As the weather heats up in Malaga, many dog owners are eager to hit the beach with their doggy friends, and as usual, during springtime the same question comes up…
🚨 Please contrast this data with the local authorities as the information may not be accurate and vary with time.
Can I take my dog to the beach?
Yes, you can. However, it’s important to know the difference between «dog-friendly» beaches and «beaches for dogs» in Málaga.
In this article we cover topics such as:
- Dog Friendly Beaches in Málaga
- My dog doesn’t know how to swim
- Precautions in the beach
- Train your dog before going to the beach!
- Why going to beach in Málaga is a must.
1) Dog Friendly Beaches in Málaga
1.1 Non-official dog-friendly beaches be like.. «We like Dogs but not always».
Dog-friendly beaches are those where dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash and are often restricted to certain areas or during specific months of the year. These beaches are usually family-friendly and open to everyone, but dog owners should be prepared to keep their dog under control at all times.
These beaches may include Baños del Carmen, Pedregalejo during winter times, or further east, like Maro, Torrox, Nerja, etc. Dogs are not allowed on the beach during the high season (June 15th to September 15th). However, outside of the high season, dogs may be allowed on the beach but must be kept on a leash and are not permitted in the bathing areas. It is important to always check the local regulations before bringing your dog to any beach in Malaga.
⚠️ We do not recommend going with your dog to any beach in Malaga centro, such as Malagueta, Huelin, La Caleta.. Police can get you a fine as dogs are definitely not welcome there, not even in winter times.
Beaches for Dogs in Malaga – Surfing Malaga East with our Belgian Malinois – Offside Dogs Malaga Dog training 2023
1.2 Dogs’ Disneyland: 5 Malaga Beaches exclusive for Dogs.
On the other hand, beaches for dogs are designated areas specifically for dogs to play and swim off-leash. These areas are often fenced in and provide amenities like waste disposal stations and water fountains for dogs. However, they may not be suitable for families with young children or people who are not comfortable around dogs. In Malaga, there are several beaches that allow dogs on a leash, including Playa de la Misericordia and Playa Guadalmar (*1).
The only beaches in Malaga that you can go to in summer with your pet without being fined are the following, from east to west: Torrox, Torre del Mar, Arroyo Totalán, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Casares.
- Arroyo de Totalán, Cala de La Moral Dog-Beach: https://goo.gl/maps/Vxm4E2Wz6kY2DfaR9
- Fuengirola Dog-Beach: https://goo.gl/maps/rYJPYmfVGdwV678c8
- Benalmádena Dog-Beach: https://goo.gl/maps/uxA3G8hwBQ1NG8pe8
- Casares Beach Dog-Beach, near Estepona https://goo.gl/maps/qNcACBs73CxU3ffm9
- Torre del Mar Dog-Beach: https://goo.gl/maps/tquuxHNRE2cijnq57
No matter which type of beach you choose, it’s important to remember to bring plenty of water for your dog, as well as waste bags to clean up after them. And as always, make sure your dog is well-behaved and under control at all times to ensure a safe and enjoyable day at the beach for everyone.
Contact us if you are looking to train your dog for the beach: info@offsidedogs.com
3) My dog doesn’t know how to swim, is the beach safe?
Bringing your dog to the beach can be a fun and exciting experience for both you and your mascot. However, if your dog doesn’t know how to swim, you may be wondering if it’s safe to bring them to the beach. While swimming is a natural instinct for many dogs, not all dogs are comfortable in the water and may require some training or guidance to ensure their safety. It’s important to assess your dog’s swimming abilities and take appropriate precautions to keep them safe at the beach. Below, we share some tips and considerations for bringing a non-swimming dog to the beach, so you can enjoy a safe and fun day in the sun with your beloved pet.
- Start Slowly: Some dogs may be more hesitant to swim than others. Start by introducing your dog to shallow water, and gradually move deeper as they become more comfortable.
- Use a Life Jacket: Even if your dog is a strong swimmer, it’s always a good idea to use a life jacket to ensure their safety in the water.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats and praise for taking steps towards swimming. This will help build their confidence and create a positive association with the water. If the sea is a bit wavy, you can always start playing in the shore, until they get use to the little waves! One step at a time.
- Stay Close: Always keep a close eye on your dog while they’re swimming, especially if they’re new to it. Stay within arm’s reach and make sure they don’t swim too far out, specially if they are diving in the Mediterranean sea!
- Take Breaks: Swimming can be tiring for dogs, especially if they’re new to it. Take breaks every 10-15 minutes to let your dog rest and rehydrate. You’ll notice when he is ready to swim again once its breathing becomes natural again (and they dont look suffocated!)
Contact us if you are looking to train your dog for the beach: info@offsidedogs.com
4) Precautions at the beach: Mind your dog’s water intake and exercise levels.
While playing and swimming can be great exercise for dogs, too much activity in the hot sun can lead to dehydration and other health problems. Additionally, drinking too much salt water can be dangerous for your dog’s health. Always make sure you are providing fresh water and shade to pacing their activity and monitoring their behavior for signs of distress.
By taking these precautions and being mindful of your dog’s needs, you can ensure that your pet has a safe and enjoyable day at the beach:
- Bloat: Drinking too much water too quickly, or eating too much after excercise can cause a condition known as bloat in dogs, which is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with air and twists. This can be caused by drinking too much water, especially after exercise. To prevent this, it’s important to limit a dog’s water intake during exercise and wait at least an hour after exercise before allowing them to drink again.
- Overexertion: Dogs can easily overexert themselves during exercise, especially in hot weather. Overexertion can cause heatstroke, dehydration, and other health problems. It’s important to monitor a dog’s activity level during exercise and take frequent breaks to rest and rehydrate. Please make sure you always take a parasol to provide shade to your dog, especially under the harsh and hot Andalusian sun!
- Joint Damage: High-impact exercise like running and jumping can cause joint damage in dogs, especially in older dogs or dogs with pre-existing joint problems. It’s important to choose appropriate exercise for a dog’s age and physical condition, and to consult with a veterinarian if there are any concerns.
- Fatigue: Excessive exercise can also cause fatigue in dogs, which can lead to a decrease in performance, motivation, and overall health. It’s important to balance exercise with rest to ensure a dog’s overall well-being.
Contact us if you are looking for a dog trainer for the beach: info@offsidedogs.com
5) Train your dog before going to the beach
Before going to the beach with your dog, it’s important to ensure that your dog is well-trained and obedient, which can help keep them safe and prevent accidents or injuries.
- Socialization: A professional dog trainer can help your dog learn to socialize with other dogs and people in a positive and controlled environment, which can make outings to the beach more enjoyable and safe for everyone involved.
- Basic obedience: Basic obedience commands like «come,» «stay,» and «leave it» can help keep your dog safe on the beach by preventing them from running into dangerous situations or picking up harmful items.
- Leash training: Beaches can be busy and crowded, and leash training can help prevent your dog from wandering too far and getting lost or in trouble.
- Addressing problem behaviors: A professional dog trainer can help you address problem behaviors like excessive barking, jumping on people, or aggression, which can be exacerbated in unfamiliar environments like the beach.
- Safety: Proper training can help keep your dog safe and prevent accidents or injuries on the beach. A well-trained dog is less likely to run into dangerous situations, like getting too close to the water or eating something harmful.
Prepare for the beach with the help of a professional dog trainer: info@offsidedogs.com
6) Why taking a dog to the beach in Málaga is a must
Despite potential disadvantages of living with a mascot in the city (whether it’s in a house or an apartment), many people successfully live with their dogs in Málaga and enjoy the benefits of canine companionship.
But many city dogs suffer separation anxiety, usually manifested with destructive behavior. Dogs that are bored or not properly stimulated may resort to destructive behavior, such as chewing on furniture or digging through trash, among other.
Happy Belgian Malinois in a Dog friendly beach in Malaga
Remember, with proper socialization, training, exercise, and attention, it is possible to have a happy and healthy dog in Málaga.
Dogs are social animals and love to spend time with their owners. Taking your dog to Malaga beach is a great way to spend time with them and give them some much-needed exercise. Malaga beaches provides a large, open space for dogs to run, play, and explore, which is especially important for breeds that need a lot of physical activity.
Contact us if you are looking for a dog trainer for the beach: info@offsidedogs.com
In addition to being a fun environment, the beach can also be beneficial for a dog’s physical health. Malaga sand provides a natural resistance that can help strengthen a dog’s muscles and improve their balance, known as propioception, so even a beach with rocks is very stimulating and beneficial to your dog’s cognitive development. Swimming in the Mediterranean sea can also be a great form of low-impact exercise that can improve a dog’s cardiovascular health.
Moreover, Malaga dog-friendly beaches provide a stimulating environment for a dog’s senses. The sound of the waves crashing and the feel of the sand under their paws can be an exciting and new experience for dogs. Additionally, taking your dog to Malaga beaches can help your pet expose to new sights, sounds, and smells, and other stimuli which keep their minds active and engaged.
Stay informed to keep the people and our doggies happy and healthy! 🖤
If you wish to keep informed about legal matters, health issues, and lifestyle in Málaga or about your dog’s wellbeing in general, subscribe to our mailing list here: info@offsidedogs.com
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*Disclaimer: Please always contrast the information with specialists and various sources and local authorities. Some information has been simplified for better understanding. The content of this document is provided for guidance only, and while every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information and translations contained, no liability can be accepted for any errors omissions and inaccuracies, or for the opinions expressed herein.
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