Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Dog Beach Etiquette: Dos and Don'ts

With the dog days of summer upon us, isn't it
about time you brought that precious pooch to the
beach with you? For most dogs, getting to run
around in the sand, dip into the waves, and fetch
balls out of the water is the best day ever!
Here are some tips to ensure that you and your
dog have a fun and safe beach experience.

First Things First

Check with your local beaches before you pack up
the dog, since not all beaches allow them.
Depending on the time of year, some beaches allow
dogs during the off-season, but summer is a
different story. Call ahead or visit the beach's
website for information. It's also important if
you can bring your dog, to find out whether or
not they need to be on leash or if they can roam
free. Bring a long leash no matter what, but
know ahead of time if there will be an area where
a leash isn't necessary. If they don't need to
have a leash, only let them be without it if you
know for an absolute fact that they will respond
to your voice commands. Other dogs, people,
certain scents, birds, etc, may catch their
attention and cause them to tune you out, which
could be a recipe for disaster (no one wants a
dog fight). Some people on the beach (as well as
easily frightened children) will be less
dog-friendly than others, so be mindful of who
your dog might be approaching to avoid any sort
of snafu.

Never, EVER leave your dog unattended. Even the
most well-trained dog can get distracted; pay
extra special attention to your surroundings and
any potential situations that may cause your dog
to wander or run off. Follow ALL of the rules
set by the beach. You don't want to be the
reason that dogs aren't allowed at that
particular beach anymore.

Pro Swimmer or Doggie Swim Vest?

If you want to bring your dog to the beach, you
probably have a good idea that your furry friend
loves to swim. If this is the first time your
dog will be swimming, you may want to read up on
his breed just to be sure. For example, shar
peis tend to be afraid of water. Obviously there
are exceptions to the rule, but finding out if
swimming is characteristic of the breed will be a
good indicator of how enthusiastic (or timid)
they might be. When you bring the pup to the
water, if he isn't diving right in, take it slow.
Don't force your dog to go in. He may feel more
comfortable if you head in first and call him.
If you're nervous or unsure, purchasing a dog
life vest to bring with you would be a safe bet.

Be Wary of Temperature Extremes

Depending on where you are in the country, summer
at the beach can bring about two extremes: heat
from the sun and a cold, cold ocean. Pay
attention to how your dog is acting and
responding while he's with you throughout the
day, since there could be the potential of either
heat stroke or hypothermia (if he's been swimming
his little heart out).

Some signs of heat stroke in a dog include:

- Rapid panting

- Bright red tongue

- Thick, sticky saliva

- Weakness

- Vomiting

- Diarrhea

If you think that your dog has heat stroke while
you're at the beach, take the following actions
immediately:

- Move the pet into the shade and apply cool (not
cold) water all over their body to gradually
lower their temperature.

- Apply ice packs or cool towels to the pet's
head, neck and chest only.

- Allow the pet to drink small amounts of cool
water or lick ice cubes.

- Then take him to the nearest vet.

Some signs of hypothermia in a dog include:

- Lethargy

- Weakness

- Shivering

- Muscle stiffness

- Difficulty breathing

- Fixed and dilated pupils

If you think that your dog has hypothermia while
you're at the beach, take the following actions
immediately:

- Wrap your dog in towels and blankets that have
been warmed by the sun.

- Bring extra fresh water in bottles and leave
them out in the sun

- this warm water can be applied to your dog to
bring his body temperature back up.

- If your dog has still not stopped shivering and
has continued lethargy, bring him to the nearest
vet.

As much as we wish, our dogs can't tell us when
they're in pain and not feeling good. The above
lists are certainly not all-inclusive, so if you
notice anything out of the ordinary with your
dog's behavior, get him out of the elements
immediately. A few ways to prevent heat stroke is
to bring lots of fresh, cool water that they can
drink. A spray bottle with cool water that you
can spray him down with will also help in
temperature regulation. A bonus of having fresh
water with you is that you can also clean the
sand and salt water from his paws, which can
cause irritation and dry out those sensitive
pads. Also, since you can't guarantee that you
will have access to a shady area, bring an
umbrella that he can hang out under. To make
sure that hypothermia doesn't strike, bring lots
of towels that you can snuggle him in and remove
the excess cold salt water. Not only can this
warm him up quicker, it also helps in removing
the sand and salt water from his fur so he won't
be in danger of shaking off on someone else.

The Dos and Don'ts of the Beach

There are hundreds of beaches in the US and
Canada that allow dogs, but compared to the
number of beaches there are, this is a small
percentage. Many beaches allowed dogs at one
time, but due to careless owners, had to put a
stop to canine patrons. Follow these rules (in
addition to the beach's rules), and you'll make
sure that you can bring Fido back as many times
as he likes.

Dog Beach Don'ts:

- Don't let your dogs go into areas on the beach
where they're not allowed. Dunes and grassy
areas need to be protected from any sort of
environmental damage that a dog might cause.

- Don't let your dog out of your site. Not even
once. Paying attention and being proactive will
go a long way in protecting you and your dog.
The last thing you want is to be sued for a dog
fight or by someone that had a run-in with your
dog.

- Don't forget to bring the leash, beach towels,
umbrella, fresh water, and doggie sunscreen (yes,
you can actually get sunscreen specifically made
for dogs).

- Don't leave a mess behind! Don't count on the
beach supplying waste bags, so bring your own and
be diligent about cleaning up. No one wants to
find a surprise just laying on the beach or
buried in the sand.

Dog Beach Dos:

- Do make sure your dog's vaccinations are
current and that he's wearing the proper ID. Keep
your vet's number on hand just in case something
happens.

- Do check the ocean for jellyfish and stingrays.
A sting to your dog will be sure to ruin both
his and your experience.

- Do set a time limit for your beach trip. A few
hours might be just the right amount of time at
the beach, depending on your dog's activity
level. At the first sign of your dog tiring,
pack it up and get back on the road.

- Do bring toys and balls to throw and find
sticks to fetch. This is exactly why you are
both there: to HAVE FUN!

Online resources can help you plan your
activities, including finding dog-friendly
beaches throughout the country. Whether you're
going on a trip or a stay-cation, finding a beach
where you can bring your dog this summer will be
a great bonding experience for your dog and your
family. Get out there and soak up that fresh sea
air - your pooch will be forever grateful for all
the fun!

----------------------------------------------------
Kim Salerno is the President & Founder of
TRIPSwithPETS.com. She founded the pet travel
site in 2003 and is an expert in the field of pet
travel. Her popular pet travel site features pet
friendly hotels & accommodations across the
United States, along with other helpful pet
travel resources. Her mission is to ensure that
pets are welcome, happy, and safe in their
travels. Visit her company website at
http://www.tripswithpets.com

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