An end-of-summer vacation to the beach, river or lake is always a great idea. If you live in the Northern regions of the country, you can always head south for some warm-weather nostalgia. If you bring your dog along with you, make sure to take some proper safety precautions.

Bringing Your Dog to the Beach:

When you are heading to the beach, double check that they allow dogs. Some beaches have special designated areas for dogs, and others only allow them at certain times of the day. One obvious tip is to not let your dog drink the salt water, but make sure that you bring a supply of fresh water for your dog. Salt water can potentially make your dog sick, so be careful it doesn’t consume too much of it. Check to see beforehand if the beach has a faucet. Make sure to let your dog rest in a shady area. Dogs can in fact get sunburned, especially ones with short hair, or white hair with pink skin. Like humans, dogs shouldn’t be in ultra-strong sunlight for extended periods of time. Put sunblock on your dog’s nose and ears to prevent sunburn.

Before your dog goes into the water, check with the lifeguard about cautions of jellyfish or sea lice, as dogs are easy prey. Also be careful of riptides or if the water is too choppy that day. If your dog is old or out of shape, running on the sand may not be the best idea. A sandy surface is more difficult to run on than on grass or the street, so the over exercise could hurt its muscles. The materials of salt water can damage your dog’s coat, so make sure to rinse it off with fresh water after you take it to the beach.

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Swimming Dogs

If you want to get your dog to start swimming, do not throw it in the water. You can stand in shallow water to start off, or show your dog to another dog that is already swimming to get the idea. If your dog starts to paddle with its front legs, you can assist him by elevating its hind legs and then letting him go. It will understand the motion. Don’t let your dog swim too far out, as it could over-exercise and strain its muscles. Be close to your dog when it is swimming, and be in a position where you could easily swim out to it. You can invest in a life jacket for your dog if you want to be extra cautious. A first aid kit can also come in handy, for your dog could potentially get scratched or damage its claws.

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