Dogs at the beach: good practice and regulations
You have a dog and it follows you everywhere you go. If you are planning your next vacation by the sea, you should know that dogs are not welcome on all beaches.
There are local regulations to follow. Before you leave, check out the conditions for your dog on the beaches around your vacation destination.
Before you go to the beach with your dog.
The first thing to check if you’re thinking of going to the beach with your dog is whether it’s a pet-friendly area.
If you’re staying at a hotel or campground, you can ask for this information on the spot and you’ll have all the information you need.
If you are in a private rental, go to the tourist office and ask for information. You will then know which beaches or parts of beaches you can go to for a walk with your dog.
The beach abroad with your dog
If you are going on vacation abroad, start by finding out about the legislation of the country where you are going to travel with your pet and whether it is allowed on the beach.
In any case, and even if your dog is allowed, never travel without its health record and its various administrative documents. Your dog must be chipped or tattooed before departure.
It is also strongly advised to add a collar with your phone number where you can be reached on your vacation place.
Once on the beach with your dog
Once you have checked that your dog is allowed on the beach with you, make sure that he is not in the way and choose a place away from the other vacationers.
Your dog should be in the shade with a water bowl within reach at all times. It is better to go to the beach with your dog early in the morning or late in the afternoon to preserve his health and so that he can enjoy playing with you.
If it’s hot, consider wetting a cloth and putting it on his body.
Some good practices
If your dog likes water, he will bathe several times in a row. When you see that he has finished bathing, rinse him with unsalted running water and dry him carefully with a towel dedicated to him.
Pay special attention to his ears to avoid possible infection. Also avoid throwing his ball in the water, as it will become saturated with sea salt. Prefer to throw him a stick or a frisbee which he loves.
Precautions to take
The first precaution to take to ensure that your trip to the beach with your dog remains enjoyable is to respect a distance from other bathers. They are not obliged to suffer your pet even if he is allowed on the beach.
When your dog is swimming, keep an eye on him so that he doesn’t drown. Also treat him against mosquito bites which are frequent on the beaches and vectors of serious diseases for them, some of which are transmissible to humans.
The different authorizations for dogs to access the beach
There are several types of permits for dogs going to the beach with their owners. Thus, you can find :
-The beach with a delimited area where dogs are allowed
-The beach where the leash is mandatory
-The beach where the leash is not mandatory
-The beach where dogs are allowed only under the supervision of their owners
Good to know: there are many beaches where dogs are not allowed in high season. However, there is a tolerance for morning walks on a leash and in the off season.
In this case, dogs must be kept on a leash and their waste collected.
Sunburn or heat stroke of the dog
If you can take your dog to the beach, be careful in the summer, because dogs can get sunburned. You should always put your dog in the shade and apply sunscreen to the areas not covered by the hair, especially if the hair is short or white.
Your dog can still get heat stroke. Be aware that his normal temperature is about 38° 5 and that it can rise above 40°. If this happens, the dog should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.
Signs that may indicate heat stroke are
-An increase in respiratory rate
-Too much salivation
-Abnormal agitation
-Prostration or dejection
-A hesitant gait
-Loss of consciousness
-Convulsions
As soon as the first symptoms appear, cool the animal with a fresh wet cloth and take it to a veterinarian without delay.
After these few recommendations and tips, you will find a quiet place to go to the beach with your dog in ideal conditions for him and for you and will be able to enjoy a nice vacation together and your dog will be very happy.
