As the summer sun starts to roll in and temperatures rise, the beach starts calling your name! We want to make sure you’re prepared if you and your pup want to head to the beach. We’ve compiled a few tips and tricks to make your beach trip one to remember.
Have a Plan
It can be difficult to find a dog-friendly beach, but it’s definitely not impossible! We recommend that you do some investigation before packing up the car and heading to your closest beach. You will want to make sure that you fully understand the rules of the beach you are headed to -- can your dog be there? Does your dog need to remain on a leash if so? If you have a particular beach in mind, we recommend calling the beach management office or doing some research online to make sure you understand the rules before heading out.
Keep in mind that if you are looking for a beach where your dog can roam without a leash, you may need to increase your travel time and go to a beach further than you anticipated. Be prepared to make additional stops if needed, and double-check your packing list to make sure you have everything you need to make it a successful trip!
Speaking of Packing Lists…
Making sure you are prepared for your trip is essential to ensure you can maximize your time and have a great experience! Here are a few things we think are helpful to bring along with you and your pup:
- Fresh drinking water
- A dish for your dog to drink from
- A beach umbrella or tent for shade from the sun
- A dog blanket or towels
- Sunscreen for you, and canine sunscreen
- Canine life vest
- Baggies for cleanup
- Food and treats
- Toys that are waterproof and floating
- A doggy first aid kit
- The Absorber® Dog Lover’s Towel
This list of suggested items can really help to make your beach trip smooth and worry-free!
Beach Safety
You probably know by now that your dog loves to explore! With so many people, smells, and places to roam -- the beach can be the most exciting place to be for your dog! With that in mind, it’s important to keep an eye on your dog to ensure that they are safe while exploring the beach.
Here are some things to consider:
- Be aware of others - More than likely, there will be other people and other dogs around while you are at the beach. Be sure to keep a close eye on your dog and anyone else you bring along with you to make sure everyone stays safe and is aware of their surroundings.
- Take breaks in the shade - Just like you, the sun can take its toll on your dog! Don’t forget to take breaks in the shade and rehydrate. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the day, but both of you will feel better with little breaks during your fun in the sun!
- Be mindful of overheating - Your dog can’t tell you that they aren’t feeling well, but you can keep an eye out for signs of overheating. If your dog begins to act lethargic, disoriented, or their breathing is continuously labored, play it safe. You can always use The Absorber® Dog Lover’s Towel to act as a cooling towel if your dog does become overheated. It’s always recommended to contact the emergency vet if you aren’t sure.
- Have fun! - It may seem like the to-do list is long to prepare for your day at the beach, but taking the extra measures to ensure your day goes smoothly will help you to enjoy your day!
When Your Day is Done
Once you’ve wrapped up your trip to the beach, take a few minutes to prepare for your drive home. Most public beaches have an outdoor shower station. If yours does, do your best to give your pup a good rinse. Using The Absorber® Dog Lover’s Towel, make sure to take extra time to dry your dog’s ears and wipe sand off their paws before getting back in the car.
The most important tip: keep The Absorber® Dog Lover’s Towel in your car to make sure your dog is dry and cooled off before jumping on your seats! The Absorber® Dog Lover’s Towel is easy to clean, simply shake or rinse to remove sand before using it again for your next beach adventure!