To enjoy the beach with your doodle, ensure the beach is dog-friendly, keep your dog hydrated with fresh water, and protect their paws and skin from hot sand and the sun using booties and dog-safe sunscreen. Always supervise them to prevent them from eating harmful things or drinking seawater, provide plenty of shade, and give them a thorough rinse and ear cleaning afterward to prevent issues from salt, sand, and moisture.
Before You Go
- Check beach rules: Confirm dogs are permitted on the beach you’re visiting.
- Test the sand: If the sand is too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
- Protect their fur: Consider a short haircut for your doodle, as swimming can cause matting.
- Groom their ears: After the beach, clean and dry your dog’s ears thoroughly to prevent infections from trapped sand and water.
At the Beach
- Provide shade:
Bring an umbrella or shelter to keep your dog cool and prevent overheating.
- Hydrate constantly:
Offer plenty of fresh water in a cooler to prevent dehydration and the dangers of drinking salt water.
- Apply sunscreen:
Use a pet-safe sunscreen on your dog’s ears, nose, and other areas with less fur.
- Use booties:
For hot sand or rough terrain, dog booties can protect their paws from burns and cuts.
- Beware of hazards:
Watch for sharp objects, harmful marine life like jellyfish, and signs of overheating.
- Supervise swimming:
Don’t force your dog to swim if they aren’t comfortable, and watch for strong currents or fatigue.
- Control their diet:
Do not let your dog eat anything they find on the beach, such as dead sea life or bird droppings.
After the Beach
- Rinse and dry: Give your doodle a thorough rinse with fresh water to remove all salt and sand from its fur and paws.
- Clean their ears: A final check and cleaning of their ears will help prevent ear infections.
- Clean up: Pick up after your dog by using baggies to collect and dispose of their waste.