Beach safety and your dog is not something to be taken lightly. Our dogs are more than just our pets. They’re our family members! They consider us their pack and want to do everything with us. Going to the beach is no exception.

Whether your pet wants to swim or sunbathe, consider these beach safety guidelines before you plan your next beach outing.

Watch the heat. Keep an eye on your furry friend to make sure he or she isn’t overheating. If the weather is going to be very hot and you won’t have a shady place to retire, consider leaving our dog at home or arranging a pet sitter. Hot sand can hurt your bare feet and your dog’s paws.

Stay hydrated. Pack plenty of cool, fresh water for you and your dog. Don’t let your dog drink seawater.

Obey leash laws. Many cities and beaches require owners to keep their dogs on leashes. Just because your dog is friendly, doesn’t mean that someone else’s dog is friendly, too. Having your friendly dog on a leash can keep it safe. If your dog is dog reactive, it might be best to leave it at home.

Bring sunscreen. Exposed skin on your dog is susceptible to sunburn. According to Animal Planet, it’s important to apply dog-safe sunscreen (no zinc & no fragrances) to your pet when spending a lot of time in the sun. Areas like your dog’s nose, parts of its ears, and back legs can burn. Also, if your dog has light fur or is a hairless variety, consider dressing it in a shirt.

Prevent fleas and tickets. Sometimes dogs can pick up fleas and lice from the beach. Speak with your vet on his or per advice for preventing fleas. Sometimes certain medications can help.

Don’t force your dog to swim. Some dogs enjoy swimming and others don’t. If your dog enjoys swimming make sure you are near enough to easily help it out of the water when it gets tired. Also, keep an eye on wave and tide conditions.

The American Kennel Club offers a lot of helpful beach and summer safety tips here.

Do you need a helping hand to care for your pet while you are away? Give us a call at 321-794-4477. We’d love to tell you about our in-home pet sitting and pet taxi options.