Tips for bringing your dog to the beach from the Animal Behavior Scientist at Purina

If you want to take your dog to the beach this summer, then you may want to pay attention to these tips from the Animal Behavior Scientist at Purina.

When it comes to spending time out of the house during the summer, we often find ways to enjoy the warmth of the summer sun. And for some of us, that means heading to the beach. If you want to bring your dog along for the ride, then you need to remember some key safety tips and ideas, after all, the last thing we want is for our pups to get sick or hurt.

With the help of Dr. Jean-Francois Savard, Purina’s Animal Behavior Scientist, we have some great tips from an expert for how to safely enjoy a day at the beach with our dog at our side. And yes, one of those tips includes a little bit of a treat!

5 Beach safety tips from Purina’s Animal Behavior Scientist, Dr. Savard

While some of these tips might seem obvious, there are times when we need a reminder. And when we find ourselves frazzled and trying to get everything we need for a good time, we can forget even the most obvious things.

• Socialize your pup early – Socialization starts early. Obviously this doesn’t happen the day of a beach trip, but as early as puppyhood. And having a dog who is comfortable around other people and dogs is important since you will likely run into unknown dogs and humans while at the beach.
• Avoid the heat of midday – If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for them. But that’s not all, because even if you don’t think it is too hot, you need to pay attention to their needs. “Depending on the temperature and humidity levels outside, you may want to avoid taking your pup to the beach in the middle of the day.” However, that was not the only thing that Dr. Savard pointed out, as they also reminded us, “to check if the sand is too hot for your pup, touch the pavement with your hand – if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.”
• Have sun protection for your dog – Just like we need to protect our skin from the sun, we should also be protecting our dog. Not only are there sunscreens for our dog, but we can also use clothing to cover our dogs. Basically, figure out what works for your pup, and make sure that they are protected.
• Have plenty of fresh water available – Sometimes we forget that just because we are going to a beach where there is a lot of water, that doesn’t mean that it is safe to drink. Making sure you have plenty of water for you and your pup is important. Staying hydrated is the key to keep your pup cool and healthy on a hot day.
• Have treats on hand for your dog – It is always a good idea to have dog treats on hand when being active outdoors or socializing your dog. Those treats are a reward for a good behavior, and it is important to reward our pups for doing what we want them to do. One treat that Dr. Savard recommended is the Purina Prime Jerky Tenders as they are already small and lightweight, but they can also be broken into even smaller pieces if needed.

When it comes to planning a day at the beach with our dog, it is always important to think of their comfort and safety as well as our own. And hopefully with these tips, we will be able to enjoy a fun and safe day of sun, surf, and sand.