Tips for a Successful Day at the Dog Beach
Tips for a Successful Day at the Dog Beach
Tips for a Successful Day
at the Dog Beach
A trip to the beach is a great way to spend a sunny day, and bringing your furry friend along can make it even more enjoyable. A dog beach, with its off-leash policy, offers an ideal spot for your dog to romp around, make new friends, and cool off in the water. However, to ensure a fun and safe beach day, it's important to plan ahead. Here are some tips to help you have a successful day at the dog beach.
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Rules:
- Check if the beach you plan to attend has special dog hours, off-leash hours or restrictions of breed or size.
- The beach may have specific dog-friendly areas that are suitable to pups but could fine you for being out of bounds.
- Some places have strict bans on dunes so be aware of those areas or risk getting fined.
- Make sure you are aware of any potential rip current areas near or around the beach area that can change throughout the day.
2. Essentials to Pack:
- By planning ahead and packing these items, you can make your beach day with your dog enjoyable and minimize the mess to clean up afterward. Pack a separate bag with dog-specific items. This can include dog towels, a pet-friendly beach blanket, and a waterproof seat cover for the car ride home.
- Bring more than one towel: You can use one for drying your dog off after swimming, another for laying on the beach, and a spare for the ride home.
- Waterproof Blanket or Seat Cover: Consider bringing a waterproof blanket for your dog to lie on at the beach. This can help keep sand from sticking to your dog's wet fur. Using a waterproof seat cover in your car can help contain the mess during the ride home and make clean-up easier.
- Dog shampoo: If the beach has shower facilities, consider giving your dog a quick wash before heading home to remove salt, sand, and any potential beach pollutants. Bring a mild dog shampoo that can be used to clean your dog's coat and paws.
- Wet Dog Cover: Wet dog covers or robes can be useful for keeping your dog warm after coming out of the water and can help protect your car seats or your home's furniture from getting wet and dirty.
- Brush or Comb: Bring a brush or comb to remove any sand or debris from your dog's coat before getting in the car.
- Poop Bags and Small Trash Bags: Always clean up after your dog. Bring plenty of poop bags and consider a small trash bag for used poop bags and other trash to keep the beach clean.
- Leash, harness and collar with ID tags - bring a second collar or second harness to put on for the clean ride home if you don't have a waterproof one!
- Plenty of fresh water and a portable bowl
- First-aid kit for emergencies (both human and dog)
- If your dog's recall is a bit rusty, consider bringing an extra long extendable leash to keep your dog safe
3. Sun + Bug Protection:
- Use pet-safe sunscreen on your dog's exposed areas, like the belly and ears
- Provide shade with an umbrella or pop-up tent
- Use non-toxic bug spray or citronella stickers if you are going to an area with a lot of mosquitos
- Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion, if you don't know what they are you can read about them in our blog summer safety blog
4. Toys for Fun:
- Bring fetch toys that float in water
- Toys can be a good idea, but please be mindful of potential possessive behaviors around other dogs
5. Water Safety:
- Not all dogs are natural swimmers, consider a doggy life jacket.
- Limit the amount of saltwater your dog drinks to prevent dehydration and salt poisoning.
- Keep an eye on the ocean's current and your dog's swimming distance.
6. Rest Breaks:
- Regular breaks for rest and hydration are essential to prevent exhaustion.
- Bring a pop up tent or create a shaded area for your dog to cool off in if you plan to stay for long.
7. Paw + Snoot Care:
- Check your dog's paws regularly for any injuries or burns from hot sand.
- Consider dog boots for protection if needed.
- Regularly hydrate your dog's nose with water.
- Apply pet-safe balm if your dog's nose gets dry or cracked.
- Remember sand/shells can be abrasive so if you have a dog who likes to stick their snoot in the sand and dig just closely monitor to make sure they don't damage their nose in the process.
8. Hydrating Treats
- Your dog is going to burn a lot of energy today so make sure they have a full breakfast (preferably with enough time to digest) prior to arriving and drink up to stay hydrated.
- Bringing extra treats for your dog in case you need to work on some behavioral training, recall or need to convince your dog to get out of the water. An easy snack to bring you'll both enjoy is watermelon since it is cold, refreshing and hydrating (just be aware of the seeds for your dogs).
- Check out our blog "SUMMER SAFETY: PROTECTING YOUR PET FROM THE HEAT" for some other healthy snack ideas.
9. Keep an Open Eye and Respect Other Beachgoers:
- Monitor your dog all day - remember you are at the dog beach for THEM today - keep an eye out for littler or dead fish, seaweed they might find interesting to sniff or worse, eat!
- Watch your dog's interactions with others - ensure they're playing nicely and not causing any disturbances
- Don't assume other people are watching their dogs or that every dog there is friendly
- Ask other pet owners if their dog is friendly before approaching, or if you have a dog selective / aggressive dog please prepare accordingly and take protective measures with leash and/or muzzle wearing
10. Plan for a Restful and Restorative Afternoon
- All that fun in the sun will leave your pup undoubtedly exhausted so make sure you don't have a tremendous amount of activities planned for them the remainder of the day. Tired dogs are well behaved dogs, so it could be a good opportunity for a date night out while your fur baby rests up at home!
Remember, a well-planned day leads to a happy dog and a more relaxed owner. Always consider the health and safety of your pet first. Seek the advice of a professional for any health concerns about your pet.
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