Safety tips: bringing your dog to the beach

Expert advice for relishing the beach, sun, and water with your pooch.

There is nothing more exciting than enjoying a beach excursion with your furry bud. Jog along the shore, quick-play frisbee session, and quick-dip in the water. 

Undoubtedly, beach outings are fun affairs but it is equally important to take care of a few things, that include beating the Sun, protection from strong tides, pebbles to hot sand, beaches could be a little harsh environment for the pooches. The majority of dogs love beaches, however, it can be equally risky if the pet owners do not know what to look out for. In simpler words, risks with respect to beach excursions are real and sometimes can be fatal. 

 

Here are a few tips to consider before taking along your pooch to the beach this summer.

 

Beat the heat—SUN

You might be very well aware of painful sunburn. 

What you may not reckon is that your pet is at risk too. Did you know pooches can witness sunburn just like humans? It is recommended to use a dog sunblock or carry a shade umbrella with you. 

Not just that you might also need to be a keen observer for your pooch for signs of heatstroke, which include inflated panting and drooling, and clumsy movements. Unlike humans, dogs can expel heat, making them more prone to develop heatstroke. 

Irrespective of breed, ensure plenty of fresh water, beach umbrella for guaranteed shade, and keep a close eye for any signs of distress.

 

Hot Sand

Hot sands are a big turn-off for a beach trip. If you feel the heat while walking barefoot on the beach sand, remember your pooch feels it too and may even burn their paw pads. Walking by the water where the sand is cooler is recommended. Also, you can carry a large towel for your furry bud to lay on. You can even try beach booties, which not only protects from hot sand but also from sharp shells and pebbles. 

 

However, the real risk with sand is if the dog digests sand, it can obstruct your pooch’s intestines. They may not ingest it intentionally but playing and fetching balls may encourage them to ingest too much sand. 

The most common signs of sand impaction may include vomiting, denial to eat or drink, and a little torpidity. And if you speculate your furry buddy has expended sand, he needs to be seen by a vet.

 

Surfing 

Some pooches are natural swimmers and some aren't. 

Pet owners must ensure that pets are seaworthy before letting your pooch chase the waves. You might want to assess their experience, breed, and their ability well before doing that. A lifejacket can offer a valuable line of defense. There are a plethora of choices available in the market, but you can check out the petsochic life jacket. It offers high flotation concealed with snap fasteners enabling you to take your pooch safely surfing. This life jacket is functional equipment designed for dogs who love water and enjoy the time with people swimming, surfing, kayaking, boating, and so on.

 

Protip: do not fasten any type of vest for a prolonged duration, If it's a hot day, as it could lead to overheating.