Take Your Furr Friend to the Beach
Franklin County offers some of the best beaches to bring your dog. Book a beachside cottage and spend your days splashing in the surf with your best friend. St. George Island features many pet friendly accommodations. Dogs who love waves will love the safe and gentle surf of the Gulf of Mexico. Franklin County’s public beaches are pet friendly but leashes are required. Sorry, no pets are allowed on the beach within the St. George Island Julian G. Bruce State Park.
Within that park, pets are allowed on the paved surfaces, nature trails and in the campsite area provided they are on a handheld leash.
Bringing your pet to the beach can be fun but there are certain precautions you should take. The American Kennel Club outlines several summertime common sense tips.
Bring Shade for your dog. Dogs can get sunburn, especially short-haired dogs and ones with pink skin and white hair. Limit your dog's exposure when the sun is unusually strong, and apply a sunscreen specially formulated for dogs and apply to his ears and nose 30 minutes before hitting the surf. Consider bringing an inexpensive tent to give you and your dog a comfortable place to relax.
Bring plenty of fresh water. The cool Gulf waters are tempting to your dog. Do not allow him to drink too much seawater. The salt in the water will make him sick.
Don’t Force it. Not all dogs can swim. If your dog has never been to the beach, find some quiet water and give your friend a chance to show you if he can swim or not by encouraging him to follow you. Never throw your dog in the water and expect him to swim. Waves can frighten your dog, especially if he is not used to the surf.
Be aware of surf and submerged conditions. Dogs are easy targets for jellyfish and sea lice. And sharp shells can injure tender paws.
Invest in a life vest. Waves, current, and rip tides can quickly exhaust your dog, and that can be deadly. Life vests made specially for dogs come in all sizes. When you’re making your selection, look for one that fastens at three points and has a handle on the back, making it easy for you to lift your dog out of the water.
Don’t overdo it. If your dog is out of shape, don't encourage him to run on the sand. Running on a beach is strenuous exercise, and a dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament.
Rinse thoroughly. When you’re done playing, take time to rinse salt, sand, and microscopic organisms from your dog’s coat. Also, be sure to dry your dog’s ears as moisture in the ear canal can cause ear infections.
Never leave your dog unattended. You should always be in a position to help him get out if he gets scared or tired. Franklin County beaches require pets to be on a leash while on the beach, particularly during turtle nesting season, which is now!
