Going to the beach is a great activity to do with dogs; most of them love the water and being able to run freely. However, you need to be careful with salt water.
First of all, you need to be careful with the beaches you visit with your dog. Many do not allow pets at certain times of the year. So, look for more deserted beaches, not leased, to be at ease with your dog. If there’s no one around, and trusting that your dog doesn’t run away, you can even let them go. All that freedom makes many dogs hyperactive and full of happiness!
Is It Safe for Dog’s to Drink Salt Water?
Salt water is not good for us humans, nor is it good for dogs. To make sure your dog doesn’t get thirsty, always bring fresh water to the beach. Place a bowl in the shade and make your dog stop and drink water. In this way, the dog stays hydrated and doesn’t need to drink salt water.
What Care Should Be Taken with the Dog’s Skin and Fur?
Is salt water bad for the dog’s skin or not? No! Even though salt water has beneficial properties for the human skin, the skin and fur of dogs can get very dry in salt water and can even cause irritation.
If your dog spends a lot of time in the water, you may start to notice his fur getting dull. And it may even start to lose hair.
Some breeds are better able to withstand the effects of salt water, such as Labradors or water dogs. The naturally oilier coat is more resistant to salt water.
Dogs with double coats tend to have more problems with salt water. An example of this is the Huskies. These dogs retain salt water between their coats, which can cause irritation. Also fine-haired dogs, such as Yorkshires, can suffer from saltwater and sun, because the fur does not offer them as much protection.
How to Protect Dogs’ Skin from Salt Water
- Do not bathe your dog before going to the beach. This way, it will not remove the oil naturally present in the fur and unprotect your dog.
- After coming out of salt water, wash it with fresh water. If your dog has a double layer of fur, make sure the water cleans the salt residues well.
- Put the dog in the shade to dry. Allowing the hair to dry in the sun will leave the skin and hair even drier.
- Put on sunscreen for dogs, especially on the inner area of the ear and nose. If your dog has fine fur, it will be essential.
- Consider taking a hypoallergenic, skin-soothing shampoo. So, if your dog’s skin reacts to salt water, wash it off quickly with shampoo and fresh water.
Does the Dog Know How to Swim?
Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs can swim. However, virtually every dog will know how to stay afloat. As long as they don’t get exhausted, there should be no problem. Be careful like:
- Don’t swim out standing. Your dog may try to go after you and be distressed.
- Watch out for strong currents.
- Don’t lose sight of your dog.
- Make him stop and rest
Your dog will most likely love the beach. With these precautions, the experience will be more than matched and repeated.
