It’s great to play fetch with your dog in the backyard, or even to go for long walks around the neighborhood, but for sheer fun for both your dog and you, few activities rival a good romp at a dog-friendly beach.  Fortunately, Tampa is becoming known as one of  America’s top dog-friendly cities in terms of access to beaches and even restaurants.

Whether it’s playing in the water, or running  along the shoreline, there are a lot of benefits in taking your dog to the beach, starting with the fact that it’s a great way to cool off during the dog days of summer!  A day, or even a few hours at the beach improves your dog’s overall fitness – and yours, too.  The exercise helps keep your dog toned, and it lets them release excess energy as well as pent-up tension.  If your dog is anxious, regular visits to the beach have even been known to reduce anxiety.  It’s also a great way for your dog to learn how to socialize with other pooches, which comes in handy when encountering other dogs in your neighborhood.

Most importantly, taking your dog to the beach is just plain fun.  It’s fun for your dog, and it’s fun for you.  However, there are a few safety tips you should consider:

• Buy a dog vest to allow your dog to play in the water longer without getting too tired.
• Bring a supply of fresh water for your dog to drink. Consuming saltwater is no better for your dog than it is for you.
• Unless you have a strong, experienced swimmer, try to avoid going to the beach at high tide.
• Keep an eye out for jagged shells, which can be very sharp.
• Be sure to bring plenty of poop bags!

Before heading out, here are more tips from Pet Keen.

These are some of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Tampa Bay: