I like visiting the beach with my small dogs.
A few of my favorites to go to are Seaside Beach, and Cannon Beach, on the Oregon coast and Kalaloch Beach in Washington State.
The beach is wide open and we frequently search out secluded ones.
For this reason, it’s considered one of the few places I feel comfortable letting them run around without me holding on to the tip of the leash (or without one).
It also provides lots of mental stimulation and variety from our routine.
Most of our time walking and exercising is spent across the neighborhood or mountain climbing within the woods.
On the beach, there are more birds, dead things, salty things to smell. It’s like a cornucopia for the dog mind!
The beach isn’t without dangers though.
Before you pack up and head to the beach together with your small dog, review these vital safety suggestions.
Make Sure it’s Protected to Go within the Water
Many Dachshunds, and other small dogs, dislike water but some like to swim and may’t get enough of it.
If there may be a lifeguard on the beach you might be visiting, and your dog shall be swimming within the ocean, check with them in regards to the tides.
It’s at all times vital to envision for potential debris or vegetation under the water that might injure your dog.
If you happen to are visiting a lake, especially if it’s windy and the water is choppy, ask the lifeguard if it’s advisable to your dog to go in.
Whether the dog beach is on the ocean, at a lake, or on a river, also ask them if there are any potential hazards lurking underwater that might injure or trap your pet, including seaweed, rocks, tree stumps or logs.
In either situation, in case you can’t check with someone knowledgeable in regards to the water conditions, make one of the best assessment you’ll be able to on your individual and keep your small dog near shore in case you do allow them to go in.
Pointless to say, even essentially the most water loving of breeds should never be left within the water unsupervised!
Proceed Cautiously
Before you and your dog make the leap, be sure that they know tips on how to swim and may do it well.
If you happen to don’t already know, take your dog to an area of calmer water, if there may be one, and allow them to practice swimming.
While being within the water is cooling, refreshing, and enjoyable for them, the flexibility to swim well can vary depending in your small dog’s breed and fitness.
Remember that younger or older dogs may get drained quicker when swimming.
Older or very young dogs can tire more quickly than those in peak condition.
If you happen to’re not confident that your dog can swim for an extended period, you might want to contemplate getting them a dog life jacket to wear while within the water.
Protect Your Small Dog from Wildlife
There are sometimes eagles and hawks on the beach and there might be dangers lurking within the water.
Even though it’s rare, there have been cases where a small dog was carried off by a big bird of prey.
Depending on where you might be within the country, there is also large wildlife that come all the way down to the water edge to drink or forage.
In case your dog encounters considered one of them, the wild animal may feel the necessity to protect their meal or drinking spot.
They may also get irritated and defensive in case your small dog runs as much as them barking and go on the attack.
All the time keep alert for wildlife in the world, call your dog back to you in case you perceive a possible threat, and know tips on how to defend your dog from various sorts of wildlife.
Keep Them Hydrated
While the ocean may look like an excellent source for drinking water, allowing your dog to drink the salt water may cause serious health issues.
Dogs don’t have the flexibility to process large amounts of salt, so it builds up of their bodies and may make them very sick, and even prove fatal.
Blue-green algae could also be present in lakes and streams and might be toxic to dogs.
What about fresh water?
Unfortunately, toxic blue-green algae blooms have gotten more common in lakes and slow moving rivers across the country.
Due to a smaller body mass, small dogs are more vulnerable to the consequences of this toxin.
In case your dog ingests water with these toxins, they will get really sick. There have even been cases where dogs have died.
There are also risks like giardia and leptospirosis to contemplate.
It’s best to bring along a supply of fresh water to your dog, a dog bowl, and provides them the chance to drink frequently.
Keep Them Cool
While swimming in water is a superb way to your pet to chill off, they might be in danger for warmth stroke or fatigue once they are hanging out within the sand.
Remember to depart room on the beach towel for them to rest within the shade to avoid becoming overheated—in any case, even a trimmed fur coat gets hot.
Ideally, you’d bring a transportable sun shade to offer some respite from the glaring sun.
One other good option is a covered, portable pet pen.
Protect Their Skin
Whilst you’re slathering yourself in sunscreen on the beach, don’t forget to place some in your pooch as well (but be sure that the sunscreen is protected for dogs (affiliate link) – most human versions are usually not).
Dogs are vulnerable to sunburn identical to humans, particularly those breeds which have short hair, are hairless, have white fur, and pink skin.
Also, after a fun day on the beach, remember to rinse your dog off well before heading back to the automotive.
Salt and other minerals in sea water can irritate their skin and damage their coat.
Salt and other substances present in the water can irritate your dog’s coat and skin if not washed off.
Give the insides of the ears a fast wipe to remove excess water. This can help to stop ear infections from setting in.
Consider putting a small bottle of vinegar in your beach bag too in case your dog will go into the water.
Dogs can suffer bites or stings from things like sea lice or jellyfish.
If this happens to your dog, douse the affected area in vinegar to ease the pain and kill off the stinging barbs before attempting to remove the tentacles.
Watch the Feet
You could be wondering if beach sand is simply too hot for dogs? It actually might be!
Sand might be really abrasive, especially when it’s wet and gets stuck between their paw pads, and may burn their feet if it’s too hot.
To guard your dog’s paws from hot sand, be sure that to feel it with the back of your hand whenever you arrive. If it burns you after 3 seconds, it will probably definitely burn their feet.
To assist protect your dog’s paw pads from cuts and scrapes, consider applying a paw balm like Musher’s Secret before you allow home and check for any red or chafed spots throughout the day.
Watch What They Are Eating
If you happen to’re not careful, your dog could find yourself getting sick after visiting the beach.
There are lots of stinky, rotten things to eat and a few of these items could also be stuffed with bacteria or parasites (like salmon) that could make your dog sick.
Your dog might also get sick in the event that they eat an excessive amount of sand.
Regulate your dog and discourage them from eating anything.
Use the “leave it” command to get your dog to drop anything they could attempt to eat on the beach.
In case your dog has an excellent “leave it” command, this shall be handy on the beach to maintain them from eating things they shouldn’t.
In case your dog does eat something, take a have a look at what it’s so you’ll be able to inform the vet in case your dog gets sick later.
Protect Their Eyes
Some dogs like to dig within the sand.
There are also days where the beach could also be windy and blow lots of sand in your dog’s eyes.
This is very true with small dogs which are near the bottom.
In case your small dog gets sand of their eyes, it could scratch their cornea and negatively affect their vision. They may also get an infection.
At a minimum, periodically have a look at their eyes to be sure that they are usually not getting an excessive amount of sand in them.
Recurrently wipe off sand that gathers in the within corners of your dog’s eye with light pressure and a soft cloth.
For fuller protection, consider training your dog to wear a pair of protective goggles just like the ones from RexSpecs.
Review Your Dog’s ID Tag
Beaches are wide open spaces which are sometimes stuffed with people eating yummy food, other dogs, and wildlife.
This could result in a small dog running off and getting lost.
Review your dog’s ID tag before you go to the beach to be sure that the address and phone number are up-to-date.
Having your dog’s ID tag up so far and never damaged so it’s readable is significant.
Also be sure that the tag will not be so damaged it’s unreadable.
In case your dog needs a alternative tag, consider stopping at a big-box pet store like Petsmart or Petco along the best way.
They often have machines that may print latest dog tags for you in seconds.
An alternate, temporary fix could be to make use of considered one of those tags with paper labels that attach to a house key.
You may write your information on it and canopy it with a chunk of packing tape to assist keep it waterproof.
Let Them Have Fun but Not Too Much
Some dogs love swimming and chasing the ball a lot that they may literally keep going until exhaustion sets in.
Swimming and running within the sand take lots more energy than a walk across the block too so remember to keep an in depth eye in your dog.
In the event that they are swimming, look ahead to signs that they’re having trouble keeping their head and mouth above the water.
In the event that they are running forwards and backwards on the beach, look ahead to signs they’re getting too drained like slowing down significantly or limping.
By following these easy suggestions, not only will you and your pet enjoy your day trip on the beach, your dog shall be healthy and excited to return again.
