Safety at the beach for your dog is not a lot different than the safety precautions that you would reasonably expect to take if you had young children along with you. After all pets are a lot like kids, even if they are more independent. Basically safety issues for dogs at the beach are always minimized if you keep your dog on a leash, lead or tether, however there are still things that dogs can get into or problems that can arise.
One of the biggest concerns with dogs at the beach that is exclusive to coastal beaches as opposed to fresh water lake beaches are the tides and currents. For most dogs that are good swimmers the typical ebb and flow of the tides won't be a problem, however for dogs that are tired, not as strong or dogs that are very heavy or very light the tides can be very problematic. Owners should be aware of tides and when high tide and low tide occurs, especially when the low tide outward movement is happening. In some areas of the beach the tide can go out incredibly quickly, pulling dogs and humans alike farther out from shore than they can swim back. High tide poses less of a problem although waves coming onto the beach can roll dogs in the water and cause problems.
There are several options to finding out about high and low tides at various beaches and areas. While high and low tides are going to be obvious because of changing water levels, be aware the low tides or movement outwards by the current will start well before any signs of water levels dropping occur. Leashing your dog or at least bringing them out of the water is important as the tide is going out.
Swimming in itself is a great way to exercise your dog as well as give them a chance to cool off. It is highly recommended that you wade out into the water and find out how deep the area is before allowing your dog out into the lake or body of water past a certain distance. Dogs, although typically good swimmers, can become tired and struggle to get back to shore if they go out too far or too often. Carefully monitor how your dog's energy level seems to be before sending them out to fetch the stick or ball. Most dogs will keep on going as long as you keep throwing and they are not good monitors of how energetic or capable they may be to swim that far out and back. Older and younger dogs may also have less stamina that they would be with running or playing on land so only throw the toy or ball out as far as you would be comfortable in going to help the dog should he or she experience some type of difficulty in returning.
Puppies need to be very carefully supervised at the beach and in the water. Young puppies and even adolescent dogs often have high energy levels but low stamina levels, meaning they may swim out too far or too often to be safe.
Longer coated dogs and obese dogs may have problems in swimming for long periods of time since their hair and weight may pose additional problems for them to be effective swimmers. Some double coated dogs may do better if they are allowed to walk in the water but not allowed to swim distances.
Other dogs along the beach, especially in areas where dogs are allowed off-leash, should be carefully monitored. While your dog may be friendly, don't assume that other dog owners are as responsible as you are. Never allow your dog to run with other dogs until you check with the owner that they are socialized and friendly. Typically owners anticipate this question and will not be offended, plus you can also let them know that your dog is friendly to give them peace of mind. If there is a dog that appears to be aggressive simply leash your dog or keep them close to you or move to a different location on the beach. There is no point in risking a dog fight or injury to your dog because of an irresponsible owner or a dog that is not properly socialized.
Keeping a close eye on your dog at the beach ensures that they won't accidentally eat anything they shouldn't. Garbage, dead fish or animals, old food or even animal waste may all be present in the area. By monitoring where your dog is and what they are doing you can call them back and prevent them from possibly consuming things that may be problematic. In addition bring food for your dog if you are going to be gone over their regular feeding time. After feeding be sure to monitor your dog and clean up any waste immediately to keep the beach and public areas clean and sanitary for other people and their pets.
Remember that just because you are at a dog friendly beach it is not acceptable for your dog to run around and bother other people. Even dog people have a limit to how much attention they want from someone else's dog. Sometimes dogs will play with other pets which is fine, but make sure you aren't expecting someone else to monitor or entertain your dog. One way to make sure your dog has a positive experience at the beach and stays safe is to keep them close to you or at least within your sight until you know how they are behaving. Most dogs are not going to be a problem and will soon adjust to their freedom, spending their time with their families.
Monitor your dog for any signs of sunburn or heat stroke and also provide a shady spot for them to cool off and rest during the heat of the day. Provide lots of fresh water from safe drinking water sources or bottled water to ensure they aren't exposed to water that may be contaminated or polluted. Try to avoid allowing your dog to drink out of lakes, streams, ponds or ditches as this type of water may have microorganisms that may cause digestive problems for dogs.
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