The Ice Mile - 3 Years On
Cold water swimmer, Becca Harvey, takes us over the course of a year as she prepares for the challenge of an Ice Mile.
7 Important Tips For Taking Your Dog To The Beach In Summer
Written by Alex Clasper /
A day at the beach with your canine companion is the perfect summer activity! Just make sure to take a little extra care when taking your dog to the beach in the hot weather to ensure they stay safe and happy. Whether you’re taking your dog to the beach for the first time, or are simply looking for more advice on keeping them happy and healthy by the coast, make sure to consider these top tips:
Make Sure The Beach Is Dog-Friendly
First things first, plan ahead to make sure that the beach you're planning on heading to definitely allows dogs. The last thing you want to do is turn up and have to head straight back home. Most beaches will have their rules, including whether or not they allow dogs, posted publicly on their website so that you can check in advance before you set out on your trip.
Provide Fresh Water & Shade
Another essential tip for taking your dog to the beach in summer is making sure to provide plenty of shade for your pooch to sit under - remember they’ve got a year-round fur coat keeping them warm, and so they can quickly overheat. Salt water can make dogs sick so make sure to bring plenty of fresh water for them to drink. Collapsible water bowls are really useful for packing compactly alongside all of your other beach kit.
Avoid The Hottest Part Of The Day
In the height of summer, avoid visiting the beach at the hottest part of the day i.e the middle of the day. Earlier in the mornings and in the evenings is the best time of day for taking your dog to the beach as it’s slightly cooler during these parts of the day. A key part of how to take care of your dog at the beach is knowing when your dog has had enough and it’s time to head home. Don’t expect to stay all day long like you perhaps would if you were without your four legged friend.
Look Out For Broken Glass Or Sharp Objects
Unfortunately, there can be a lot of sharp objects hidden in the sand at beaches that could cut your dog’s paws. Keep your eyes peeled for any hazards, and bring a DIY doggy first aid kit with you just in case of any cuts or scratches. When taking your dog to the beach, it’s always best to come prepared with all the gear, even if you don’t end up using it. If your dog gets cut, make sure to keep washing the wound well with fresh water and try to keep it covered before taking them to the vet.
Be Cautious When Swimming
Remember that not all dogs are natural ocean swimmers. It’s best to teach your dog how to swim in flat, shallow waters before taking them into choppy water. When swimming at the beach, make sure they’re wearing a dog buoyancy aid and avoid strong currents - this will be dangerous for both you and your dog. Never force your dog into the ocean. Spend some time at the shoreline seeing if they want to go in and ease them into the water gently.
Watch What They Eat & Drink
Another key safety tip for taking your dog to the beach is keeping an eye on what they’re eating and drinking. We mentioned a second ago the importance of preventing your dog from drinking salt water, however it's also important to ensure that they’re not consuming lots of sand as this can cause stomach problems.A helpful tip for reducing the amount of sand they’re accidentally swallowing is choosing toys that pick up less sand, such as a frisbee rather than a fuzzy beach ball. Remember to rinse sand and seawater off their fur when you leave the beach.
Pick Up Poop
When thinking about what to take to the beach for your dog, don’t forget the poo bags! Not only is dog poop a hazard for other beach users who might step in it, it’s also a real problem for fish and other wildlife. Most dog friendly beaches should have special bins to dispose of dog waste nearby to take any hassle out of clearing up after your pooch.
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