It’s now possible to walk, run, and jump on the soft sand with your dog and enjoy a well-deserved vacation. These are the reasons why the number of pet-friendly hotels and beaches that allow tourists to bring their pets has increased.
Currently, the number of tourists traveling to beach destinations with their pets has increased.
With these useful tips, let’s enjoy the beach with our four-legged best friend.:
1. ¡Let us not forget!…
After choosing the destination and being aware of the regulations for taking our dog to the beach, we must pack his suitcase, prepare for the trip and not forget to pack:
- Their ID or tag and current vaccination certificate
- A drinking bowl for fresh water
- An umbrella to protect them from the sun
- Bags to collect their waste
- Their usual food, as changing some breeds’ diets is not recommended because they can get sick
- A toy, preferably one that floats in water
- If your dog is sensitive to sand, protect their paws with some type of shoe
- A collar and muzzle in case the dog’s breed is considered potentially dangerous, or if they don’t like socializing with other dogs
- Have the location of veterinary clinics near the beach where we will be staying, in case any health problems arise
2. How to enjoy the beach Although the fur of most dogs protects them from the sun’s rays, there are uncovered areas such as the nose, around the mouth, inside the ears and the belly that should be protected with sunscreen, especially for canines. However, there are breeds with sensitive skin that should be applied all over their body, such as Bull Terriers, Boxers, Whippets, Pitbulls, Dalmatians, albinos and those that have had their hair shaved.
- For the first experience, and to make them feel comfortable, we should gradually bring them to the shallowest area with the least waves, so they can have fun with the toy we brought.
- If the sea conditions aren’t suitable for the dog, it’s best to keep them on the beach, constantly monitoring that the sand doesn’t affect their paws, spraying them with water periodically, and keeping the water bowl filled with enough liquid to ensure they stay hydrated and avoid heat stroke.
- We must prevent the pet from ingesting sand or seawater to avoid gastric or intestinal problems.
- At the end of a relaxing day, a shower is a must to remove excess sand and salt, preferably with shampoo, and finish with a good brushing.
- Don’t forget to check their ears and remove any remaining sand to prevent infections or otitis.
3. Regulation
Some destinations have already regulated the permission for visitors to bring their dogs and have adapted spaces with signage, schedules, and showers to make the canines as comfortable as possible. And for entry into several places, they require the presentation of a vaccination certificate and that the animal be fully identified with a tag or microchip.
ORIGINAL PUBLISHED IN: aviatur.com/blog/tips/consejos-para-disfrutar-de-playas-pet-friendly
