Fun in the Sun: Keeping Your Pet Safe at the Beach

Team Curicyn
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It’s a classic summertime activity for dog owners – heading to the nearest body of water to beat the heat! Whether a lake, ocean, stream, or river, that cool water can help take the edge off a hot day. Many dogs love to splash in the surf or shallows, and some adventurous pups even go dock-diving after favorite toys.

Here are some tips to keep your pet safe during beach trips in the dog days of summer:

  • Keep Cool: You may not realize how quickly pets can overheat. Dogs can’t sweat, and panting can only cool them off so much. Be sure to pack plenty of clean, cool water and a bowl for your dog to drink from, and an umbrella if there won’t be any natural shade. Your dog may be too excited to want to take breaks, but it’s essential that he does. Remember, dogs with heavy coats or short snouts (such as Bulldogs, Boxers, and Boston Terriers) are at higher risk for heat stroke.
  • Avoid Burns: Our dogs’ skin and paws are just as sensitive as ours is, so take precautions to avoid burns. Especially if your dog is white, apply pet-friendly sunscreen to their face to protect against harmful UV rays – dogs can develop skin cancer, too! Avoid walking your dog on pavement and sand during the middle of the day so their paw pads don’t get scalded. (Quick test: If you can’t hold your hand on the pavement for more than 5 seconds, then it’s also too hot for their pads!) If they end up with burns, Curicyn Original Formula can promote healing while providing relief.
  • Sandy Trouble: It’s almost impossible to avoid sand flying at the beach, so it’s important to be prepared in case any finds its way into your dog’s eyes. If it does, flush the eyes with clean water and apply Curicyn Eye Care Solution to help reduce inflammation and soothe irritation until you can have your dog examined by a veterinarian. It comes in a convenient 2-oz. dropper bottle, so you can easily squeeze a few drops into your pet’s eye. It’s also nontoxic and won’t sting or burn.
  • Say No to Sand and Salt: Your dog may be tempted to lap up the surf but drinking too much salt water can lead to gastrointestinal upset, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Sand that is ingested can become impacted, causing a blockage in the intestines. If your dog is too eager to eat the sand or drink salt water, it’s time to head for home rather than risk an emergency veterinary visit.
  • Swim Safety: Not all dogs naturally know how – or like! – to swim, and like us, they can succumb to strong currents and rip tides. Exercise extreme caution and watch closely for signs of distress if your dog ventures into water above their elbows. If your pet goes under the water or experiences a near-drowning, get them to a veterinarian quickly. Dogs can inhale water into their lungs and experience “dry” or secondary drowning as a result, even days after they’ve left the water’s edge.

Seaside and lakeshore excursions can make for wonderful memories with our furry family members. Just remember to take proper safety precautions, know where the nearest animal emergency hospital is located near your destination, and pack some basic equipment – including Curicyn’s fully stocked Pet Care Kit, which has Original Formula, Eye Care Solution, and much more – to keep your pet safe and healthy while having fun in the sun.