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| 9 Beach Guidelines for Cool Dogs |
No surprise dogs adore the beach: soft sand beneath the paws; a sea breeze in the air; novel sights, sounds, and fragrances. However, they aren't always reciprocated by the beach. A fun day on the beach can be ruined by several traps. However, if you follow these 9 Beach Guidelines for Cool Dogs, going to the beach will be your pup's favorite summer activity!
prior knowledge
Without exception, dogs must comply with recall commands when we let them go off-leash to prevent mischief and danger. Your dog might not hear a verbal cue amid crashing waves and whistling winds; in such cases, either keep them nearby or teach them to come when called using a whistle or even a hand signal.
perfect memory
When planning your play day, check with local tourism offices or government organizations on off-leash regulations. You can also search "off-leash beaches" for any coastal state to find a range of websites that are jam-packed with useful information. Many states, including California and Florida, have designated dog beaches available, some of which include enclosed dog parks. Dogs are permitted off-leash on practically all beaches in a few states, including Oregon, although according to Oregon law, "they must be under direct supervision (within sight and responsive to instructions)" in certain areas. When dogs are off-leash, direct management is always essential, which brings us to Beach Guidelines #2.
Avoid consuming water.
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| 9 Beach Guidelines for Cool Dogs |
Dogs who enjoy the beach are at risk of salt sickness from seawater, so toss the tennis ball down the sand rather than out into the waves and frequently rinse it with fresh water. To prevent your dog from succumbing to the temptation of trying to quench her thirst with seawater, carry plenty of drinking water and offer frequent water breaks. Additionally, the marine algae that generate "red tides" are harmful to dogs, therefore you should never let your dog near the beach when these toxic algae blooms are present.
just knee deep
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| 9 Beach Guidelines for Cool Dogs |
Even though your dog enjoys swimming, limit her time in the pool to freshwater. Even the greatest four-legged swimmers can be overcome by strong currents and forceful breaking waves, and some surf zones are home to hazardous jellyfish and stingrays. Salt toxicity from consuming seawater is also a danger. During storm-driven waves and extremely erratic tides, let your dog play in the shallows but keep them well back from the surf line. Give your dog a safety flotation vest if she could be enticed to go deeper than just her paws in the water.
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Keep them tidy
Fill trash bags. Don't plan on finding a bag dispenser at the beach parking lot, but do count on other beachgoers being understandably irritated if they tread in dog poop. Cleaning up after a day at the beach includes giving your dog a good brushing and checking his ears and eyes for sand and debris.
zero seafood
Dogs must be trained to recall to be protected from dead and dying marine life, such as crabs, fish, sea stars, mussels, and even birds, that may have washed ashore. A sampling of the seafood buffet may result in serious bacterial or parasite diseases, and shellfish may be contaminated with harmful toxins depending on the season and the locality. Additionally, some jellyfish and other marine species, like the Velella jellyfish on the West Coast, can periodically wash up on the shore in large numbers, making many beaches unsuitable for dogs who might consume (or roll in) the dead marine life. To inquire about any such strandings, call ahead.
not the birds, but the ball
Beach birds, such as gulls, terns, and sandpipers, are all protected species and are therefore off-limits to interested dogs. You should also be aware of the attraction that birds have for sports types of dogs. Seal pups rest on beaches along many coastlines while their mothers forage for food offshore because marine species are also protected. Respect all signage indicating closures for the sake of wildlife.
morning patrol
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| 9 Beach Guidelines for Cool Dogs |
Early in the morning is by far the greatest time to take Fido to the beach, and not just for those spectacular beach sunrises. Early in the morning is the best time to take your dog to the beach because even major tourist destinations are frequently empty of people. The early patrol also allays concerns about hot weather, hot sand, and excessive sunshine.
A positive thing in excess
Go easy on the beach romp if your dog isn't a well-trained canine athlete, especially during warm weather. On the other side, those hyperactive breeds that require a lot of activity can benefit greatly from a prolonged beach session. A weary dog is an easy dog, after all, and if you abide by the beach's rules, your pet will return home content, healthy, and eager to curl up and daydream about fun in the sun and surf.
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