Are you planning to take your new pup to the beach for the first time? As the weather starts to heat up, you may be excited to take him — but you may not be sure what to expect. Chances are you've heard of dog-friendly beaches, but do you know what this means?
The prospect of going to a dog-friendly beach may spark some new questions: Where should you go? What should you bring? Check out this handy guide, which could help you plan for taking your dog to beach.
Dog-friendly beaches are not usually hard to find, but it can take some investigating. Many beaches that allow dogs have rules — from requiring them to stay on a leash and keep out of specific areas to rules for you about picking up after your dog. If you have a particular beach in mind, call the beach management office or look online to familiarize yourself with the rules.
If you'd like to let your dog run free, you might need to search for a beach that allows dogs to run off-leash. Keep in mind that this might require a longer trip than you were anticipating. Therefore, you might have to plan your itinerary accordingly — including breaks from driving so your pet can stretch and use the bathroom. If you'll be traveling away from home, it's also a good idea to look up contact information for emergency veterinary clinics near your final destination (just in case your beach buddy runs into trouble).
When you go to the beach, you usually take along more than just your swimsuit. Taking a dog to the beach is no different. Here are some supplies you'll want to bring to keep your pooch safe — and help make the day relaxing and fun:
Even if you're a new pet parent, you probably know by now that dogs are good at getting into scrapes. Follow these tips to minimize your dog's chances of illness or injury:
Take a minute to wash the salt water off your dog's coat once you're tuckered out and ready to go home. This will keep them from itching or licking too much salt off themselves. Most public beaches have a hose or outdoor shower station but be courteous of the humans who may be using it.
With all of this in mind, it might seem like preparing to take your dog to the beach is, well... no day at the beach. But as a good pet parent, you want to do all you can to make your pup's first time at the beach happy and memorable. And once you're prepared, you'll also be ready for future trips, which means those spontaneous beach days with your pooch can become a summer tradition.
Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger, and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of fur babies.
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
Beef & Barley Entrée with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Supports healthy brain, eye, muscle, bone & immune system development in growing puppies
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Chicken & Rice Stew with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Supports energy level, joint health, and beautiful coat in large breed mature dogs
Chicken & barley entree with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs.
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini dogs
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Chicken & Vegetables recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Learn how to help your puppy learn good behaviors by starting with proper table manners. Follow these helpful feeding tips.
Dehydration in dogs can be a life threatening condition. Learn more about the causes, signs, treatments and how to prevent dehydration.
Why is my dog foaming at the mouth? Learn more about what may be causing your pup to foam from the mouth.
Get helpful tips and advice on how to properly leash train your new puppy to help make your walks together safer and more enjoyable.
Understand what it means for your female dog to be in heat and what you can do to provide her with the best care.
Learn important information on blastomycosis in dogs, including how its transmitted, common symptoms, treatment options & geographic considerations.
Discover the best puppy food to keep your dog healthy during his formative months. Breed size, ingredients & feeding time are all important considerations.
Explore your options for boarding or kenneling your puppy when you travel. Learn what you should and should not do here.
Learn about common conditions that lead to dog coughs, signs to help determine why they are coughing, and treatment options your vet might suggest.
Learn how to recognize the signs that your puppy is becoming an adult dog, as well as how you can help meet their developmental & nutritional needs.
You may want a dog but are concerned about any allergies you or someone in your family may have.
Learn how much exercise is right for your dog's breed, age & size, as well as how choosing the right dog food affects his ability to exercise & stay active
Your guide to healthy dog poop and signs to watch out for that could indicate a health concern.
Learn about old dog syndrome, also called vestibular disease, which could be a reason your senior pup is having balance or dizziness issues.
If your dog is often in or around water, a dog life jacket can help keep them safe. Learn which dogs might need one & key features to help you choose.
Discover why your dog is afraid of the vacuum cleaner, how you can help them get used to it and overcome their fear.
Learn helpful information about pancreatitis in dogs, including common symptoms, how it's diagnosed & treated, and long-term prognosis for dogs with it.
Discover commom causes and treatment of dog dry mouth or xerostomia to help your pup. Learn how absence of saliva may indicate severe underlying health issues.
Discover how common dental disease is in dogs and what you can do to help prevent it happening to your dog.
Learn all about dog cone collars: Why your pup may need one, choosing the best type, how long they're usually worn and tips to help dogs manage their cone.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2024 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool