Now that the summer holiday’s are firmly looming, there’s no doubt that a fun –filled day out at the beach could be at the top of everyone’s agenda.
With over 19,000 miles of beautiful coastline, the UK is not short of stunning seaside destinations for us to enjoy.
Whilst this is a great way to enjoy the sunshine and for your canine friend to get some exercise, it’s important we ensure we don’t commit any beach ‘faux-paws’ and keep our pets safe when it comes to the sun, sea and sand.
Some beaches in the UK are now dog free zones, so Natures Menu have outlines their top five pet friendly beaches:
- Parranporth in Cornwall
- Westward Ho, Devon
- Formby, Liverpool
- Rhossili Bay Beach in Swansea
- Runswich Bay, Yorkshire
Natures Menu Vet, Claire Miller, said: “Everyone gets excited at the prospect of being able to take their dog along to the beach with them in the summertime, however it’s important to be aware of the heath and safety hazards in doing so. When visiting one of our suggested pet friendly beaches, make sure you follow our essential tips to keep your dog happy.”
To help your fun day out go without stress or any problems, Natures Menu’s veterinary team have shared their top tips for the perfect beach day out with all the family, including your four-legged friend:
Do your homework – assuming all beaches allow dogs is an easy mistake to make. However this isn’t always the case. Before you set off for your beach day out make sure you read up on the local rule guides to avoid disappointment.
Tide times – once you’ve identified a suitable pet friendly beach, take note of what the tide times are to ensure that you can make the most of your day and enjoy low tide for as long as possible.
Sun protection – whilst we might want to make the most of the sunshine to top up your tan, we need to ensure that dogs aren’t in the sun for long periods of time.
Hidden dangers – a sandy open beach is a dog’s idea of heaven and a great way of exercising your pooch. However, there can be some nasty sharp objects hidden amongst the sand that could cause your dog harm, so keep an eye out.
Sea sick – most dogs love to frolic around in the sea, and as adorable as that may be we need to be careful to not let them drink too much salt water whilst doing so, as this can lead to an upset stomach. Always make sure that you’ve got a bowl of fresh water nearby, so your dog isn’t tempted to drink from the sea.
Master the doggy paddle – depending on age, breed and personality, dogs can vary dramatically in their swimming skills. To be on the safe side, don’t assume that your dog will be a natural in the water and test their ability before you let them out in the open water. Don’t force them if they don’t like it.
Watch what they eat – a trip to the seaside wouldn’t be complete without a delicious picnic f a portion of fresh fish and chips. Feeding our adored pets leftovers though can cause serious health problems if we’re not careful. To avoid this, always keep feed out of reach of your pets and feed them their usual nutritional favourites.
Clean up their paw prints – the beach is there for everyone o enjoy, so always leave it as you found it for the next person. Before you head out of the door, remember to stock up on poo bags, allowing you to clean up after your dog.
