Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe at the Beach

The weather is warm, and so you might think about taking Fido – or whatever your pup’s name is – to the beach. But before you do, you might want to look over these helpful tips to keep the family pooch safe!

Sun Block
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), even dogs can be sunburned if they’re overexposed to the sun. Dog sun block is sold in stores. Feel free to pick some up and apply it to your dog's vulnerable areas.

Weak Swimmer?
You shouldn't force your dog to go swimming. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), "Most dogs enjoy swimming, but some cannot swim, and others may hate the water. Be conscious of your dog's preferences and skills before trying to make him swim."

Don't Drink That
If you plan on bringing your dog in the water, don't let him/her drink any salt water. According to vetinfo.com, "Drinking salt water can cause vomiting and dehydration, as well as a phenomenon known as 'beach diarrhea.'"

Too Hot to Handle
Remember, dogs run hot to begin with. If your dog starts to exhibit symptoms of heat stroke, find some shade and let it cool down.

The AKC has released the following tips in regards to heat stroke.

Early Stages:

• Heavy panting.
• Rapid breathing.
• Excessive drooling.
• Bright red gums and tongue.
• Standing four-square, posting or spreading out in an attempt to maintain balance.

Advanced Stages:

• White or blue gums.
• Lethargy, unwillingness to move.
• Uncontrollable urination or defecation.
• Labored, noisy breathing.
• Shock.

If your dog begins to exhibit signs of heat stroke, you should immediately try to cool the dog down:

• Apply rubbing alcohol to the dog's paw pads.
• Apply ice packs to the groin area.
• Hose down with water.
• Allow the dog to lick ice chips or drink a small amount of water.
• Offer Pedialyte to restore electrolytes.

Wash "Fido" Off
Before leaving the beach, or as soon as you come home, you should rinse your dog off. According to preferredconsumer.com, your dog should be rinsed "because dogs wash themselves with their tongues, so your dog could ingest a large a large amount of salt from his fur while bathing, and become ill." Dogs are also easy targets for sea lice.

Mrchewy.com contributed to this article.