Sun, Sea and Beach

Wohoo! I am claiming my independence once again and will be heading to Ruby’s Resort in Cherating next week to spend some quality time with the humanos.

Jen and Ron were seen busy packing things for the 3D2N. I won’t be bringing my ‘jamban’ along this time since it is way too space consuming. Not an issue since I can live with it. When you are close to Nature, think Nature and you will do things Naturally.

Jen came across this article while googling the Pot of Information i.e the Internet and would like to share this with the beachgoers (the humanos and the dogs). Here are the 13 points good to know.

1) When taking your dog to the beach, make sure there is plenty of fresh water and shade.

2) Dogs with short hair, white fur and pink skin can get sunburned, so limit your dog's exposure to the hot sun and apply a zinc-free sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside.

3) Be careful not to let your dog spend too much time on hot sand or asphalt. Dogs can burn their tender paws just as easily as we can on our feet.

4) Cool ocean water is very tempting to a dog. Don't allow your dog to drink too much seawater as this can cause diarrhea or vomiting and quickly dehydrate them.

I'm cool

5) Check with lifeguards or the resort for daily water conditions. Dogs can be easy targets for jellyfish and sea lice. It is good to have the dog protected with Spot On or Frontline and a small bottle of vinegar comes in handy on jellyfish stings.

6) Check out and inquire any potential rip currents and underwater dangers at ocean beaches. This not only dangerous to dogs but to the human as well. Identify and steer clear from this area.

7) Swimming is a great form of exercise for dogs but their abilities are differ by fitness and breed. Don’t let the dog overdo it as they will be using new muscles and may tire quickly. It is crucial to monitor any signs of exhaustion.

8) Never leave the dog alone by the water. Dogs are just like kids where frequent monitoring is required.

9) Running on a beach is strenuous exercise and a dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament. If your dog is out of shape, don't encourage him to run on the sand.

I'm Fit! Oh Yeah!

10) The beach can present many hazards for your dog. Things to watch out for include fishhooks, dead fish, seaweed, garbage, and broken glass. If the dog does sustain a cut from running on the beach, treat the cut by applying direct pressure until the bleeding stops. Take the dog to a veterinarian if necessary.

11) Salt and other minerals in ocean water can damage your dog's coat, so rinse him off at the end of the day. Not forgetting cleaning the ears with a quick wipe inside to help elevate the extra moisture. If left unattended, it may tend to build into an ear infection.

I am wet now, where's the shampoo?

12) Keep the dog on leash. This is for the dog’s safety and for the safety of other beachgoers and wildlife.

Hey! Is that a turtle?

13) Clean up and dispose dog poops in an appropriate trash bin. It is unpleasant for beachgoers and it poses real health threat to swimmers and other dogs. “Fecal coliform bacteria” in seawater tied to dog poops on the beach can make human and animals ill. In some cases, these bacteria can reach to a level that requires the local Health Department to issue a swimmers' health advisory.

HOOLA! HAVE FUN DUDE!

*Pictures originated from the Pot of Information