The sun is shining, the water’s inviting, and that gets you thinking, ‘what about a beach day?’ Of course, you’ll be wanting to bring your furry friend along with you.
So, today we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about setting up for the perfect beach trip with your Pug.
From what to bring and how to prepare to must-know beach etiquette, we’ll leave no stone unturned.
Can Pugs go to the Beach?
Absolutely!
You can definitely take your Pug to the beach, but remember to watch them closely. Pugs can’t swim so you’ll need to make sure they don’t venture out too deep.
It’s also important to remember that Pugs are a brachycephalic breed, meaning that their internal temperature controls aren’t good. Your Pug will be susceptible to overheating and heatstroke.
If you decide to take your Pug to the beach you will need to take all the necessary precautions to keep them safe.
But don’t worry, in just a moment we’ll be laying out everything you need to know and prepare for a fun and safe beach day with your Pug.
When Can I Start Taking my Pug Puppy to the Beach?
You’ll want to wait until your Pug is about 4 months old before taking them to the beach. By this time, your Pug will have completed their third round of vaccinations.
As a general rule, veterinary advice is that you should wait until approximately two weeks after their final vaccinations before taking your Pug puppy out in public places.
This two-week waiting period is really important so don’t be tempted to skip it.
It’s there to make sure that the vaccines have been fully effective and to keep your precious Pug puppy safe and healthy.
Top Tips for the Perfect Pug Beach Trip
As long as your Pug is fully vaccinated, you can start planning your beach trip! But make sure to carry out some planning in advance of the big day.
This way, you’ll ensure that your Pug stays safe in the sand.
You’ll need to think about packing the right gear, preparing for the car ride, sun protection, maintaining beach-appropriate behaviors, and much more.
I know it sounds like a lot, but we’ve got your back.
So, without further ado, here are our go-to top tips for the perfect Pug beach trip.
1. Pack everything you need
First thing’s first, make sure you’ve got all the supplies you need for your Pug’s big day out. We recommend bringing the following with you on your beach day:
- Beach blanket
- Towel for drying off
- Pug-friendly sunscreen
- Poop bags
- Portable water bowl and water
- Doggie first aid kit
- An umbrella to provide shade
- Waterproof leash and harness
2. Find a dog-friendly beach
Next, you’ll need to locate a dog-friendly beach. After all, you don’t want to turn up only to find that your Pug is not allowed to enjoy the sand.
Some beaches, point-blank, do not allow dogs. Others may have specific hours when dogs are or aren’t allowed.
Some beaches that are Dogs friendly:
- Cannon Beach — Oregon
- Carmel — California
- Galveston — Texas
- Indiana Dunes National Park — Indiana
- Mackinac Island Lakeshore — Michigan
- Wildwood Dog Beach — New Jersey
3. Check the beach rules
Once you’ve found a dog-friendly beach, make sure to check out their rules and regulations.
- Are there any breed or age restrictions?
- What are the leash requirements?
- Is there any time period that dogs are not allowed in the beach?
- etc….
4. Prepare for the ride
You’ll need to deck out your car for your Pug, pre, and post-beach. Your Pug should be safely fastened into the car to keep them safe.
The safest way to do this is by using a doggie car seat. Make sure you’ve got plenty of water. In the warm weather, your Pug will quickly become dehydrated.
Last but not least, bring something to protect your car seats from the inevitable mess on the way back -it’s gonna be sandy people.
5. Protect against overheating
Pugs are a brachycephalic breed and that means they don’t cope well in extreme temperatures. Chances are if you’re planning a beach day, it’s summertime.
There’s no reason your Pug cannot enjoy the beach safely, but you’ll have to take the necessary measures to keep them safe.
- Always avoid taking your Pug to the beach during the hottest hours of the day. Early morning or evening time, when the temperatures are lower, are much safer options.
- Don’t stay on the beach too long. Even if you’re having sooooo much fun.
- Find a shady spot and use an umbrella or tent to provide more shade.
- Have plenty of water and frozen treats ready to stay hydrated.
- Bring a cooling mat for your Pug to lay on. Sand can get very hot to the point that it could actually burn your Pug’s paw pads if they stand on it for too long.
6. Sunscreen, flea, & tick protection
Just like humans, Pugs are vulnerable to sunburn. Their skin can become burned and their noses cracked. This is painful and bad for their health.
So, make sure you’re using plenty of sunscreen on you and your Pug. Luckily there are plenty of doggie sun protection creams on the market.
As well as sunscreen, make sure that you’re protecting your Pug against fleas and ticks. These critters love the beach, so always apply a flea and tick protector prior to your visit.
7. Pay attention at all times
The beach is totally fun, but there are some dangers too. Remember, your Pug can’t swim so don’t let them in the water unattended. Here’s our go-to advice for keeping your Pug safe on the beach.
- Do not let them eat sand – sand will give your Pug an upset stomach
- Do not let them drink seawater – this can make them very sick
- Watch where they step – look out for harmful items like fishing hooks, bottle tops, etc.
- Make sure they’re not disturbing nature – keep them away from any turtle eggs, washed-up fish, or other natural wildlife.
- Treat any wounds – seawater and sand are full of bacteria, so treat any cuts and scrapes with antibiotic ointment right away.
- Keep them on a leash – if your Pug isn’t fully recall trained then it’s best to keep them on a leash. Remember, Pugs cannot swim. If you want to let them experience the water, it’s best to get a Pug lifejacket and waterproof harness.
- Avoid boardwalks – quite often dogs are not allowed on boardwalks. Besides the potential fine, these very busy places are best avoided.
8. Clean up after your Pug
Be a good citizen and clean up after any mess your Pug makes. Bring doggie bags to pick up after your pug and make sure to fill in any holes they dig during the day.
9. Doggy sunglasses are a thing
It’s true. Doggie sunglasses exist. Not only are they incredibly fun to look at, but they also serve a very important function.
Sunglasses will protect your Pug’s delicate eyes from the sun, sand, and other irritants in the beach air.
10. Don’t be tempted to trim
Lots of canine parents, with good intent, think it’s a good idea to get their dogs shaven before a beach trip.
In reality, this will only make them more vulnerable in the sun. Your Pugs coat is what insulates them in hot and cold weather.
It actually helps keep them cool and protects against sunburn. So keep the coat!
11. Rinse off your Pug
After your beach day, rinse off your Pug thoroughly. You’ll want to get rid of all that sand and salt.
Saltwater can be an irritant to your Pug’s skin and often gets trapped in their coats.
You’ll need to rinse thoroughly to prevent bacterial overgrowth and potential skin infections. Plus, there may be nasty parasites clinging to their fur.
Make sure to clean all-over, including coat, ears, paws, and wrinkles.
Do I Need Pet Insurance?
Having pet insurance is not a requirement in order to take your Pug to the beach, but it’s a good idea.
Pet insurance will give you that extra level of protection against any accidents that may happen on your day out.
If your Pug ends up needing a vet, your insurance will cover some (or all) of the financial burden.
Enjoy Your Pug-Perfect Beach Trip
You’re ready for the perfect Pug beach trip. Enjoy your day out with all the family.
Pugs can definitely enjoy the beach. Just make sure that you’ve got everything you need to keep your little friend safe, cool, and healthy.