5 Benefits of Taking Dogs to the Beach & Vet-Reviewed Safety Tips

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 can be a great way to spend a warm summer day. If you’ve ever wondered what the potential benefits of taking your dog to the beach might be, we have the answers below. However, it’s also important to acknowledge the potential risks. Dogs can face hazards such as heatstroke, dehydration, and even drowning if proper precautions aren’t taken. We’ll discuss a few of those after our list.

The 5 Potential 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, especially young and healthy ones, and some love to swim, making a day at the beach fun for everyone involved. Even older dogs or those suffering from chronic health issues may benefit from the occasional beach day, as long as the activities are paced and adjusted to their needs, preferences, and abilities.

The exercise your pet gets at the beach, like any exercise, may help improve their behavior and let them release all that excess energy they may have been building up. The mental benefits of regular exercise are also notable, often helping in reducing chewing and other undesirable behaviors when dogs are regularly exercised or taken to the beach. However, it is essential to ensure that the beach you choose is dog-friendly, to respect wildlife and other visitors, as well as ensure all the safety precautions have been met in order to keep your pooch safe.

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, especially if you make it a regular and fun activity. Playing fetch on the beach can be 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 strong waves and rip currents can overwhelm and tire out dogs and may carry them farther from shore.

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 appropriately around other dogs and people before you attempt this, with a great recall. Dogs that do not enjoy playing with other dogs, are anxious or reactive, should be taken to quieter beaches so they can enjoy it safely.

It’s also important to socialize your dog with people and other animals early on so that they know how to act around strangers.

4. To Relieve Stress and Anxiety

Dogs are very perceptive and can often pick up on changes in their owner’s mood through body language, tone of voice, and behavior. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, your dog may notice these signals and respond to them.

Spending time outdoors, such as visiting the beach together, can be a great way for both you and your dog to get exercise and unwind. When owners relax and engage in enjoyable activities with their pets, many dogs also become calmer and more relaxed.

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 4 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. Protect Them Against Heatstroke

As fun as the beach can be, it can also be dangerous for your dog, sometimes without you even realizing it. Dogs often don’t know when to stop playing and running around, as they are having a lot of fun, and you may unknowingly encourage them to overdo it, by throwing the ball a few times too much. Playtime on the beach needs to be adjusted to the environmental conditions and air temperature. Playing on the beach on a spring or autumn day, in mild temperatures, is something completely different than on a hot summer day.

During summer, playing on the beach should be reserved for early morning and late afternoon hours, while keeping it moderate and providing plenty of rest, shade, and access to fresh water. Otherwise, your pet may be at risk of heatstroke, which is fatal if left untreated or not treated urgently. Flat-nose breeds or brachycephalics are at particular risk due to their short snout, narrow nostrils, and long soft palate, making breathing a challenge in normal conditions, let alone on a hot day. These dogs should only visit the beach in the summer for a gentle stroll during the coolest parts of the day, providing plenty of shade, or during autumn, winter, and spring.

If you notice your dog panting heavily, seeming disoriented, restless, uncoordinated or weak, drooling, vomiting, feeling hot to the touch, having diarrhea, experiencing tremors or collapse, cool them down immediately by getting them out of the sun in a cool and ventilated space, abundantly wet their fur and paws with cool water, not too cold and rush to the emergency vet immediately, letting them know you’re on the way.

Besides heatstroke, the sand on the beach can be quite hot, and your dog can burn their paws. Before letting your dog walk on the sand, check it with your bare feet. If it’s too hot for you, it will be for them too.

2. 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, helping them conserve energy and stay afloat with less effort. Make sure your dog is used to wearing a vest and feeling comfortable with it before the beach trip.

3. 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.

4. Don’t Let Your Dog Drink the Ocean Water or Eat Sand

You already know that drinking seawater can make you sick, and your dog is no different. It will be tempting for 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. Make sure you provide plenty of fresh water and some snacks when they get hungry.

Some dogs love digging in the sand or playing with a ball, and this can lead to purposeful or incidental ingestion of sand, or sometimes even pieces of seaweed. This can cause a gastrointestinal obstruction depending on the amount they eat, so always supervise your dog while playing on the beach.

Conclusion

From relieving stress 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 air temperatures and tide charts, keep your dog from drinking the seawater, ingesting sand or seaweed, carefully watch for heatstroke, ensure plenty of shade, rest, and fresh water, 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