Dogs At The Beach

Do Dogs Like Going to the beach?

Everyone loves the beach right? But do dogs? It depends.

Not all dogs like the water, and not all dogs can swim. Some may not want to get wet and chilled and some overheat easily. Some may have a difficult time breathing due to their short nose.

Remember all dogs are different despite of breed. This list is not exhaustive.

Dog breeds that typically are not able to swim well and may not be the best beach buddies:

• Pugs
• French Bulldogs
• Basset hounds
• Dachshunds
• Chihuahuas
• Pomeranians,
• Bulldogs
• Pekingese
• Boxer
• Shih Tzu
• Bull Terrier
• Greyhound

Dogs that may like water and swimming if introduced to water correctly:

• Barbet
• Boykin Spaniel
• Chesapeake Bay Retriever
• Curly-Coated Retriever
• English Setter
• Flat-Coated Retriever
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Labrador Retriever
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Newfoundland
• Otterhound
• Portuguese Water Dog

What to pack for a day at the beach with your dog

• Leash and Collar/Harness: Always have a leash on hand to keep your dog under control and to comply with beach regulations. A sturdy collar or harness with proper identification tags is essential.
• Water and Water Bowl: Bring plenty of fresh water for your dog to stay hydrated. A collapsible water bowl is convenient for providing water during breaks.
• Dog food and treats: Bring enough food to last for the time you are at the park.
• Shade and Shelter: If there's limited shade on the beach, consider bringing an umbrella, pop-up tent, or beach shelter to provide a shaded spot for your dog to rest.
• Towel or Blanket: A towel or blanket can be used for your dog to lie on, dry off after swimming, or to create a comfortable resting spot.
• Extra towels, and paper towels: For clean ups.
• Poop Bags: Always clean up after your dog. Bring enough poop bags to dispose of waste properly.
• Toys: Pack some of your dog's favorite beach-appropriate toys, such as a frisbee, ball, or floating toys for water play.
• Sunscreen: Yes, dogs can get sunburned too, especially those with light-colored fur or exposed skin. Use a pet-safe sunscreen on areas vulnerable to sunburn, like the nose, ears, and belly. Use a dog formulated sunscreen.
• First Aid Kit: Include basic first aid supplies like adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers in case of minor injuries.
• Pet-Friendly Sunshade or Tent: If you're staying for an extended period, consider a dog-friendly beach tent or sunshade to provide your pup with a dedicated space to relax and cool off.
• Dog life jacket: If your dog is not a strong swimmer. you plan on being in deeper water, a well-fitted dog life jacket can provide an extra layer of safety.
• Dog booties or shoes: For walking on hot sand or pavement.
• Identification and Microchip Information: Ensure your dog is wearing proper identification tags with your current contact information, and double-check that their microchip details are up to date.
• Medications and Health Records: It’s always a good idea to have a copy of your dogs vaccine records available when traveling just in case.

Further beach tips

• Plan ahead. Not all beaches allow dogs. Research the beach rules/instructions in advance.
• If your dog is new to water, practice getting your dog used to water in a more controlled environment such as a pool so they can get accustomed to how it feels being in water.
• Even if your dog is a good swimmer, consider using a floatation device/life jacket for safety.
• Don't let dogs drink saltwater, it can dehydrate your dog. Have them drink fresh water only.
• Don’t let your dog eat sand. Sand can cause intestinal blockages in dogs.
• Don’t let your dog get too much time in the sun, they can get sunburns too. Any skin areas you can see through their fur, is at risk for getting sunburned. Use dog formulated sunscreens.
• After time at the beach, check your dog's body, face and paws for any signs of injury, scratches, sunburn, or eye or ear irritation, or insects. Clean them off well.
• If the ground is too hot for you to walk on it bare foot, it is too hot for your dog to walk on it also.
• Steer clear of any small pools of water on the beach, dangerous bacteria can be lurking in those waters. Don’t let your dog walk in it or drink from it.
• Your dog may be wet, and dirty at the end of the day. Bring extra towels, or purchase a vehicle seat cover in advance if needed.

Warning signs of heat stroke/dog overheating

When a dog gets too hot, and unable to cool itself with panting, it will develop into heatstroke, which can kill.

Information below obtained from Priority Pet Hospital - Heatstroke in Dogs

The symptoms of deadly heat stroke in dogs are:

• Incessant panting, restlessness
• Weakness, ataxia (wobbliness, difficulty walking)
• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Bright red, gray, purple, or bluish gums
• Collapse
• Seizures -Bruising (first appears as pinpoint bruises that can be mistaken for a “rash”)
• Bloody diarrhea
• First Aid for Heatstroke in Dogs
• Cooling is critical. Too much cooling, however, can make things worse. The most important thing to do is to get your dog to the vet–any vet–quickly.

What to DO:

• Get your dog out of the sun, ideally into an air-conditioned home
• Lay your dog on a cool surface (tile flooring is great) and direct a fan on him or her
• Take and record rectal temperature
• Place cool, wet towels over the back of the neck, armpits, and groin areas; wet earflaps and paws with cool water
• Get to your vet or the local emergency veterinarian

What NOT to do:

• Don’t use cold water or ice. This causes the blood vessels in the skin to constrict, trapping heat in the body’s core, where it’s causing the most damage.
• Don’t overcool your dog. Once the rectal temperature drops to 103 F, stop the measures described above and get to the vet if you haven’t left already!
• Don’t force your dog to drink; it’s OK to have a bowl of fresh cool water available if your dog is interested in drinking on his or her own.
• Don’t leave your dog unattended for any length of time.
• Don’t take a “wait-and-see” approach. Dogs that are allowed to “sleep it off” are almost always worse in the morning

Veterinary Treatment for Heatstroke Veterinary care for heatstroke starts with IV fluids, oxygen, treatment for shock, and drugs to control vomiting and other symptoms. Blood testing is used to identify complications like bleeding disorders, kidney failure, and other organ injuries. Some dogs need transfusions of plasma, treatment for brain swelling, control of seizures, and treatment of other complications. Most cases are hospitalized for the better part of a week.