Beach days become the best days if you bring along your four-legged fur babies. But problems arise while in the preparation stage of bringing your dogs to the beach. Before you decide to get your dogs to the beach, you need to have adequate knowledge of what to do to keep your dog safe and happy at the beach.

You must remember that whatever you think can harm you at the beach can also hurt your dogs. This can include sunburn, riptides, jellyfish, broken glass, sharp shells, and other aggressive dogs. Beach days are not supposed to be full of worries, but you should enjoy them with your dogs. You can still have a great beach day if you know how to prepare and prevent any potential mishaps. Read the following safety tips to help you and your fur baby have some fun together under the sun.

Prepare shades and towels to prevent dogs from overheating.

The beach can be the hottest place you will go to with your dog. Remember that a warm summer temperature can pose a threat to a dog’s health. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring them with you to the beach but being prepared can be advantageous. Always bring a shady retreat for your dog, such as an umbrella. Or find a shady place under a tree or a picnic bench to rest when the sun is hot.

Always bring an adequate amount of fresh and cool water along with a doggie bowl. Your dog will want to drink water from time to time, so make sure to liberally refill the doggie bowl and keep the water away from direct sunlight to avoid the water getting hot under the sun.

Remember that the sand can be scorching hot for their sensitive paws, so provide a blanket or towel to lay down when they take a break from playing.

Also, there will be other dogs that will be present at the beach other than yours. Keep your dog safe by keeping them away from other aggressive dogs that may hurt them, especially when they are not acquainted.

Watch out for signs of overheating in dogs that may include:

Excessive/rapid panting and drooling.
Coordination problems.
Vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Collapse.
Loss of consciousness.

Avoiding overheating among dogs is an important safety rule to keep your dogs happy while enjoying their time on the beach.

Follow the beach rules.

Not all beaches allow dogs, but if you happen to find a beach that will enable you to bring your dogs, remember that they also have their rules you need to follow. Before you book a reservation, check online if your beach allows dogs and take notice of any practices posted on their website or near the beach.

Some of the beach rules you need to follow are:

Stay off the dunes. Dunes are protected in some states.
Clean up after your dog. Always carry waste bags and clean up after your dog in case he takes a potty break.
Follow the leash laws. Many dog-friendly beaches have an off-leash policy so make sure you check before you go.
Supervise your dog. Do not leave your dog unattended on the beach, even for a short amount of time.
No aggressive dogs. If your dog has a history of being aggressive, skip the beach.
Collar and ID tags. Always keep these on your dog.
Up-to-date vaccinations. Make sure your dog is current on all vaccinations and licenses.
No females in heat. She could cause fighting among male dogs or worse, create unwanted puppies.
No puppies under four months. They can become injured or ill and do not have all of their vaccinations yet.

There are other unwritten rules that you also need to know and be sensitive about, like filling up holes your dog has dug or of other dogs. Do not leave your dog harassing other dogs, dog owners, or other beachgoers. Take away your dog if it starts to act aggressively. Let other dog owners know if their dogs have made a mess or are acting aggressively. These are called the good-neighbor rules that everyone should follow.

Avoid your dogs getting sunburned.

Dogs may have fur, but some breeds can also experience sunburn as humans do. Short-coated dogs, light-colored dogs, dogs with close summer haircuts, those with pink noses, and hairless breeds are some of those pets who can quickly get sunburn. Other breeds can have a sunburnt nose.

To avoid your dogs getting sunburn, it is essential to apply sunscreen specifically for dogs. You will find them at your local pet store, and they are non-oily and contain ingredients that are safe for dogs. Sunscreen with zinc is not applicable for dogs because it can be toxic if ingested and avoid sunscreens with fragrances.

When applying sunscreen to your dogs, use it on their ears, nose, and the insides of their back legs, and anywhere that receives direct sunlight. Reapply sunscreen after they took a dip in the water.

If you have a hairless dog, consider dressing them up by keeping a shirt on them and always provide a shady resting spot.

Practice the recall command.

The key to off-leash fun for you and your dogs is to have a solid grasp of the recall command. It will help you to call your dog to come to you. This skill should be taught at home, but the beach is a great place to test your dog’s recall skill to work out this critical command around many distractions.

If you are starting to train your dog, place your dog on a long leash called a long line. While at the beach, call your dog and praise them and give them a treat every time they return to you. You can do this for several sessions until your dog has become familiar with the command. Test him with a human partner until your dog becomes fully acquainted with the order.

At the beach, allow your dog off the leash until you are sure that the recall command has become a good habit.

Keep an eye on beach hazards.

The beach is a fun place to bond with your dog, but it is also a place with many hazards. Your dog may become a victim of the ingestion of suspicious objects, cuts, scrapes, and potential for drowning.

To keep your dogs safe while having fun under the sun, discourage your dog from drinking seawater. Constantly offer your dog fresh, cool, clean water and remove them if you see them drinking seawater. Seawater can cause gastrointestinal irritants that can work as a laxative or cause vomiting.

Every time you visit the beach with your dog, always bring a first aid kit in case your dog accidentally gets cut paws or jellyfish sting. Include cotton balls, ammonia, peroxide, and bandages in the kit. Include a doggie life jacket in your safety kit, especially if you have short-legged dogs. Always supervise your dog if they are near or on the water playing.

The saltwater can be irritating on your dog’s skin and paws, so rinse them with fresh water before leaving the beach and shortly after arriving home. This will keep your dog comfortable and its skin and coat healthy.

Keeping your dog healthy while basking and having fun under the sun is one of the things you can give your dog to be happy. Along with the joy, you should also keep them safe and be responsible pet owners.