We live on the edge of one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. And our dogs seem to love the beach as much as we do! But just like when we bring our children to the beach, there are certain precautions which should take place in order to keep the ones we love safe. Here are just a few beach safety tips designed to help you confidently enjoy frolicking in surf and sand with your best canine friend.
First Things First –
Do the Sarasota Area Beaches Even Allow Dogs?
Dogs are not allowed on the main beaches of Sarasota, but residents do have two great options for spending their day at the beach with their canine companions. DeSoto National Memorial Beach in Bradenton allows dogs to play in the water and relax on the sand as long as they are on a leash. There is also a dog-accessible nature trail which runs along the beach.
Another popular dog beach in the area is Brohard Paw Park in Venice. Dogs are truly welcome, and the facilities offer dog (and human) drinking fountains, dog showers, fire hydrants, leash posts, picnic tables, and benches. Dogs are allowed off-leash, but you may decide against that on a really crowded day.
Beach Safety Tips for Your Dog
If you have decided to take your pooch with you to the beach, keep these tips in mind:
- Make Sure They Can Swim Safely: In the Sarasota and Bradenton area, we are blessed with relatively calm water year-round, and the shallow shelf extends quite some distance. So although you shouldn’t have a problem battling the tides, little dogs may still be intimidated. Gauge your dog’s comfort level with the waves and leave them leashed while exploring the water if you (or they) feel nervous. You can also check out a flotation vest if your dog will wear it.
- Don’t Allow Your Dog to Drink Salt Water: Dogs will dehydrate rapidly if they drink too much salt water. Bring a doggy dish and have it filled with fresh, cool water so that your dog won’t be tempted to drink from the Gulf or Bay. A small amount of salt water won’t hurt them, but keep a close eye on them. If their saliva becomes thick and ropy or their gums are dry, give them plenty of fresh water. If they begin stumbling or vomiting, they may be severely dehydrated and should be brought to a veterinarian.
- Keep Him Cool: Obviously, the sun can be scorching during summer months. Protect your dog from heat exhaustion and heat stroke (which can be fatal) by avoiding the beach at the hottest parts of the day. Have plenty of water available, and if the beach has no shady areas, bring an umbrella or canopy he can rest under. If your dog seems uncharacteristically tired or is panting more than usual, pack up and get them into the air conditioning. If the dog is exhibiting more pronounced signs of heat stress – such as vomiting, extreme lethargy, or diarrhea, bring them to a vet immediately.
- Protect from the Sun & Sand: You may not realize that your dog can get sunburned, but they can. Protect their skin with specially formulated dog sunscreen. Apply to areas like the nose and ears, where the fur is thinner. Experts recommend rubbing in sunscreen before reaching the beach and letting it dry thoroughly before you let them out to play in the water. When you are done for the day, check for red or inflamed areas on their skin. You may also wish to take a good look at their eyes to make sure that they are not irritated by sand or too much sun exposure.
Here in South Florida, there is only one thing better than a day at the beach – and that is a day at the beach with our dog! If you are a beach lover looking to spend endless summers with your best friend, check out our tips on teaching your dog to remain calm when surrounded by people and other animals. Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training is committed to teaching all Sarasota dogs, from puppy to senior, to enjoy a happy and healthy life.
