Have A Wet Jersey Shore Fun Time with Your Canine Best Friend:
by Bev Thompson ~
Now that Memorial Day has opened the summer season at The Jersey Shore, humankind’s Best Friend – wants to enjoy the Family Fun, too. What dog doesn’t love playing Frisbee, catching a toss or two with their favorite ball, or leaping with abandon into the coolness of an ocean splash, biting at the surf?
There are several pet-friendly beaches that provide access for you and your canine pal. Be sure to check – for any restrictions that may apply.
- 8th Avenue Dog Beach 8th Ave & Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ, US, 07712
- Longport Dog Beach Ocean Dr. Egg Harbor Township, NJ, US, 08244
- Sandy Hook/Gateway National Park 1 Bay Ave, End of Highlands Bridge, Highlands, NJ
- Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area 391 3rd Ave, Manasquan, NJ, US, 08736-0000
To keep your adventures FUN and SAFE, here are some precautionary SAFETY tips:
1) Give Your Dog Plenty of Fresh Water. If your dog ingests too much ocean water they could get saltwater poisoning. Diarrhea and vomiting with lethargy should be taken very seriously after a day at the beach. Also known as Hyponatremia, or water intoxication, it can come on quickly and is life-threatening. Get your dog to a vet ASAP.
2) Keep Your Dog Cool. If your dog is experiencing overheating, be watchful of the following signs:
- Panting or Breathing Loudly
- Licking the flanks (the side of the dog between the end of the chest and the rear leg)
- Walking Unsteadily or Collapsing
What to do? Get a wet towel and drape over the dog’s back or wet the dog’s backside and let air- dry. If your dog is still exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion, get your dog to a vet.
Be Preventative. Use a dog cool-coat or cool pad for the beach. After you soak them in water, they can last up to 5-6 hours. Keep the Velcro cooling pad on your dog during downtime at the beach.
3) Provide Shade. Use a beach umbrella for you and your canine companion. Remember: Protect your dog’s paws on the hot sand and pavements. If you can’t put your bare feet or open palms down on either; it’s too hot for your dog to walk on.
4) Give Your Dog a Rest. The sun is fun, but don’t overdo it. Just like their humans; they need downtime. Take a break from your playtime. Don’t let your dog get overheated or overly tired. Did you know that even a dog that can swim can drown when pushed to exhaustion?
Remember: Contrary to popular belief: Not ALL dogs can automatically swim. Introduce your dog to the water a little bit at a time, holding on to them to see if they can stay afloat and dog paddle, or use a life preserver until they are comfortable swimming on their own.
5) NEVER leave your dog in the car during the Summer Months. It’s hot out! Dogs cannot sweat. Bodily functions break down. They go into Shock. It takes just 6 minutes for a dog to die in a HOT car. If a dog’s internal temperature goes above 105.8 F, your dog is at risk for heatstroke. Only 50% of dogs survive.
Stay Cool! Stay Safe! Have FUN!