How can you ensure a better time at the beach for you and your dog?
The good part about being at the beach with your dog speaks for itself but here are some tips to help avoid a few pitfalls, before you head off on your waterside adventure. Besides the obvious things such as making sure to use your poo bags and keeping your dog’s nose out of other peoples belongings, a visit to the beach still requires some thought.
Check signage or local laws to find out where you are allowed to take your dog. Even if you take you dog off leash at a park, the beach has many different delights for a dog to investigate so you may not have the same control when visiting this new domain, especially for the first time. Having a good ‘leave it’ command is helpful too in case of poisonous critters. The beach is also home to native animals and birds who were there first.
Floating fetch toys can help keep your dog entertained but you need to keep an eye on whether he’s tiring. Don’t let him get too far away in case he gets into difficulty.
Hot sand is not fun and rocks can be sharp.
Heatstroke doesn’t just affect humans. Sometimes dogs are having such a ‘bow wow’ of a time they will not stop even when they should. Factor in some rest and shady time. Always take fresh water as digesting salt water can make a dog very ill. Avoiding the hottest part of the day in summer is advisable and remember that excessive activity can result in a rare but well know condition called limp tail.
If your dog is not a swimmer, be upbeat and wade in a little to see if he’ll follow. Mimicking other dogs is a positive way for him to begin swimming. Encourage your dog to swim but do not throw him or drag him in. Short-legged breeds do not have the swimming ability of those with long legs. Breeds with a large chest often take on an upright posture when swimming as their chest acts like a float for the top end. You might even need more than one visit before he attempts to swim. A canine PFD can be a most wonderful tool to build confidence and increase safety.
Look out for fisherman, lines and hooks.
Be a pal and rinse the sand out of your dog’s coat afterwards.
Leah & Angela O’Meara
Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)