Basic Rules For Taking The Dog To The Beach

There are many dogs that like their masters, enjoy a good beach bath. There are also others who, although they do not like water (or it even hurts their skin or fur), they enjoy running and playing non-stop in the sand. That is why today we ask ourselves how to take the dog to the beach?

Some dogs only go to accompany their owners, even if they don’t enjoy it that much. Of course, they prefer that before being left alone at home, in a hotel or, worse, in a kennel.

For all cases, there are regulations that must be met to bring the dog to the beach. Codes that do not escape the most elementary and basic common sense.

Tolerant beaches that accept dogs

The first thing to do is check if the beach or the town halls that are planned to be visited during the summer (or at any time of the year) allow pets on their shores.

Throughout Spain, including islands, there are 58 dog-tolerant beaches (update 2017). However, there are regions where it is totally forbidden (Basque Country) or very limited (in Cádiz, Almería or Granada there is only one beach available where you can go with dogs in each province).

It is important to consider that visiting places with pets where they are not welcome can lead to fines that vary between 90 and 1,500 Euros.

After reviewing the list of destinations where it is allowed to take the dog to the beach, it is a good idea, for the enjoyment of the animal (and therefore its owner), to select a place with calm waters and not too pronounced waves.

Protect you (and protect yourself) from the sun’s rays

There are not many differences between the steps that men and women should take to protect themselves from the damaging effects of UV rays, and those that should be taken to protect pets.

• If possible, go swimming or play outside of the noon hours, when the star king is at the highest point in the sky. Their feet must also be cared for to reduce the risks of burns or blisters from the high temperatures of the sand.

• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays.

• Use sunscreen. There are specific products for pets. Specialists also recommend using solutions that are suitable for babies. Dogs will tend to lick any foreign substance they perceive on their skin. Therefore, it must not contain chemical components that can be toxic. Special care must be taken with dogs with short white hair, as they are more prone to heat stroke.

• In the cases of animals that enjoy the water, take them swimming frequently, to keep them cool.

• Keep them, in the moments of rest, inside awnings, umbrellas or in shaded spaces.

• It is important to constantly hydrate our pet. Avoid foods with high levels of sugar.

• If possible, avoid shaving the animal before taking it to the sea. One of the functions of the hair is to protect the skin from direct exposure to the sun’s rays. By reducing its size or eliminating it, you are leaving the animal exposed and unprotected.

Basic rules of coexistence to take the dog to the beach

Beyond the specific care that must be taken for the coastal summer, there is not much difference between the rules of coexistence to follow when taking the dog to the beach or walking in a park close to home:

• The animal must be controlled and calm at all times. It must be under the constant supervision of its owners. Any infraction or annoyance that it causes in the surroundings or to other people, will be the sole responsibility of the owner.

• Collect all the droppings. To avoid inconveniences with some people who may feel uncomfortable with having to share the space with a dog.
• The pet’s official card must be carried, stating that it is up to date with all its vaccinations and has the identification microchip installed.
• If the dog falls under the controversial category of Potentially Dangerous Animals, it must remain on a leash and muzzle at all times. In this case, the muzzle device must be large enough to allow you to pant without any difficulty.

• Playing with balls is one of the most fun activities for dogs and humans. It must be done without interfering with the tranquility of other people.

After the beach

After a long day of plenty of sun, sand and sea, the animal must be showered with fresh water. The saltpeter on the skin of dogs has the same negative effects as on human skin: it generates dryness and irritation.