Can you take a dog to the beach? Every owner should know this.

Many puppies love water, but caution is needed.

Taking a dog to the beach, especially to the seaside, if it enjoys swimming, is possible, but it is necessary to carefully watch over it to ensure the safety of the pet and the surrounding environment.

Before heading to the beach with your dog, make sure that pets are allowed in that area. At the seaside, closely monitor your pet, do not let it swim too far from the shore, ensure it doesn’t drink seawater, and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, advised by canine experts.

Additionally, it is recommended to bring drinking water for your dog when going to the beach. To provide shade for your pet, experts suggest bringing a parasol or beach umbrella.

Dogs without fur need sunscreen to protect their skin from sunburns. When choosing sunscreen, check for any potential allergies in your pet. Avoid creams containing zinc oxide and para-aminobenzoic acid as they can be toxic if licked by the dog. It’s best to opt for a child-friendly sunscreen, apply a thin layer on the skin, and observe the dog’s reaction, as advised by canine experts.

For dogs with short fur, it is possible to apply sunscreen to the most vulnerable areas such as the ears, nose, and belly before heading to the beach.

Having a towel handy can also be useful. After bathing, gently dry your dog’s fur to prevent it from staying wet for too long. Wet fur can create a greenhouse effect, causing discomfort for your pet at the beach.

It is important to closely watch over your dog in the water, particularly because strong tides can surprise even the strongest of dogs. It is best if your pet swims near the shore, alongside its owner or family members.

Under no circumstances should you allow your dog to drink seawater. Consuming saltwater can lead to symptoms of poisoning such as diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, and lethargy. The dog may even sway or lose consciousness, and the excess salt in the body can cause severe dehydration, which can disrupt kidney function. In such cases, immediate veterinary assistance is necessary.

Furthermore, dogs can burn their paws on hot sand, so it is advisable to refrain from bathing with your pet in the sea during extremely hot weather. If you still decide to go to the beach, consider using special footwear or protective paw balms.