Taking Your Dog to the Beach: Have a Great Day with Your Friend

Summer is coming and it’s time to start planning your well-deserved vacation. For most pet owners, this situation can be quite a problem because they don’t know what to do with their pet.  However, nowadays a lot has changed because pet-friendly destinations are becoming more common. So, if you want to take your dog to the beach, you will surely have a great time. But you should still take some precautions anyway. 

What to consider before taking your dog to the beach

Unless you’re one of those privileged people who live in a coastal town with quiet beaches where you can walk your dog daily, there are certain things you should consider if you’re planning to take your dog on a long vacation with you.

First and foremost, you must make sure to choose a place that allows animals on the beach. Also, unless you are renting a property, find out if the lodging allows them too.

At the same time, a veterinarian visit is necessary before taking your dog on vacation with you. You’ll need to check that your pet is healthy and capable of going on this adventure without having any problems.

While you’re at it, ask the professional to give you some traveling precautions and how to handle them in case of an emergency.  At the same time, get your dog dewormed and have his vaccinations up to date. 

Both you and your pet will have a fantastic vacation at the beach if you take some precautions.

Don´t forget the followings items to avoid getting in trouble at the beach

Once you have arrived and you’re about to step onto the beach with your dog, remember it’s important not to forget the following items:

• The dog’s papers
• Fresh clean water and water dish
• Dog food and his food dish, especially if you’re going to spend the whole day there
• Sunscreen to put on parts of his body that have little pigmentation or hair
• Protector for his paws, if they are sensitive. Keep in mind that sand can be very hot, especially at midday
• Treats to give him when he behaves well. Remeber, there is no need to practice positive reinforcement while being on vacation

Likewise, make sure your pet is identifiable through a microchip or dog tag that has his information on it. Problems could pop up anywhere.

Responsibility and fun, two things that don’t need to be at odds when taking your dog on vacation

There are two fundamental things that you must not forget when taking him to the beach. One is a doggy bag to pick up his feces. This is especially important when taking your dog to places where there is a lot of people, such as the beach, because being a responsible pet owner is a top priority when it comes to coexisting with the people around you.

The other thing you must not forget is … your dog’s toys! The idea is to have a lot of fun. These items will assure your four-legged friend will have an amazing time in the water or sand, whether he is playing alone, with you, or with other dogs.

Remember to keep an eye on your dog. If your dog likes to swim, make sure that he is in shallow water and that there aren’t any ocean currents. 

Final tips so that your beach day with your pet is great

Another thing that you must not forget is a beach umbrella. Even if your plan is to sunbathe all summer long, think about your pet. Find a shaded area for your dog to rest and escape from the excessive heat. Remember that dogs are very prone to having heat strokes, which can be deadly.

It’s always better safe than sorry. No matter how excited he is to run on the beach, make sure your dog doesn’t spend too much time in the sun. Take a timeout for your dog to drink some fresh water, never ocean water because it can cause gastrointestinal problems.

Nevertheless, both for humans and animals, it is important to follow the advice of staying out of the sun during the hottest hours because it can be harmful to your health. Just by taking these tips into consideration, you and your pet will surely enjoy the time you spend together at the beach.