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For many dog owners, one of their favorite pastimes is going to the beach with their dogs. Whether it’s playing on the edge of the ocean or running along the sand together, there’s a lot to be said about the benefits of taking your dog to the beach.
Besides, a visit to the beach is the ideal way to spend a hot, humid summer day. If you’ve ever wondered what the benefits of taking your dog to the beach might be, we have the answers below. However, it’s important to remember that there are safety tips you must also follow with your furry friend. We’ll discuss a few of those after our list.
The 5 Benefits of Taking Your Dog to the Beach
1. It Improves the Dog’s Overall Health
Not only does running on the beach improve your dog’s overall health, but it’ll also improve your health. Most dogs are physically active, and some love to swim, making a day at the beach fun for everyone involved.
The exercise your pet gets at the beach will improve their behavior and let them release all that excess energy they may have been building up. The mental benefits are also substantial, with many pet owners reporting fewer anxiety and chewing issues when they regularly take their dogs to the beach. However, it is essential to ensure that the beach you choose is dog friendly.
2. It Helps You to Bond
If you’re looking for a way to bond with your furry friend, a day frolicking on the beach together might be just the ticket you need to develop a close relationship with your canine pal. Playing fetch on the beach is a perfect bonding experience.
It’s also fun to run and play on the edge of the water, but be careful of other people on the beach. Never let your pet run into the water without you since the waves could catch your pet in the undertow, quickly dragging the dog out to sea.
3. It’s Great for Socialization
If you find a beach with quite a few dogs visiting, it could be an excellent opportunity for your dog to socialize with other animals and people. However, your dog must be trained to behave around other dogs and people before you attempt this.
It’s also important to socialize your dog with people and other animals early on so that they know how to act around strangers. Dogs are descended from pack animals, so they should be able to socialize with their own kind at times.
4. To Relieve Stress and Anxiety
You get stressed, and it stands to reason that your furry pal gets stressed as well. For example, your pet will pick up on that stress and anxiety if you’re upset about something at work or worried about a heavy workload.
Going to the beach allows you to exercise and relieve anxiety with your pet. When you’re relaxing on the sand and ignoring the pressures of the outside world, your dog will follow your lead and relax in a stress-free environment.
5. For the Sheer Fun of It
You can take your dog to a dog-friendly beach for the sheer fun of doing it. You’ll run, play, swim, relax, and walk along the sand together; there’s nothing more fun than that.
You’ll be happy, your pet will be happy, and you’ll both be less stressed and healthier at the end of your beach day together. What more could you ask for?
Top 3 Safety Tips for Taking Your Dog to the Beach
Now that you know all the benefits of taking your dog to the beach with you, we would be remiss if we didn’t give you a few safety tips.
1. Invest in a Dog Life Vest
Yes, there are plenty of life vests for your canine pal, regardless of the size of your pup. Not only will a life vest possibly save your dog if an accident happens, but it’ll also allow the dog to play in the water longer without growing tired.
2. Always Check Tide Times
It’s easy to find tide charts online, and you can check the tide times before you head out to the beach. If the tide is too high, your dog might not be able to swim, and neither of you will have as much fun. Go when the times are lower for the best results.
3. Don’t Let Your Dog Drink the Ocean Water
You already know that drinking seawater can make you sick, and your dog is no different. It will be tempting to your dog, and it’s best to watch your pet closely while playing in the water.
Drinking seawater can lead to dehydration, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Conclusion
From relieving stress and anxiety to bonding and having fun together, there are several benefits to taking your furry companion to the beach. However, it’s also essential to be cautious when you and your dog spend a day on the sand. Check the tide charts, keep your dog from drinking the seawater, and keep a life vest on your pet when playing in the water. You never know what will happen at the beach, and you don’t want your fun day to end with a visit to the veterinarian.
Related Reads:
- Dog-Friendly Beaches in Maryland
- Dog-Friendly Beaches in Oregon
- Dog-Friendly Beaches in Marin County, CA
Featured Image Credit: Shift Drive, Shutterstock
