Beach day safety for fun in the sun with your dog

With summertime comes beach days, and with a little extra planning, your canine pals can join the fun. To ensure dog owners have the best beach experience possible with their pup friends, the American Kennel Club suggests the following five safety tips:

Stay hydrated

Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink and keep him away from drinking lake or ocean water. Salt water contains high levels of sodium along with other contaminants that can be dangerous to your dog’s health.

Keeping fresh water on hand keeps your pet hydrated and decreases his chances of getting sick.

Protect from heat

If you are spending a fair amount of time outside with your dog, make sure to have an umbrella with you. This guarantees your dog has a spot to rest and get some shade.

Consider booties for your dog as well, for playtime on the sand, which can get very hot.

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A trip to the beach can be a fun and sensory experience for your dog. Make sure to find a dog-friendly beach and know that location’s rules on leashing.

Swim with your dog

Although it’s true that many dogs like swimming, not all dogs are natural swimmers.

Guide your dog through shallow water to build his swimming confidence. You can always begin training with a life vest to ensure your dog feels comfortable.

Use sunscreen

Dogs, especially those that are hairless or have a light-colored coat, are vulnerable to the sun. It is always a good call to apply dog-safe sunblock to protect your canine companion from the sun’s harmful rays.

Rinse off

As soon as your dog is done playing, rinse him off. Chlorine is irritating to the skin and eyes, and bacteria from rivers or lakes may make your pet sick.

Be sure to rinse or shampoo your dog and don’t forget to dry out his ears as well.

Going for hikes with your dog is great exercise for both of you. The American Kennel Club offers these tips on what to bring when you hit the trails: