Taking dogs to the beach is a fun and stimulating adventure and the sea water has a lot of benefits for dogs. Even though it is a joyful experience, it requires some precautions to prevent dogs suffering the heat.
Going to the beach with dogs has positive effects on their health. The salt water, in particular, has healing properties, and the sun encourages the absorption of vitamin D.
What are the benefits of taking dogs to the beach?
Both sea water and sunlight are beneficial for the dog, but it is important not to overdo it.
Positive effects of salt water
Sea water restores tissue damaged by wounds and burns and improves the appearance of the coat. If your dog suffers from itching due to dermatitis, psoriasis or dandruff, salt water helps to relieve it, preventing it from scratching itself and causing new wounds. Care must be taken, however, to ensure that your dog does not drink too much seawater, as this will lead to intoxication.
Always carry plenty of drinking water with you and give it to your dog several times a day. After swimming in the sea, clean your dog’s mouth and nose with products such as Genico Fresh, the skin-friendly cleansing wet wipes. In addition, to prevent salt from remaining in contact with the hair, it’s a good idea to rinse the dog in fresh water and brush it with a combination brush such as GRO 5765 Premium. With bristles that comb and clean the hair and stainless steel wires that remove dead hair and dirt from the undercoat, you’ll be able to easily clean your dog’s coat.
Positive effects of the sun
The sun’s rays promote the absorption of vitamin D, which is an essential nutrient for regulating phosphorus and calcium levels in the bones. The right amount of sunshine, therefore, is an ally in the prevention of bone diseases. In addition, the sun stimulates the production of serotonin, known as the ‘feel-good hormone’. The sun is therefore a remedy for stress, strengthens the immune system, improves the quality of sleep thanks to the secretion of melatonin and relieves joint pain.
Even so, it is advisable not to overdo exposure to the sun to avoid heat stroke. Dogs, unlike humans, do not have sweat glands all over their bodies, but only in limited areas such as the pads of their paws, which makes it more difficult for them to cool down. In addition, the high temperatures of the sand can lead to dogs burning their paws on the beach. It is therefore best to avoid walking in the sun during the hottest hours of the day.
Going with dogs to the beach has a beneficial effect on their physical and mental health, but there are a few things that should not be overlooked and that are essential for their well-being.