Safety Tips for Taking Your Dog to the Beach! by Nikki

Do you plan on taking your dog to the beach this summer? Here are some things you should know!

1. Check  to make sure your beach is dog friendly or if there are special Rules and Regulations

Beach going is a popular activity this time of year however not every beach accepts our four-legged friends and if they do it comes with rules and restrictions. These rules are meant to make the beach a safer place for you and your dog!
Check your beach here under Dog Friendly Parks and Beaches in South Carolina: http://www.sciway.net/tourism/dog-friendly-travel-guide.html

2. Provide Your Dog with Plenty of Fresh Water and Shade

Dogs can easily get dehydrated at the beach. Provide your dog with lots of fresh water to keep them hydrated and keep them in the shade to keep them cool. Offering your dog fresh water can also prevent your dog from drinking salt water which can be harmful. You also want to be careful to make sure your dog does not become ill from the heat.

3. Pack Dog Friendly Sunscreen

Dogs can get sunburn too! Dogs who have light colored coats, shaved coats or pink noses are more susceptible to sunburn but any dog spending a lot of time outside can get burned. There are several options when choosing sunscreen for your dog including dog sunscreens, sunscreen for sensitive skin and babies. Be sure to read the label to make sure it doesn’t contain zinc oxide which is toxic to dogs. When applying sunscreen it’s best to apply your dog’s nose, ears first and their belly and groin areas if they enjoy rolling around in the sand.

4. Watch Out for Sharp Objects

Be cautious when in the water and on the beach! There can be sharp items that may hurt your dog’s paws such as, sharp rocks or broken bottles. Keep an eye out to avoid injury.

5. Pick Up the Poop!

No one likes to see a pile of dog poop anywhere, but especially on the beach where people play and run around. Keep the beach clean and bring poop bags with you on your trip to beach.

6. Use Caution in the Water

Use caution in the water! If it’s your dog’s first time in the water and you’re teaching your dog to swim consider a life vest to make the transition easier. Be aware that not all dogs can or like to swim. Even if your dog is a good swimmer be alert and keep a close eye on your dog, dogs can become overwhelmed by strong waves and currents. Use a leash to keep them in close range in case they need help. 

 7. Watch Out for Exhaustion

Walking on sand is more tiresome than walking on grass or pavement. If you’re walking or running on the beach with your dog be sure to give them time to rest and offer them water to prevent exhaustion. Also be aware of the hot sand. If you’re wearing sandals you may not feel the scorching sand on your feet but your dog will. Head to shady spots, wet or cool sand to keep their paws nice and cool. Be sure to give your dog a break between swimming and walking!

8. Be Prepared to Give Your Dog a Bath

Salt and sand can be irritating to your dog’s skin so rinse them off with fresh water before you head home. Once you’re home give your dog a bath with a soothing shampoo to remove the salty water and sand on their coat.

9. Protect Their Ears

After swimming or a bath, dry your dog’s ears thoroughly to protect them from ear infections. You can use a general ear cleaner after baths and swimming. If your dog is prone to ear infections consult a veterinarian for which cleaner is best for your dog.

10. Above all…Have Fun!!