Walking on the beach is one of life’s great pleasures, and it’s especially nice when you can bring your furry friend along. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly beach in New Jersey, we’ve got you covered. From Sandy Hook to Cape May, here are some of the best beaches where your pup can run, swim, and play to their heart’s content.
Where are the best dog beaches in New Jersey
This question is difficult to answer, as it depends on what you consider to be the ideal beach for a dog. Some of the best dog beaches located along the New Jersey Atlantic coastline include:
- Bradley Cove Dog Beach – Asbury Park
- Beach Haven Doggy Bay – Beach Haven
- Wildwood Dog Park & Beach – Wildwood
- Longport Dog Beach – Atlantic City
- Cape May Dog Beach – South Cape May
If you live further inland, there are plenty of dog beaches that can be found at recreation areas and state parks scattered across New Jersey.
What should I do if my dog doesn’t know how to swim?
Even dogs that aren’t natural swimmers can learn how with some patience and lots of positive reinforcement. Get in the water yourself so that they have a non-threatening human example to follow. Praise your dog if they start swimming on their own, and bring them out of the water immediately if they struggle or look scared. If this continues for a long time, consider investing in a canine life vest just to be safe!
What should I do if my dog is fearful?
It’s important that your dog feels comfortable and relaxed at the dog beach. If your dog is scared, don’t force them to interact with other dogs. Bring lots of toys for them to play with as well as some treats – positive reinforcement always works wonders!
What should I do if my dog is aggressive?
Aggression can be caused by many different factors, so take a moment to try and figure out if your dog is just a little grumpy or actually feels threatened. Keep a close eye on aggressive dogs while at the beach, and bring them back to the car right away if they show signs of aggression.
What common problems should I be aware of?
Digging, over-excitement, and miscommunication between dogs are the three most common problems at dog beaches. If your dog loves to dig, consider bringing them to a section of the beach that has no sensitive vegetation. Make sure you’re aware of where other people’s dogs are at all times – if they feel threatened or uncomfortable by another dog, your pet could end up using them as a chew toy.
If my dog digs in the sand at the beach, what can I do?
As long as your dog isn’t digging a hole to China and they aren’t digging in an area with sensitive vegetation, there’s no need to worry!
What should I do if my dog has diarrhea or is vomiting after leaving the beach?
If your dog has vomiting or diarrhea within 24 hours of visiting the dog beach, call the vet immediately. If it happens right after leaving the beach, bring your dog home and scrub down their feet and fur with soap and water to prevent them from ingesting bacteria.
Is there anything else I should know about taking my pet to a dog beach?
If your dog spends a significant amount of time at the dog beach, consider vaccinating them against Lyme disease. Make sure that your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and always watch for signs of ticks after visiting the beaches!
