On vacation with your pet
Dogs on the beach
Summer is coming and the warm, sunny and beautiful days tempt us to go to the beach and spend a carefree and fun day. Of course, if we have a four-legged friend, we can’t help but take him with us and maybe leave him at home all day in the heat… But it’s not that simple, because going to the beach with a dog means obeying a set of rules that we need to understand in order to be aware and avoid penalties that are also very important financially.
Where dogs are not allowed
State-owned waters are fully accessible to dogs unless municipal or regional ordinances prohibit dogs from entering the open beaches. In the bathing areas, however, dogs are not allowed if the management decides in its sole discretion to prohibit entry. Beach owners may ban dogs or request permission from the relevant municipality to allow them. Guide dogs and rescue dogs are always allowed, both at free and private beaches.
When to bring them
Experts recommend avoiding taking the dog to the beach during the hottest hours of the day, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., to limit the risk of sunburn to the paw pads and to avoid overtiring the animal. Breezy days are preferable to hot, sweltering days, and it is always a good idea to find a place in the shade anyway.
When taking dogs to free or private beaches, owners must adhere to the rules of civilized living, including keeping a distance from the dog and preventing it from disturbing neighbors on the umbrella. You must bring: – muzzle; – Short leash.
You must keep the beach clean and remove any droppings. Accustom your dog from an early age not to eat everything he finds and not to drink seawater, which can lead to diarrhea and severe dehydration. Do not leave his favorite toy at home, preferably floating or waterproof. Once you get home, carefully remove all sand and salt from the animal’s fur and dry it thoroughly with care.
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Penalties for those who do not comply with the ban
If access to free beaches or places where dogs are not allowed is banned, owners who break the rules risk fines ranging from 150 to 400 euros. The owner is responsible for the dog’s actions and will be held criminally liable if the dog acts aggressively or causes physical harm to other bathers.
10 tips to protect your dog during the summer
- Never leave an animal alone in a car Even with the windows open, the temperature inside the passenger compartment can reach lethal levels within minutes. On particularly hot days, even a car parked in the shade can become a death trap.
- If you see an animal locked in the car Check its general condition. If you notice any symptoms of heat stroke, it is important to take prompt action to prevent death: contact the police and your veterinarian. If possible, try throwing water at the dog through a window (if the window is open).
- How to diagnose heat stroke Initially, the animal appears uncomfortable, restless, panting and has increased breathing and heart rate. Subsequently, the animal loses lucidity and coordination and may stagger or be unable to stand up.
- Heat stroke first aid If your pet shows symptoms of heat stroke, consult your veterinarian immediately. In the meantime, move him to a cool place and apply a rag soaked in room temperature water to his neck, armpits and groin to cool him down. However, these measures are not a substitute for an urgent veterinary checkup as heat stroke can have very serious consequences.
- Animals that live mostly outdoors or in gardens–they should always have access to fresh, clean water and be able to take shelter in a sufficiently cool place. For pets, it is advisable to take them out for walks early in the morning and in the evening to avoid the hottest hours, when even city streets are scorching.
- Going to the beach is fun… …also suitable for dogs, but beware of sand and seawater, which can cause skin irritation. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, paying special attention to rinsing between the fingertips.
- Playing with your dog on the beach Be very careful not to let him swallow sand, especially any foreign objects that may be hiding in the middle. Sand: hooks and lines can cause injury to the mouth or internal organs if swallowed.
- Dog hair can protect… …from the cold, but also from heat and sun. We recommend that you do not trim them, but if you do, be sure to leave enough length to protect them. We recommend using a high-protection sunscreen on the animal’s white extremities, such as the tips of the ears, to prevent sun exposure and prevent sunburn and the possibility of tumors.
- Throughout the warm season Use a species- and size-appropriate insecticide (some dog products can be fatal to cats). Fleas and ticks can transmit many diseases, and in dogs, phlebotomist bites can transmit leishmaniasis. Natural neem oil products can be chosen for more sensitive individuals.
- Beware of insect bites Insect bites can also affect them, causing allergic and dangerous reactions in some cases. If you notice unusual swelling, redness or itching on the skin, contact your veterinarian immediately. Last but not least, we promote and encourage happy coexistence with non-pets, and if there are others nearby, keep dogs on leashes and clean up their droppings immediately.
What to pack when traveling with your dog?
Here is a list of what not to miss for your dog:
- Updated vaccination booklet
- European passport (if traveling abroad)
- Medicines and prescriptions
- List useful numbers (home veterinarian, vet on site, pet stores once you arrive)
- His food
- Snacks and cookies
- Tooth cleaning cookies
- Food and water bowls
- His cover
- His favorite toys
- Leash
- Bib
- Muzzle
- Carrier (if the dog is small)
- Bags for collecting needs
- A reflective vest that he can wear in case of need
- If you go to the beach, you can get him a small life jacket just for him
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