A summer day at the beach or by the water is great fun for many dog owners. However, there are some important things to consider to ensure that our four-legged friend can enjoy beach life to the fullest. In this article, we will provide tips and advice on how to let the dog play safely on the beach or by the water.
Table of contents: Safe with your dog on the beach and at the lake
- Selection of the suitable water body
- Training and recall command
- Check swimming ability
- Don't forget sun protection
- Beware of salt water and drinking from the sea
- Avoid overexertion
- Ensuring safety in the water
- Toys for water fun
- The environment and fellow human beings should also be considered
- After the beach visit
- Conclusion
Selection of the suitable water body
Before we set off, it is important to find a suitable beach or water area for our dog. Not all beaches or bodies of water allow dogs, so we should find out about the local regulations in advance. In addition, we should look for a beach or body of water that is clean and safe. Heavy boat traffic can of course be very exciting, so it makes sense to avoid it - at least if your four-legged friend is a bit anxious. You should also avoid strong currents with your dog. These can be very treacherous and dangerous not only for dogs, but also for people.
Training and recall command
Before we take our dog to the beach or to the water , it is important that he has solid basic obedience training. A reliable recall command is especially important to ensure that the dog remains under control in every situation and comes back in an emergency. This is so essential that you should train your dog to recall beforehand.
Check swimming ability
Not all dogs are naturally good swimmers. Before we let our dog into the water, we should check his swimming ability. We can do this in a safe and shallow area of the water. If our dog is unsure or afraid, we should gently teach him how to swim in the water . Life jackets for dogs can also be a good option to ensure additional safety. If your furry friend is afraid of water, you should not force him to do it. But you can work on that. Here you can find out how to get your dog used to water.
Don't forget sun protection
Dogs can also get sunburnt, especially those with short fur or sensitive skin. To avoid sunburn, we should make sure our dog has access to shaded areas at all times. Sunscreens specifically designed for dogs can be applied to sensitive areas such as the nose, ears and stomach. We should also make sure our dog has plenty of water available to avoid dehydration. To do this, you should always have plenty of drinking water with you, including for your dog.
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Beware of salt water and drinking from the sea
Although a small sip of salt water usually does not cause any harm, we should not encourage our dog to drink from the sea. Salt water can cause stomach upset if consumed in excess. After playing in salt water, we should rinse our dog with fresh water to remove the salt and sand from his fur.
Avoid overexertion
Playing and romping on the beach or in the water can be very exciting for dogs, but we need to make sure they don't overexert themselves. Overheating can be a serious problem, especially in hot weather. Here's how to cool down your dog in the heat . Watch for signs of exhaustion, such as excessive panting, restlessness or weakness, give him regular breaks in the shade and offer him plenty of water to drink.
Ensuring safety in the water
When playing in the water, you should always keep a watchful eye on your dog. It is better not to let him swim too far out, but since most dogs have enough respect for the deep water, they usually do not swim too far away from their owner. If there are boats or jet skis nearby, we should keep a close eye on the situation.
Toys for water fun
To make the play experience on the beach or in the water even more exciting, toys can help to drive away boredom. Ideally, they are floating and sturdy toys. A particularly fun way to play with your dog and cool down at the same time are water squirt guns. These are great for romping around with your dog and giving him a pleasant cooling down at the same time. Just don't aim directly at your four-legged friend's nose or eyes, as these are naturally a little sensitive.
The environment and fellow human beings should also be considered
As responsible dog owners, we should respect the environment and other beach visitors. For example, a leash requirement should be respected - even if it is difficult. If that is not an option, it is all the more important to pay attention to such details before visiting. It is absolutely absurd to simply leave your dog's droppings lying around. Picking up dog poop is not a pleasant task for anyone, but by doing so you not only ensure a somewhat cleaner environment, but you are also doing your part to prevent dogs from eating poop .
Being considerate also means that your dog doesn't jump on strangers and friends like crazy - even if he's just trying to express his joy. Some people are simply afraid of dogs and don't always act rationally.
After the beach visit
After a day at the beach or in the water, it is important to clean your dog thoroughly. Rinse his fur thoroughly to remove sand, salt or other residues. Then he should be dried well to reduce the risk of skin irritation or infection. His ears are particularly important here. For wet dogs - especially those with long hair - a dog bathrobe is a good idea.
Conclusion
Beach and water activities offer a wonderful way to enjoy summer with our dog. It is important that we as dog owners always keep the safety and well-being of our four-legged companion in mind. By researching suitable beaches or bodies of water in advance, training our dog, checking his swimming ability and protecting him from overexertion and overheating, we can ensure that he can enjoy beach life to the fullest.
Sun protection, caution when drinking salt water and avoiding dangers in the water are other important aspects that we should consider.
With the right preparation and mindfulness, beach and water activities can become wonderful shared experiences with our dog. By always keeping our dog's safety, health and well-being in mind, we can create unforgettable summer moments and build a strong bond with our four-legged friend. So let's pack our beach bag, grab our dog and enjoy the warm days on the beach or by the water together!
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