5 Tips For Taking Dogs To The Beach

Most dogs love the beach. If your dog is one of them, you certainly want them to have the time of their life while there. Unfortunately, plenty of pitfalls can ruin a great day on the shore. Here are some tips to help you out:

1. Find out the rules: Different beaches have different rules for entertaining dogs. So consult the beach authorities beforehand to know their off-leash rules when planning your play day.

2. Recall training: Before you allow your dog off-leash on the beach, ensure you have trained them properly to obey recalls to protect them from danger.

3. Provide fresh water: Dogs can suffer salt poisoning from seawater. Therefore, it is important to pack plenty of fresh water and provide frequent water breaks so your dog won't be tempted to drink seawater when thirsty.

4. Knee deep only: Limit your dog's water play to the swallows, even if they are excellent swimmers. So much can go wrong if you allow them to go any further. For instance, they can ingest seawater or be overwhelmed by powerful breaking waves.

5. No seafood: Washed-up dead or dying sea creatures, such as fish, crabs, and mussels, can cause serious bacterial or parasitic infections. Keep a close eye on your dog to ensure they aren't eating anything they shouldn't eat.