Contributed by Veterinary Emergency Group
Though “dog season” at Greenwich Point is over, there are several dog friendly beaches in Connecticut where your pet can run, swim and frolic in the sand.
Here are 7 dog beach tips to increase your dog’s safety while still having fun.
- BRING ALONG PLENTY OF FRESH WATER – Think about how long you and your pet will be hanging out at the beach and bring enough fresh water to sustain you both for the duration (and then some, if you decide to stay longer). Your dog needs to stay hydrated—and ocean or lake water is unsafe for their consumption.
- INVEST IN PET-FRIENDLY SUNSCREEN – Dogs benefit from sunscreen too, especially if they have light, fine fur, and pinkish skin. Sunburn can affect your pup’s nose, ears, and other areas where hair is sparse.
- HAVE A SOURCE OF SHADE AVAILABLE FOR YOUR PUP – Make sure that there are areas of shade for your dog to go into in order to help escape the sun. Dogs can overheat quickly on a warm day, and at the beach, the sun’s heat is amplified. Help your pup stay cool by bringing along a large umbrella, or make sure to find a place under an awning or tree where your pet can get a break from the sun.
- KEEP YOUR DOG LEASHED – Unleashed pets can cause trouble, especially if there are lots of people and other dogs around. Plus, being leashed can prevent your dog from potentially being attacked by another dog or stealing sweets from someone’s picnic. Also, keeping your pet leashed can prevent them from running into the water and possibly swimming out into strong currents.
- BRING A LIFE JACKET FOR YOUR PET – If the beach you’re visiting allows dogs in the water, one of the most important dog beach tips is to make sure your pet has a life jacket (in their size). Even natural swimmers like Labradors can be at risk of drowning, so be sure to suit up your pup before they dive in and stick with them to keep them safe.
- KNOW THE SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE – Heatstroke can affect dogs even under conditions milder than a typical summer’s day. Overexertion and insufficient water intake can quickly overwhelm your pet. See more on heat stroke HERE
- PROTECT YOUR PET’S FEET WITH BOOTIES – If your pup is likely to encounter hot sand or sharp objects at the beach, get dog booties in their size to protect their paws from cuts and burns. Consider trying them out before your beach excursion to make sure they fit, and to help your dog get comfortable with them.
What to do if you know or think your pet is having an emergency?
- If you know or think your pet is having an emergency and your family veterinarian is unavailable, call an emergency vet right away.
- At Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG), you can speak directly to an emergency veterinarian who will help you with knowing what the next steps are.
- VEG Greenwich is located at 409 E Putnam Ave, Suite 1, Cos Cob, CT 06807
- VEG Greenwich is open 24/7 to help pet parents with emergencies when their family veterinarian is closed. The hospital has an open floor plan that allows pet parents to have freedom of movement from exam room to treatment floor, and they can stay with their pet during all phases of treatment, including surgery and overnight hospitalization.
About Veterinary Emergency Group
Established in 2014, Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) is a company founded on a single mission: helping people and their pets when they need it most. VEG’s rapidly growing group of hospitals has revolutionized the pet emergency experience with a customer-centered approach, rapid response times, and a highly trained emergency-focused staff. VEG currently has 50 hospitals nationwide.
VEG Greenwich is open for pet emergencies 24/7, even on holidays, 409 E Putnam Ave, Suite 1, Cos Cob, CT 06807.