Elsa's 1st Beach Trip - Suggestions please

[ElsasFamily]

Our family is leaving for a week to vacation in the Outer Banks North Carolina. This will be Elsa's first trip to the beach and my first time bringing a dog to the beach. So to those with beach experience please chime in here.

Currently I don't have any issues with fleas so I haven't given her any preventive treatment. I'd rather not give her chemicals but then again I'd hate to have a flea infestation. How have others handled this issue? I'd like to have only a flea collar on her, but I dont know if these collars will stand up to the sand fleas and other icky bugs.

I wont be taking her out during the warm day as she doesnt tolerate the heat well. We will go out on the beach in the early morning and evening though. She isnt much of a swimmer either so I doubt she'll head for the waves.

I feel like I'm missing some important stuff and I cannot think of extras to bring her. So here is my list. If I've forgotten something please help me and add to the list.

• Leashes - 6ft and 20ft
• Flea collar
• Dog crate
• Dog bed
• dry kibble
• treats
• toys
• extra marrow bone
• brush
• food and water bowls

Thanks for helping
~Kim

[Ayoka]

I find microfiber towels great for humans AND dogs they are lightweight, small and VERTY absorbant.

I also bring an extra day's worth of food when travelling, just in case something happens and I get delayed.(I store each portion in a ziplock baggie instead of carting around a 15 kg bag of food.

Maybe this is paranoid, but I'd also look up some vet numbers/addresses in the area, just in case of emergency.

[jas'smom]

I take mine to Hatteras every year I have never had any problems with fleas or the like there. ......one thing I do recommend though...depending on where your house is located on the dunes....you can run into some real nasty sand burs they are eveywhere around the sand grasses......I bought set of 4 booties for my girl as the burs were very painful for her. Oh and I do rinse Jas off every day...the sand and salt water really dries her skin out........

[Miabella]

We have, like Pam, brought dogs to Hatteras for many years, and never had a flea issue. I do not use flea prevention at home, and I don't put anything on them for the Outer Banks.

I also make up a temporary collar tag (small luggage tags are good for this) with your beach house address. Have fun!!!

[flyballmom]

Take plenty of fresh water to the beach with you so she won't be tempted to drink salt water. Who knows how it might effect Elsa, but Blitz...let's just say you wouldn't have been anywhere NEAR the rear end for several hours.

[tuckersmum]

Don't forget to take bottled water from home for her, because all water is not the same and the drinking water in S.C. will be different than at home. A couple extra big towels just for her are a good idea too...

I took Tucker to Galveston for the first time and he loved playing in the water. He was scared of the waves even tho they were very small. But then my boy IS a big baby LOL

[ElsasFamily]

Thanks for all the great tips. I'll post pictures of us when we return. I'm glad I can finally have the whole family together for vacation. It never feels right when I have to leave Elsa.

[damp]

I would bring a spade. I inherited my daughter's small "scout spade" and I dig a deep hole in the sand, where my dog can lie. (Wet sand is cooler) Also I bring a sunshade to place over the "dog bed" !

That's what I do, even a HOT day here is "only" about 77 degrees ("puff and blow" ) and my dog loves to swim and cool down in the ocean.

Ps. I cover the hole again, when I leave the beach
(...and don't forget plastic bags!!! )

[Lola B Marie]

Don't forget her pail and shovel. Have a great trip.Take your camera I think you forgot that on your list.

[Fastdragst]

The sand flea's you hear of are not actually flea's. There Gnats, so no to chemicals.

[Fastdragst]

And they are worst in the morning and evening when there's not much breeze

[Paulos]

If she does get into the water, you will need some cleaning solution for her ears, and a few cotton balls to do it.