If you don’t go to the beach on summer days, you must miss lots of fun that year. If you are a beach fancier like me, keeping a puppy simultaneously, then you must tell how joyful I am in summer. That would be so much fun if you spent tons of time with your beloved on the beaches to enjoy the summer vibes together. Can you imagine that?
The beach is a fun summer outing to spend time with your dog. Many dogs enjoy playing in the water, running across the sand, and sometimes swimming for long hours. For you and your dog can both have a fun and safe time, beach hours require planning because you want to be aware of the potential dangers associated so you and your dog can enjoy a fun trip to the beach. Here I want to share with you folks something that may be helpful for you to protect your lovely dog’s paws when you walking your dog on beaches or playing with your dog on beaches etc. You are in the right place if you are also wondering how to protect your dog’s paws at the beach. Let’s check this article out now!
How to prepare for the beaches?
1. You want to find a suitable beach for you and your dog but also obey the rules. It would help if you ensured the beach you choose allows dogs, whether you are on vacation or live close to a beach. Respect that rule and find a different beach to go to if they do not allow dogs, then check the town or county website and see if the beach is designated as a dog-friendly area. And you can check if the sands on that beach are excellent for your dog’s paw to walk on or not, or you can do some paw protection on your dog’s paws before your departure.
2. You want to avoid some rough conditions, like bad weather or something like that. You can check the local weather to see if rain or storms are expected in the area where you are taking your dog to enjoy the beach. For example, some beaches may have strong currents or tides that can change dramatically while you are having fun with your beloved dog. Some waves and calmer water are safer for your dog’s paws to step in, you know? And if your dog enjoys swimming or playing in the water at the beach, that would be a risk of being hurt by rough waves sometimes. You should consider rescheduling your beach trip with your furry friend to another day if the weather or water conditions are poor.
3. You want to pack the essentials for your and your dog’s beach trip. There are lots of conditions that could make your journey smooth and enjoyable. These include some things below:
- (1) Leash. You still need a leash, Even if the beach allows dogs to be off-leash, to walk your dog safely from the parking lot or street to the beach. If the beach requires leashes, consider bringing another extra-long leash beside one regular leash. You could provide some independence for your dog.
- (2)Disposable plastic bags. It would help if you always cleaned up after your dog, and I think bringing a few waste bags or disposable plastic bags should be a routine for you when you go out with your dog. Like some typical bags is fine.
- (3)Treats. Consider packing a handful of treats in a re-sealable bag to treat your dog during the trip. We all know these treats can be helpful to entice a wandering dog to come back to you, meanwhile can be used to reward your dog’s good behavior. Another thing is to pick treats that don’t melt quickly in heat or moisture conditions.
- (4)Toys. Toys can be a great way to make the beach trip even more enjoyable with your dog. Don’t forget to pack some toys that can be used in water and cleaned easily. Just leave the plush toys at home since those may get sandy and wet quickly, no matter how much your dog loves them.
- (5)Dog paw covers. That would be brutal if your dog walked on the beaches without protection. Like dog paw wax, dog paw protection cream or paw protection balm, or dog paw protection spray… those can be protective for your dog’s paws.
4. You want to check your dog’s identification to see if still there or before you leave home. Your dog should always wear a collar with identification tags regardless of whether the beach requires the dogs to be on leashes. You know it is illegal for dogs to be without identification in many areas. And identification is essential when your dog is playing off the leash.
How to protect your dog’s paws at the beach?
1. You want to provide sun protection for your dog’s paws. Like us human beings, lots of dogs may get sunburns quickly. If your dog has a light-colored coat, was shaved, or their skin is at a greater risk of becoming sunburned. You can apply some dog sunscreen to those areas not protected by fur, like the nose, bellies, tips of ears, and especially the hairless bald dog paws.
Besides, dogs’ sunscreens are designed for dogs with sensitive skin, usually OK to use as long as your dog does not contain zinc oxide that could be toxic to your dog. And you can reapply your dog’s sunscreen every hour to ensure they stay protected on your dog’s skin throughout the day.
2. You want to protect your dog’s paws technically. In summer, the sand can get hot very quickly, and your dog’s paw pads are sensitive to these extreme temperatures somehow, you know? I suggest testing the sand for yourself. If it is too hot to walk on your own barefoot, then it would be too hot for your dog’s paw pads to walk through. Sometimes dog heat booties can add a layer between the hot sand below and your dog’s paw pads. But we also clear that not all dogs are used to wearing puppy booties for heat, so you can find some stuff else, such as dog paw gloves, pet paw socks, or dog paw pad covers, whatever your dog is comfortable with. For my furry baby, he prefers Loobani dog paw pad protection a lot. Because they are so thick and soft when attached to my dog’s paw pads, and he looks terrific with those dog paw protection pads on.
Also, applying a dog wax product on your dog’s paw pads can protect them from hot surfaces. You can find paw protection wax at pet stores and online through different websites, or you can do some dog paw protection wax DIY yourself.
3. You want to keep your dog in sight during the process. You know that your dog may get overwhelmed by the beach’s company, sounds, and smell. You need to ensure they stay in an area where your day can still hear you when you call for them if you intend to keep your dog off-leash there. You have to remember that the beach could be dangerous, and your dog needs your careful supervision.
At the same time, avoid areas with potential dangers, such as some fishing docks that may have hooks buried in the sand, outcropping rocks, or even broken glass down there. You’d better also be in the water or at least at the water’s edge so that you are close enough to intervene if your dog struggles to swim while you and your dog are floating.
4. You want to clean and care for your dog’s paws after a fun day at the beach. Once you’re back from the beach, rinse your dog’s paws thoroughly with fresh water. This will help remove any sand, saltwater, or other debris that may have accumulated. Carefully inspect your dog’s paws for cuts, scrapes, or irritations. Clean the affected area with a mild antiseptic solution and apply an appropriate dog-friendly ointment or cream if you notice any. If your dog’s paws are sore from running and playing on the beach, you can help soothe them by soaking them in a mixture of warm water and Epsom salt for about 10 minutes. This can help reduce inflammation and provide relief.
In addition, keep an eye on your dog’s behavior and look for signs of discomfort, such as limping, excessive licking, or chewing at the paws. If you notice any persistent issues, consult your veterinarian for further evaluation and guidance.
All in all, there are just several things I mentioned above for protecting your dog at the beach, a few tips for avoiding something terrible that would happen to your cute dog’s paws while you take them to a beach. I hope those make sense. My experiences could help protect your dog’s paws at the beach. Everyone can find the best dog paw protection for heat at the beach for your beloved dog, right?
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