Recently our own Robert and Nicole took one of their sled dogs, Iseult on a grand adventure and traveled from Alaska all the way to Florida and visited the beach for the first time.
Imagine that, a dog that has never been on sand, only deep snow, frolicking in the waves and running around with other dogs at a very cool Dog Beach in Panama City Beach.
A visit to the beach is an ideal way to spend a summer day, and it can be tempting to take your dog along. But be aware the beach isn’t the best option for all dogs.
However, for the right dog, the beach can provide new sights, sounds, and smells to experience as well as opportunities for exciting games. However, there are doggie dangers, too. Maximize your fun by trying these activities, training these behaviors, and watching for these hazards.
What to Do at the Beach With Your Dog
You can do many of your dog’s favorite activities at the beach as well. For example, you can play tug-of-war or provide your dog with their favorite puzzle toy. But don’t miss out on all the opportunities for beach-related excitement. Here are some activities to try on your next beach outing:
- Go for a walk. Explore the shore and let your dog soak in the new experiences like sniffing seaweed, watching scuttling crabs, or chasing seagulls. But don’t let your dog eat the seaweed or sand, both of which are dangerous for dogs to consume.
- Play fetch on the beach with a ball or flying disc. Just be sure to choose a quiet spot so your dog’s enthusiasm for the game doesn’t disturb other beachgoers.
- Play fetch in the water. Choose a brightly colored floating toy so your dog can spot it on top of the waves. Be sure to play this game in relatively shallow water, as a bad throw can send your dog too far out from the shoreline.
Other tips:
- Frolic together in the water. Splashing through the waves is a fun game, but your dog can easily overtire. So, stay close to shore and don’t leave your dog’s side.
- Go swimming. If they are new to the water, teach your dog to swim. Let them go at their own pace and fit them with a life jacket to provide extra confidence. But even experienced dogs need constant supervision to ensure they don’t overtire or swim too far from shore.
- Teach your dog to surf or boogie board. If your dog is a confident swimmer, see if they might enjoy balancing on a board and surfing the waves. Learning to balance is also great for dog sports like agility or feeling comfortable in a canoe or kayak.
- Play in the sand. This is great for dogs who love to dig. Alternatively, you can build sandcastles and then let your dog destroy them.
- Go boating together. If the water is calm enough, get your dog’s life jacket and try a canoe or kayak ride together.
Your dog should also be well-socialized and comfortable sharing toys with others. Beaches can get busy, and your dog might encounter loads of people and other dogs. For a social butterfly, that’s all part of the fun. However, if your dog is uncomfortable around people or other dogs, choose quiet times to visit the beach, such as earlier on a weekday morning, rather than times of peak attendance.
What to Watch for When at the Beach With Your Dog
There are some obvious dangers at the beach like rough waves, but you might not be aware of other hazards like drinking salt water. There are also rules to follow like leash laws and scooping poop. The following list will help you know what to watch for at the beach:
- Check the rules. Not all beaches and swimming areas allow dogs. And some locations only allow them on certain days or at certain times. It’s also important to follow the leash regulations. Your dog might be allowed off-leash in some areas but not others.
- Watch for heatstroke. Provide your dog with shade and plenty of chances to rest. You might also limit your beach visits to early or late in the day when the sun isn’t as strong.
- Apply sunscreen to your dog. Dogs can suffer from sunburn, so use pet-safe sunscreen on your dog’s nose, ears, and any other areas with sparse fur.
- Provide lots of fresh water. Your dog can easily dehydrate in the heat of summer, so frequently offer cool water to drink. Try to limit the amount of salt water your dog may drink as it can make them sick.
- Prevent your dog from eating sand. It can block your dog’s intestines, causing an impaction.
- Speak to a lifeguard about the water conditions. Situations such as rough waves or strong currents can make the water too dangerous for your dog.
- Be on the lookout for dangerous sea animals, like stingrays and jellyfish, that could be near the shore.
- Avoid hot sand. Especially midday, sand can get blisteringly hot and can burn your dog’s paw pads. Consider booties to protect their feet or stick to walking along the water’s edge.
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