It’s a long hot summer and many of us are looking forward to bringing our dogs to the beach! Planning on hitting the sand with your pal? Here are the top 9 tips for taking your dog to the beach to ensure maximum fun and safety.
- Choose a dog-friendly beach
- Teach your dog to swim
- Find fresh water and shade
- Steer clear of choppy water
- Watch what they drink
- Provide sun protection
- Look out for dangers in the sand
- Rinse their fur
- Pick up their poop
1. Taking your dog to the beach? Make sure that beach takes dogs!
First things first. Always check the local rules—they’re usually posted publicly—to make sure it’s okay to bring your dog to the beach. Luckily, you’ll find dog-friendly beaches and swimming spots in abundance all over the UK so there should be a few within driving distance.
2. Teach your dog to swim
Some dogs are natural-born swimmers; some—not so much. Don’t assume your dog is an automatic swimmer (okay, unless you have a lab), and take it nice and easy. For helpful tips, check out our post about teaching your dog to swim.
3. Find fresh water and shade
Any time you take your dog out in the sun for an extended period of time, it’s important to provide opportunities for shady naps and hydration. The beach can be hard work!
4. Steer clear of choppy water
Water that’s busy with large waves, boats, boards, or jet skis can scare your dog, so try to find an area where the water’s calm.
5. Watch what they drink
Mmm… salt. Many dogs love to drink salt water at the seaside—but it’s not good for them. Do you best to limit their intake of salt water and encourage hydration with fresh water. A collapsible water dish is a great thing to pack.
6. Stay sun-protected
Dogs can burn too, especially if they have light skin and fur or short hair. Focus on the ears and nose. You can even purchase sun cream made for pets.
7. Keep a look out for dangerous items
Be aware that all sorts of items can be partially or fully hidden in the sand. Broken glass, rocks, hooks, coral, and rubbish can pose a danger to your dog.
8. Rinse well
Whether you’ve been hanging out in salt or fresh water, make sure you rinse off your dog’s coat to rid them of any sand, salt, and beach germs before you head home.
9. Pick up that poop
No matter where you go, if you’re taking your dog along with you always take a supply of poop bags with you. Dog poop is a problem for fish and wildlife, so be mindful of picking it up to avoid water and soil contamination.
If you can’t find the time to take your little mate to the beach for some well-deserved fun, Rover.com‘s got your back! We’ve got plenty of amazing sitters who offer dog boarding and who’d love to step in when you aren’t around. So next time you need a dog lover to take care of your dog, look no further!