Richey Taking Fido To The Beach

Do you like to hit the beach in summer? Your canine buddy may very well want to join you. There are quite a few dog-friendly beaches here in the Pasadena area, including Crystal Beach, El Jardin Del Mar, The Texas City Dike, Upper Horsepen Creek Park, and Babes Beach. Many pups love going to the shore and running and playing in the water! However, the beach can be dangerous for Fido, so you’ll want to take precautions to keep him safe. Read on as a local Pasadena, TX vet offers some advice on taking your dog to the beach.

Take Basic Precautions

Fido should be fixed, microchipped, and wearing current ID tags. He should also be caught up on his vaccinations and parasite control.

Training is also crucial. If your canine pal doesn’t know basic doggy obedience commands, such as Sit, Stay, Come, and Lay Down, take time to work with him before heading to a beach. This isn’t just about petiquette: it’s a matter of safety. You need to be able to stop your pooch from running up to that guy with the cheeseburger or heading out to an unsafe area.

Teach Fido To Swim

If you plan to take your dog to the beach frequently, it’s not a bad idea to take time to teach him how to swim. Even if you have no intention of letting him get out of your sight, this is one area where it’s best to err on the side of caution. That said, swimming isn’t right for all dogs. Ask your Pasadena, TX veterinarian for advice on this.

Make A Doggy Beach Bag

It’s not a bad idea to have a bag ready for your furry bestie. Here are some of the things we would recommend including:

• Towels
• Collapsible Dish
• Water
• Tie-line
• First-Aid Kit
• Spare Leash
• Umbrella
• Sunscreen
• Waste Baggies
• Cooling Mat
• Bandana

A doggy life jacket isn’t a bad thing to have, either. You of course should also always bring water along for your pup.

If you were wondering what the bandana is for, it can make a great cooling device. Wet it with water, and hang it around your dog’s neck. Fido will not only look really cute, but he’ll stay comfortable. The water will help cool him as it evaporates.

Choose Safe Places

At the end of the day, some beaches are just safer than others. Avoid any spots that have strong currents or heavy wakes. Dogs can be over their heads in just a few feet of water, and can very quickly get swept away!

The water isn’t the only potential hazard. Many dog beaches allow pups to run and play off-leash. That can be fun for Fido, but unfortunately it also raises the possibility of your pet running into an aggressive dog. Pay attention to the other dogs. If you notice any acting aggressive, head for home and go back another time.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Did you know that dogs can get sunburns? Pups with thin or pale fur are most at risk. However, any dog is in danger of getting a burned nose. That isn’t going to be any more fun for Fido than it is for us! Ask your vet for more information.

Find A Cool Spot

If you’re planning to stay at the beach for a while, find a shady spot or bring an umbrella for your pet. You can actually find some that are combined with elevated doggy beds!

Don’t Overstay It

Fido may love going to the beach, but you don’t want to overdo it. Keep excursions short and sweet, especially in summer.

Rinse Your Pet Off

Before heading for home, take Fido to a rinsing station. You want to get any salt or sand out of his fur. Later, once he’s dried off, you may want to gently brush him to remove any dead fur.

Watch For Signs Of Overheating

Always keep a very close eye on Fido, and watch for signs that he is getting too hot. Panting is probably the first thing you’ll notice. It’s normal for dogs to pant a bit on hot days, or after they’ve been running and playing, but ongoing panting is often a warning sign. Other red flags include trembling, discolored gums, dark urine, drooling, and diarrhea. If you see any of these, immediately give your pet water, get him to a cool area, and contact your veterinary clinic for further instructions.

Pick Up After The Pup

Texas has some absolutely beautiful beaches. It’s on all of us to keep them that way. Keep waste baggies on hand, and clean up after your canine buddy.

Is It Okay To Take A Dog To The Beach?

That ultimately should be up to Fido. If your canine buddy is healthy, friendly, active, and adventurous, he may really enjoy going with you. However, a dog that is timid may find the experience terrifying. If your canine buddy is pregnant, a senior, and/or has any sort of chronic pain or illness, talk to your vet.

When Is It Too Hot To Take A Dog To The Beach?

One of the main dangers of taking a dog to the beach is the chance of Fido overheating. Dogs can get hot and tired very quickly when they are running and playing near the water. That brutal Texas summer heat can get very dangerous very fast.

During the cooler months, you should be fine. When it gets hotter, you’ll need to be much more careful. Generally, any time temperatures go over 80, you’ll want to proceed with caution. 

Timing is important here. In summer, avoid taking your pet to the beach during the hottest parts of the day. If you do go, go in the mornings or evenings, when it’s cooler.

However, keep in mind that the sand can still stay scorching hot for some time after the sun sets. It only takes a few minutes for dogs to get very painful burns from standing on hot surfaces.

Is Sand Too Hot For Dogs’ Paws?

Sand gets really hot in summer. It’s probably safe to say that all of us have found this out the hard way at one point or another. Hot sand can definitely do a number on Fido’s furry feet! On top of that, your pup could cut himself on rocks, shells, or that broken beer bottle someone left behind. Plus, dogs’ paws get very delicate when they are wet. If your pooch likes to swim and splash in the water, his little toe beans will get very soft and wrinkly, just as our skin does after a bath. He can very quickly get burns or blisters just walking or running on harsh surfaces after swimming, even when it isn’t that hot.

Booties are an option, though of course not all dogs will tolerate them. If Fido won’t go for it, don’t force the issue. Instead, use a good paw balm or wax to protect and moisturize his feet. Ask your vet for more information.

Conclusion: Going to the beach can be lots of fun for dogs. However, it’s important for pet owners to be aware of the potential risks, and take precautions to keep their pups hydrated, safe, and cool.

Make An Appointment At Our Pet Clinic

Has it been a while since Fido has come to see us? Contact us, your Pasadena, TX pet hospital, today!  We are dedicated to offering excellent veterinary services and top-notch care.