Some of us go out to sea during the holidays, and the question arises whether to take our dog with us or leave it at home. One aspect in deciding may be the question of whether the sea is okay for dogs. Will the salt damage your dog's coat, or is this an unnecessary concern?
If you go out to sea and take your dog with you, you will need to plan, think and anticipate to make sure that your vacation goes smoothly for all members of the trip. Some people may worry about what the sea water will do to their dog. Will it dry out the dog's skin, can it harm him?
If you have similar thoughts, you don't have to worry. Sea water is just as beneficial for dogs as it is for us. That is, if we're reasonable and don't let our dog swim all day on a hot day. Moderation is key.
If you're planning to spend your entire vacation on the beach, you might want to think again about whether this holiday is appropriate for your dog. Spending all day in the sun isn't the best for your dog. If you do go together, you may notice that your dog's coat is beginning to lose its shine and his skin is dry and scaly. Sensitive dogs may also experience hair breakage and loss.
Some breeds tolerate water (not only the sea) better, respectively their fur is better adapted to stay in it. Because their coat is naturally greasy, it better resists the absorption of salt water and also helps keep the skin moisturized, preventing scaling. Such breeds include the Labrador, the Portuguese Water Dog, and the Irish Water Spaniel.
On the other hand, dogs with a double coat have the biggest issues with salty water. They are prone to humidity, because the water stays between their thick inner coat and their outer softer coat. Bacteria also multiply easily in such humid environments. This is true for the Husky or Akita.
We should also be more careful with dogs with fine hair, as well as hairless dogs or dogs with very little hair. They also need more care so that the combination of sun and salt water does not damage their skin.
Whatever the dog's coat, here are some measures to keep their skin healthy. After bathing in the sea, give your dog a proper shower from the ends of its fur to its skin. Keep him in the shade as much as possible; in addition to preventing overheating, this will also prevent their fur from drying out. Allow your dog to dry before loading it in the car, locking it in a crate, or before he goes somewhere where his wet fur won't trap moisture. For sensitive dogs, use sunscreen products. Your veterinarian can recommend appropriate sun protection, or you can buy dog clothing with UV protection.
As a first aid, pack a soothing shampoo that will help if your dog starts to itch or turn red in response to salt water. You could start adding salmon oil to your dog's food before the trip, which will help keep his coat and skin healthy and nourished.
I hope you enjoy a smooth, trouble-free seaside holiday with your four-legged friends.
It's no secret that dogs like to visit the vet about as much as we like to visit the dentist. For most dogs, it causes stress that lasts for several hours. Thanks to their instincts, they sense it before you even leave for the vet's clinic. How can you...
When we let nature work and we don't interfere with it, it can do wonders. Letting the wolves into Yellowstone National Park and leaving them to their our own fate shows us what a complex system nature is and how dozens of wild beasts can transform...
58-year-old Chris found a new life purpose in rescuing and caring for cats after his son died. It helps him cope with his grief, and it gives him something to do.
Many of us love essential oils, whether it's because of their smell or their curative effects. Every other home has an aroma lamp or diffuser. But did you know what effects these fragrances have on your cats, and that they can seriously harm them?...
You've surely seen the viral videos where cats jump away in fright and are in complete shock because of a cucumber. Would you like to know the reason for this? Are cats afraid of this harmless vegetable, or is there another reason?
This little dog is very dependent on its owner. It is boundlessly dedicated to its owner and will do anything to cheer him up. It's not surprising that it's also referred to as an antidepressant dog. After all, just looking at this dog will put...
Although their appearance and nature is somewhat similar to that of the Norwegian Forest cat and Maine Coon cats, Siberian cats are not as popular. Outside of Russia and the former Eastern Bloc, they are not well known and are not seen very often. In...
Dogs are an inseparable part of our lives. But how to do it when your dream is to travel around the world on a sailboat or any other adventure? Take your furry friend with you. What shouldn’t you forget when preparing for a long journey wherever it...
The second day of Hindi festival called Tihar is devoted to dogs. Their loyalty and devotion is celebrated, they are honoured as companions, guardians and friends. A holiday which is full of lights and colours doesn’t forget about stray dogs and it is...
Brown rats are very cleanly animals. You can see them licking themselves several times a day and thus keeping their fur in a perfect condition. They suffer if their environment is not suitable, even though they can survive it. Many people think they...
For us, devoted dog parents, changes in our lives often include our dog companions. Moreover, the stuff we do to keep our furry friends happy and healthy also commonly influence us as well. We owe them for better life and they deserve to get the same...
It is sometimes fine to disrupt dogs’ routine by an interesting activity and what might be better than to teach your dog some tricks. Dogs hate boredom, even the greatest lazybones welcome some distraction. Here you have a couple of tips for tricks you...
