Blue Flag tip of the day: be a responsible dog owner

Jul
11
2012
Dogs seem to enjoy the beach as much as we do. With their thick coats, they love nothing more than splashing around in the water on a hot summer day. But before you head to the beach with Fido, make sure you are going somewhere that dogs are ...
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Dogs seem to enjoy the beach as much as we do. With their thick coats, they love nothing more than splashing around in the water on a hot summer day. But before you head to the beach with Fido, make sure you are going somewhere that dogs are welcome.

One of the reasons that Blue Flag beaches have consistently good water quality is that dogs are not permitted on the beach or in the water. When dog waste is left behind, it can contaminate the water with fecal bacteria. This can raise E.coli levels and make the water unsafe for swimming. Not only that, but no one wants a bare foot to land in a pile of doggie doo!
 
Some municipalities have by-laws that prohibit dogs from beaches during the swimming season, for several reasons:
-they shake water on people
-they kick up sand on people and food
-they go after people’s food
-they can get into fights with other dogs
-they disturb nesting shorebirds
 
So before you head out with your dog, make sure to seek out a dog-friendly beach or a designated off-leash area. Always bring doggie bags with you to pick up after your pet, and dispose of it in the proper garbage receptacle.
 
Finally, remember to keep your furry friend safe in the summer heat. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink, and keep him in the shade as much as possible. Yes, dogs can burn too -- so apply sunscreen to your dog’s nose and ears 30 minutes before going outside, and don’t let him spend too much time on the hot sand. If your dog is not used to swimming, don’t let him overdo it. Running on the sand is especially strenuous, so if your dog is old or out of shape, don’t encourage him to run too much.
 
There are lots of ways your dog can enjoy the beach without disturbing others or impacting the beach ecosystem. So make sure to respect Blue Flag rules and you can help ensure a pleasant day at the beach for everyone!

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