Blog What to Be Aware of When Taking Your Dog to the Beach
Taking your dog to the beach for the first time can be a lot of fun for both you and your pooch. But you want to make sure that you keep beach dog safety in mind. From how to keep dogs cool at the beach to other things to remember, consider the following dog beach checklist.
Don’t Let Your Dog Drink the Saltwater
Your dog will likely want to drink some of the salt water, but you shouldn’t let them if you can avoid it. That’s because salt water is dehydrating and bad for dogs in larger quantities.
If you give your dog clean water to drink, they’ll be less likely to drink the salt water.
Rinse Your Dog Off After His Swim
No matter when your next appointment is for dog grooming in West Palm Beach, part of beach dog safety includes rinsing them off before you leave. This is crucial as it will get salt, sand, and potential germs off your dog.
Check for Dog-Friendly and Off-Leash Beaches
Before taking your dog to the beach for the first time, make sure that you choose a beach that is dog-friendly. Don’t just assume that every beach is dog-friendly or that you can let your dog off the leash. Always check first.
As far as dog-friendly beaches in West Palm Beach go, remember that most county parks allow dogs. However, they typically have to be on a leash that is less than six feet.
The Top 5 Dog-Friendly Beaches
To save yourself the hassle of looking for a dog-friendly beach, consider taking him to one of the top five in Palm Beach County:
- Peanut Island
- Friends of Jupiter Beach
- Stuart Beach
- Juno Beach
- Bark Park Dog Beach (Boca Raton)
Confirm Your Dog Can Swim
It’s a common assumption that all dogs can swim, but some need a little time to learn. There are two ways you can go about doing this. One option is to make sure to go into the water at the dog-friendly beach in West Palm Beach with your pup to help them in case they need it. You can also prepare by taking them to a dog daycare with a pool, like Very Important Paws, so they get some swimming practice.
Give Your Dog Some Shade
There are two main elements of how to keep dogs cool at the beach: shade and water. Your dog beach checklist should include a tent, umbrella, or awning of some sort. Your dog will want to spend some time in the shade, and so will you. Keeping your pup hydrated and encouraging them to swim will also keep them cool.
Don’t Forget Doggie Sunscreen
You may not realize it, but your dog can get a sunburn just like humans can. While some breeds are more prone to sunburn and skin damage from the UV rays, such as skin cancer, than others, this is a risk for all breeds. As such, beach dog safety means getting some dog-safe sunscreen and encouraging your pup to spend time in the shade.
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