For many of us, summertime is synonymous with certain activities … such as going to the beach. This is also a popular activity for dogs! Here, a Roanoke, VA vet offers some advice on bringing your canine buddy to the shore.
Preparation
This is just general advice, but it certainly applies here. Fido should be microchipped, wearing ID tags, and current on his vaccinations and parasite control.
Beach Bunny? Or Couch Potato?
While many dogs love the beach, others are better off staying home. Puppies and seniors may get tired out very quickly, just walking across the sand. We also wouldn’t recommend taking Fido to the beach if he is reactive, aggressive, and/or untrained.
Water
Man’s Best Friend can overheat very quickly running around on hot sand. Try to take Fido to the beach in the mornings or evenings, when it’s not quite as hot. No matter when you go, always bring water for your canine companion. (Tip: collapsible bowls are a good bet for the beach.) You may also want to bring a few bottles of frozen water for Fido, so he can have cool water as they melt. Or, fill a Kong with something soft, like yogurt or peanut butter, and freeze that.
Paw Care
Take care of Fido’s furry feet! Just like our skin, dogs’ paws get quite delicate when they’re wet. Your canine pal could burn his paw pads on hot tar or sand, or cut them on glass, shells, or sharp rocks. Booties can help protect your furry friend’s paws, though not all dogs will tolerate them. You can use paw balm, or, in a pinch, coconut oil.
Picking The Spot
Only bring Fido to beaches that are known to be pet-friendly. This isn’t just a matter of following the law: these beaches tend to be much safer for dogs. Avoid spots with strong currents, steep drop-offs, or a lot of wakes.
Fur Care
Did you know that pups can get sunburned? This is most common in dogs with pale or thin fur. That cute nose can also get scorched. You may want to put sunscreen on Fido. Finally, rinse your four-legged pal off before leaving, to get the salt and sand out of his fur.
Please contact us, your Roanoke, VA vet clinic, with any questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care. We’re here to help!
