In some states, summer vacations are starting soon. Packed and ready with kids, family, and the dog, it’s off to vacation. Many people are drawn to the seaside during the most beautiful weeks of the year.

Relaxation and fun are on the agenda. While we look forward to it, the vacation becomes a big surprise for our four-legged friend when we arrive at the destination. Taking a break from everyday life: can that also happen with our dog?

Choosing the right accommodation

If you prefer to spend your vacation at the beach and by the sea, it’s best to find accommodation directly connected to the sea: this way, you won’t depend on the car when you want to take your dog to the water. There are many vacation websites that provide a comprehensive overview of vacation homes where dogs are welcome. Additionally, you should gather tips in advance on which beaches in your vacation region allow you to move freely or with minimal restrictions with your dog. After all, you want your furry friend to have fun on vacation too.

What’s important for your dog when you’re at the beach?

Under no circumstances should you undertake a beach outing with your four-legged friend without some prior planning. A bit of planning is required. Not much effort, a few simple considerations help ensure that your pet lacks nothing. This includes ensuring your dog is in the best health. It’s not recommended for older or sick dogs to stay on the beach or frolic in the water, as the risks of overheating in the sun, cooling off in the water, or overexertion during play are higher.

If your pet is in top shape, you’re good to go. Avoid feeding larger amounts of food before the outing because playing on the beach and in the water can lead to gastric torsion, especially in larger dog breeds. It’s better to offer your four-legged friend several small portions of food throughout the day and have a few small snacks and a collapsible bowl for fresh water in your bag for the beach. Otherwise, there’s a risk that your dog may drink too much saltwater.

Shade or Sunbathing?

While some two-legged beings without dogs on vacation opt for regular sunbathing, we must consider how we can protect our dog from the intensity of sunlight. Shady spots are rather scarce on the beaches unless we rent a beach chair or a beach hut. This means we go to the beach more or less heavily laden—with a parasol, beach tent, or other accessories that provide some protection from the sun.

Then, after a swim, your pet can rest a bit there without being exposed to the sun. Apply sunscreen to your dog as long as it’s not in the water. Especially breeds with short fur can easily get sunburned. In any case, the morning and late afternoon are the best times for a walk to the beach: the sun is less intense, and there are undoubtedly fewer people around.

Caution, Hot Ground!

When we walk barefoot on the beach in the blazing sun, it can be quite bumpy. The sand is scorching hot. Now, think about how your dog must feel. Therefore, keep the walks short. Make sure your dog doesn’t accidentally step on broken glass, which unfortunately can sometimes be found on the beach, even though the responsible municipalities do everything to keep the beaches clean. If you want to cover more ground to find a secluded spot, use the edge along the water where the sand is wet. This way, hot paw pads are no longer a problem for your beloved pet. Add a blanket, and the day of well-being by the water can begin.

A cool spot won’t hurt

Here’s another tip on how you can playfully create a cool spot: let your dog dig a hole on the beach and help him a bit with a shovel. The lower layers of sand are pleasantly cool, and if the hole is big enough for your pet, you can set up a parasol over it. Your dog will consider it his place and will joyfully retreat there after romping around when he needs rest. Make sure that other beach visitors are not affected by flying sand during the digging. Few people love it when their beach mat or towel is covered in sand.

How does your pet behave at the beach?

Some four-legged friends are lively when the water beckons. There’s no holding them back. Similarly, the expanse of the beach may be a reason to take a break for a moment. In these moments, it’s important that your dog knows your signals to stop and responds when called. Otherwise, this could potentially lead to your pet putting itself in danger or other beachgoers feeling bothered by him. The danger lies in the fact that he can’t jump into the water at every spot: you must first check where there are no dangers, such as currents. An annoyance for other beachgoers could be if the dog sniffs around the picnic basket.

Water enthusiast or water-shy?

If you’re a fan of rough waves, your pet doesn’t have to follow suit immediately. Especially during the first vacation by the sea, your dog should gradually become a true water enthusiast. So, let your dog explore first and don’t overwhelm him. A few games at the shallow water’s edge are excellent for getting the dog used to the water element. Okay, he’s familiar with the garden hose or a paddling pool at home, but this is a bit larger.

During low tide, you should avoid letting your dog go into the water: what is dangerous for humans can potentially be deadly for dogs as well, especially because dogs can’t recognize the currents pulling them away from the safe shore. During low tide, it’s better to play with your dog in the huge water puddles left behind. It’s essential to remove the flea or tick collar before the bathing fun to ensure the anti-parasitic’s protective effect.

Playing in the Water

Floating dog toys are best suited to lure the dog into the water. A ball on the water’s surface or a frisbee is sufficient to awaken your pet’s play drive. Throw the toy where the water is shallow enough. Be careful not to use toys that can sink. Some dogs tend to dive for them and can quickly lose their orientation. Are you also a water enthusiast? Then lead by example and run with full force into the waves. Once your dog gets a taste for it, he’ll run after you and delight in the waves. If your dog is not yet so fond of deep water, let him retrieve toys from the shallow puddles that form everywhere during low tide. These are pleasantly shallow, and the water is also warmed by the sun.

If it’s high tide, and your dog is thoroughly enjoying himself in the water, limit his bathing times, even if he is a good swimmer. Dogs don’t necessarily stop playing just because they get tired. On the contrary, they tend to shift into a state of exhaustion, which is, of course, deadly in the sea. Also, make sure that your dog doesn’t swallow too much saltwater, as it can quickly lead to dehydration and nausea. At the end of the bath or beach day, rinse your dog with fresh water. Most beach sections have showers set up for this purpose, allowing you to rinse yourself and your pet. Dry him thoroughly, as there might be a stiff breeze by the sea, which can lead to a cold if the wet fur isn’t dried properly.

Take Everything With You

A longer day at the beach means your dog will need to relieve himself. It’s essential to have enough poop bags to dispose of your dog’s waste. Burying it is not an option: after all, you wouldn’t want to come across the excrement of previous beachgoers while building sandcastles with your dog. The best scenario is for only your and your dog’s footprints to be visible in the sand. But who are we telling this to? After all, all dog lovers appreciate a clean beach for sunbathing, swimming, and romping around.