can have a great time at the beach with your dog. One last piece of advice: your furball should remain identifiable, in case it gets lost. Ask him to wear a necklace with his name and phone number on it so you can be contacted quickly.