Many beaches don't allow dogs during the summer months, but if you do find a dog-friendly beach there are some important guidelines to follow. recently compiled a list of doggie dos and don'ts for the beach. According to the site, two of the most important things to keep in mind when planning a beach day with your dog are:

Swim safety: Don't force your dog into the water if he or she is being timid, and make sure to bring a swim vest if your pet is not an expert swimmer. "If this is the first time your dog will be swimming, you may want to read up on his breed."

Temperature: In the summer months, it's especially important to keep an eye on your dog's well-being at the beach. "Summer at the beach can bring about two extremes: Heat from the sun and a cold, cold ocean. Pay attention to how your dog is acting and responding while he's with you throughout the day, since there could be the potential of either heat stroke or hypothermia."

Click through the gallery for more doggie beach dos and don'ts, and visit for more information.

More Information provides the following guidelines for taking care of your dog should they suffer heat stroke or hypothermia:


Some signs of heat stroke in a dog include:

-Rapid panting
-Bright red tongue
-Thick, sticky saliva



-Apply ice packs or cool towels to the pet's head, neck and chest only.
-Allow the pet to drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
-Then take him to the nearest vet.


Some signs of hypothermia in a dog include:

-Muscle stiffness
-Difficulty breathing
-Fixed and dilated pupils



-Wrap your dog in towels and blankets that have been warmed by the sun.