With the sun warming your skin and the sounds of waves crashing on the shore, a beach getaway with your pet sounds like an unforgettable adventure. However, it can become memorable for all the wrong things if you don’t plan your pet’s safety from the sun and potential threats of the beach.
Well, there are plenty of things you need to consider to ensure a stress-free and fun-filled vacation. In this blog, we’ll share valuable tips to help you organize the perfect beach escape with your beloved four-legged friend.
Let’s jump right into it!
Things to Keep in Mind for a Perfect Beach Getaway
Pay attention to the following tips to ensure a hiccup-free beach day.
Check the laws
First and foremost, check the local laws to see if the beach allows pets or not. Several public beaches don’t allow pets, while others may have certain restrictions and guidelines to follow. It’s best to confirm the details beforehand to avoid any interruptions in your fun times.
Visit at a comfortable time
Select the time when the temperatures are mild and the weather is calm. Essentially, avoid extreme cold or hot weather, as they both are not good for your pet. During the summer, pets run the risk of heatstroke or sunburn. On the other hand, the cold, chilly breeze during the winter can cause hypothermia or frostbite. You can use booties to protect their paws from the hot sand or the dangers of cold.
Don’t forget the sunscreen
Another prerequisite of visiting the beach is applying pet-friendly sunscreen, regardless of the weather. With too much sun exposure, pets can suffer from sunburn, so you must use waterproof sunscreen on your pet’s nose, ears, and areas with less fur. Plus, provide them with breaks in the shade to rest to avoid extended exposure to the sun.
Beach train them
At the beach, your pet may encounter a lot of potential choking hazards and unsafe materials such as garbage, dead fish/rotten food, sharp shells, broken glass bottles, seaweed, sand, etc. They may be tempted to eat what they see, which can lead to dangerous consequences. Therefore, before you hit the beach with your pet, it’s crucial to train your pet to stay away from harmful substances and follow commands such as “leave it” or “don’t eat that.”
Use identification tags
Whether or not your pet needs a leash, it’s important you have identification tags on them. Your pet may get excited and run off into the crowd at the beach and may get lost. Make sure all the information is correct and updated. Plus, get your pet microchipped to ensure they can be returned easily and quickly if lost.
Supervise swimming
Not all pets are natural swimmers, so it’s best to use a pet life jacket and teach your pet how to swim. Even if they know how to swim, it’s imperative that you never leave them unattended in the water. Also, inquire about the water conditions, as strong currents and waves can make playing in the water dangerous for your pet. Also, when not swimming, you have to be on the lookout for dangerous sea animals such as stingrays and jellyfish near the shore.
Keep them hydrated
Being out in the sun, running, and playing for long are the leading causes of heatstroke and dehydration. Plus, all the salty water surrounding your pet will not be safe for them, and if consumed, can cause health issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, lethargy, and more. Ensure that they have adequate and frequent access to cool, fresh drinking water so that they can beat the heat.
Parting Words
There you have it! We covered all the essential factors that you must keep in mind while you’re planning a beach outing with your furry friend. Follow the tips shared to ensure your pet stays safe and has lots of fun at the beach. Happy beach getaway!