James is going out of town and I’m going to a charity Bochi Ball tournament in
Up till now we have been cautious to take her to any exclusively “dog beaches” or “dog parks” for fear of infestation of sick dogs left behind on the grass or sand. I feel that a beach is a little different than a dog park because the waves are always breaking and re-circling the sand. I also feel that since she has interaction with other dogs on a daily basis there is nothing at the
Just last night the park we went to had at least twenty dogs running around. James thinks that it would be safer to wait until she is 6 months to take her to any sort of a dog beach. However, I hate the thought of leaving Tink at home when I am going somewhere she is allowed and I know she would have a great time. I of course will ultimately do whatever is best for Tink’s health and I am posting this in hopes of getting advice on what to do.
So should I take her or leave her home?
PS: Don’t worry, we don’t let Tink read these posts so she won’t be mad at you if you say we should leave her home :)
7 Comments
I personally would take my frenchie there. That would be a great learning experience for her. Unless there are wild squirrels and bunnies running around, you should be fine. But remember, vets do say wait for a reason. Just keep her close and far away from anything you don’t trust.
I would take Maddie to the beach. I wish I lived close to a beach where she could experience the waves and sand. Neither of my dogs have ever been to the ocean or a beach. They have been to the mountain lake and love running along the bank and playing in the water. I think Tink would be just fine at the beach, I know you are a watchful mom and she will be just fine. Have fun and share pics and stories about the adventure when you get back.
Living on the totally opposite side of the US, and about six blocks from the Atlantic Ocean and the beach, I usually avoid taking my froggies anywhere in the summertime due to the fleas, gnats, and swarms of mosquitos and flies (that’re attracted to all the trash and junk food, beverages, etc.) so it’s just not worth endangering the dogs…
Last year, on your coast, there were cases of Typhus! transmitted by fleas:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=116×15963, and don’t know whether sand fleas are prevalent in California, but they can be equally pretty nasty when dogs and humans are around: http://www.asktheexterminator.com/Fleas/Sand_Fleas.shtml - Hairier, larger-sized water-lovin’ dogs have an easier time coping with these pests, but they can stiff suffer major itching.
At four months of age, I’d leave the dog home safe and sound… She does need to get accustomed to your leaving your household for longer stretches of time… And you should enjoy your tournament without having to fret about the dog.
Flea infections are AWFUL! And you have wall-to-wall carpeting, so try to avoid an infestation in your home at all costs… Tink’s still young, and the more you do to maintain her healthy and keep her free of parasites, the better she’ll fare in the long run.
Cheers!
Tati
This sounds like an event that might last a while - if so, and it’s warm out, you’re going to need to monitor her for heatstroke. That’s what my main concern would be - having her out in the heat of the day for so long.
Here’s a link to the article I just wrote on heatstroke -
http://bullmarketfrogs.com/blog/?p=469
Step one would be to get her a good cool coat before you go.
Have fun, take photos!
Absolutely! What a wonderful opportunity for socialization with people, dogs, and waves. Frenchies sink more than they float so be careful about her being in the water. You may want to invest in a dog flotation device. Make sure she is having a positive experience with the other dogs by reading her body language constantly. Give her a break if she is overwhelmed. Puppies don’t have the same musculature as adult dogs and are, therefore, more prone to injury.
Thanks so much for all you advice. James told me that as as long as nobody commented that I shouldnt take her, she was allowed to go. I’ll definitely take lots of pictures and post them all I can’t wait were gonna have so much fun!
Be very careful that she doesn’t overheat, you know Frenchies overheat easily. Have shade and cool water for her and be sure to rinse the saltwater off her if she goes swimming. Enjoy!