Dog at the Beach: How and What to Protect Them From.

June 21, 2024

Taking your dog to the beach can seem fun, but it requires special care and attention. Here’s what you need to avoid and prevent when you bring your furry friend to the sea. It’s summer, and you might be planning a vacation, possibly taking your dog along. If you haven't tried it before, you might also take them to the beach to see their reaction to seawater. Usually, it's the same as with freshwater. Keep that in mind as we continue.

If your dog doesn’t want to go into the sea, there’s no point in forcing them—you won’t be hindering any potential career if they happen to have talent. However, to improve their overall relationship with water, you can take advantage of their love for treats and praise them with a calm and positive tone. At the end of the day, our dogs are big "clowns".

For my dog Shelby, praise and admiration work better than treats themselves and loves water. Unlike our family dog, Roma, who is solely motivated by food and god help if water gets even near her. Positive reinforcement will persuade your dog to stay calm during cleaning and drying after swimming, as moisture can cause skin problems. Pay special attention to their ears (inside) and eyes.

Saltwater and Dogs: Proper Care

Regarding saltwater, it’s useful to know how to protect your pet if they decide to take the plunge. Everything depends on their coat—and sometimes their breed. If your dog is a Labrador Retriever, Chesapeake Retriever, Portugal Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel, or another breed bred for swimming in saltwater, their coat is naturally oily, making it resistant to saltwater absorption.

What do you do if your loyal friend has a double coat?

Dogs with a double coat have both an outer coat and an undercoat. The outer coat consists of long hairs that protect against moisture and dirt. The undercoat is denser, more cotton-like, and acts as insulation against both low and high temperatures. In this case, not only is it unhealthy to shave them, but it’s also not healthy to leave saltwater on them, as it can irritate their skin and promote bacterial growth.

Thus, you should do what you would do for yourself: a rinse with clean, freshwater and a good drying. If your dog has a thin or silky coat, they are at risk of skin problems from exposure to saltwater and the sun. Therefore, rinsing is recommended in this case too.

Other Dangers for Dogs at the Beach

Sand

The biggest danger for dogs at the beach is sand. Accidentally or during play (they will surely dig for coolness, sand will stick to the ball you throw, and to their paws, which they will lick), they can ingest it. The tiny sand particles become heavy and form solid pieces when wet, potentially blocking the intestinal tract, leading to the serious condition known as bowel obstruction.

Symptoms indicating a vet visit is needed include vomiting, dehydration, abdominal pain, swelling in the stomach area, panting, and restlessness. If you have fresh water on hand and prevent sand accumulation on their toys, there’s no danger, especially if you rinse them off when you leave the beach.

Hot Sand

Just as your feet burn when walking on the beach sand at noon, the same happens to your dog's paws, which can get burnt more easily. So, for your dog's sake, leave them at the accommodation during the hottest hours of the day.

Heat Stroke

Since dogs don’t sweat like we do, their body temperature can rise dangerously on a sunny day at the beach. Therefore, it’s better to keep your dog in a shady and cool place (with plenty of water) during the day and have them with you early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Sunburn

Some dogs are more prone to sunburn than others, depending on their coat type (thin or even hairless) and color (white is more sensitive). It’s not a good idea to use your sunscreen on them, but there are special sunscreens for dogs!

Seaweed

Dry seaweed found on some beaches contains toxins. When it absorbs water (inside the stomach), it swells, potentially causing an obstruction that may require emergency surgery. So, be cautious.

Hooks

Fishermen frequent many beaches, so be on the lookout for discarded hooks. Every summer, we see many dogs with hooks stuck in their snout, paw, or tongue. Even more serious is when a dog swallows a hook. This can cause severe injuries to their mouth, esophagus, or stomach.

Dead Fish

Dead fish washed up on the beach may contain dangerous toxins or be spoiled. Never let your dog eat dead fish or anything else they find on the beach. Also, don’t let them eat food meant for human consumption (e.g., chips, nuts) that other beachgoers might offer. This could lead to gastrointestinal issues.

Hygiene and Legislation

Dogs don’t urinate or defecate in the water instinctively. They will seek a corner to relieve themselves. It’s good to walk your dog before arriving at the beach. Always carry special bags for waste, in case of accidents on the shore. Always bring their health book, which records the necessary vaccinations and deworming treatments.

This shows that your dog is not a threat for transmitting zoonoses (diseases transmitted from animals to humans). Lastly, don’t forget to take your dog’s leash to the beach. If even one person is bothered, you must keep your dog leashed close to you and away from the water, according to the Greek law. Otherwise, you might be fined.

Have fun and safe dives!!!

Shelby's Recommends: Heat Resistant Beach Vest