Charlotte Foster
What could be nicer than spending a day together with your dog on the beach? Your four-legged friend gets variety, can romp and run, meet other dogs and cool off in the water. In order for the beach day with the dog to be a success, you should pay attention to a few things. Find tips for the perfect beach day here and read on.
Right preparation for a carefree beach day with your dog
The be-all and end-all for a successful day at the beach is proper planning and preparation. If you’re not lucky enough to live near a beach, it’s a good idea to start looking for dog-friendly accommodation for you and your four-legged friend. Also, find out about beaches where dogs are allowed. Dogs are not allowed on some beaches, on others, there is a leash requirement. However, there are also many beaches on the North Sea and Baltic Sea where dogs are welcome and even so-called dog beaches have been set up. The tourist information on-site, a short internet search or special dog beach apps provide information.
You should consider the following when you visit a beach with your dog:
- Very important: Only go to the beach and into the water with a healthy dog. Even weak or old dogs can quickly become exhausted.
- If your dog has diseases of the cardiovascular system, epilepsy, or an infection, you should avoid the trip, especially if the temperature is too high.
- Do not give your dog large amounts of food just before the trip, because the dog’s full stomach can twist when its romps.
- Take plenty of drinking water and a bowl with you to saltwater beaches.
And if you’re out all day, pack a full dog meal. - A first-aid kit (for you and your dog) should also be part of your beach luggage because broken glass, sharp stones, shells, or sea urchins can quickly spoil the fun with the dog on the beach.
Let’s go: You should pay attention to this with the dog on the beach
Dogs can get sunburned too. Especially dogs with thin, short fur and light skin. To avoid this, areas of skin that have little hair, such as the insides of the ears, the bridge of the nose, and the abdomen, should be rubbed with special sunscreen. In the blazing sun, there is also a risk of heatstroke. If possible, stay in the shade under an umbrella or a tree. Morning and early evening are the best times to walk the dog on the beach.
Of course, a few rules of social interaction apply to the dog on the beach: A well-behaved dog knows a clear signal to stop and should be available at any time. Always keep an eye on your dog to make sure he doesn’t do anything wrong. Towels and picnic baskets belonging to other guests are of course taboo. Make sure that your dog does not disturb the other bathers. Of course, you have to collect his legacies immediately. This is how dogs will continue to be welcomed on the beach in the future!
Into the water: What many, but not all, dogs love
For many dogs, playing, swimming, and even diving in the water is a real joy. Special balls, frisbees, and other floating toys also lure less water-loving dogs into the cool water. But not every dog is a water rat.
Respect if your dog doesn’t want to go in the water. Be careful when it comes to relieving his fear of the water. Playing with the stimulation rod helps him to slowly feel his way to shore. Start in shallow and warm water. Choose a flat bank or a stream so the dog always feels safe and knows how to get out of the water.
Make sure your dog doesn’t swallow too much saltwater, as this will quickly lead to dehydration and nausea. And get him out of the water as soon as he shows signs of fatigue. Many dogs won’t stop playing on their own and eventually become completely exhausted.
In rivers, the current must be taken into account. Especially inexperienced swimmers among the dogs have easily swept away and do not come back to the shore. Piers or stretches of beach with boat traffic should definitely be avoided, as should popular fishing spots. Unfortunately, all too often there are lines and fishing hooks lying around on which not only dogs can quickly injure themselves. It becomes particularly dangerous if your darling swallows a fishing hook. In such a case, the motto is: keep calm! Do not pull on the swallowed fishing line, but contact a veterinarian immediately.
In bad weather with high waves or strong currents, you should never encourage your dog to take a bath.
After the swimming: what is there to consider?
Remove sand and salt residue from the dog’s coat by showering the dog with fresh water. Dry your dog well afterward to prevent catching a cold. Be sure to examine his ears, as saltwater in the ears can lead to a long-lasting and painful inflammation in the dog.
At the end of the beach day, it’s finally time for an extensive dog meal. Because after bathing, playing, and running on the beach, your dog is definitely hungry and can then rest properly and draw new strength.