• Avoid tall grassy areas along shore, as these are frequented by snakes and rodents.

• Sandy beach areas are best for letting dogs run around.  The water will appear clearer in these areas, too, as the shallow bottom is not covered by rocks or grasses.

• Avoid rocky areas and in the river, oyster beds.  Dogs also cut their pads frequently on broken glass in popular spots.

• Always give your dog a freshwater rinse after going in a lake or the river.  Many dogs appear clean but there are microscopic organisms and bacteria which can lead to skin irritations a few days later.

• Be aware of alligators in lakes and even in the river.  Alligators are attracted to splashing and it has been said they have a preference for dogs.  Never let your dog loose if you see one.

• Water moccasins are one type of poisonous snake that can be found in the reeds and bushes along the edges of lakes and the river.

• Provide plenty of fresh cold water for your dog to drink.  Many times they will try to drink the river or lake water and later vomit it up.

• Provide a shade source for your dog.  This can be under a tree, under an umbrella, or under the bimini cover of a boat.  Dogs play hard, and if in the sun too long, can easily suffer heat exhaustion, which leads to heat stroke. (see Summer Heat Page).

• Be considerate of others--always pick up after your dog.  Many swimming areas are off limits to dogs due to the lack of cooperation from dog owners when it comes to good ol' pooper scooping.  Bring an extra bag just for you-know-what.

• Boating dogs can now wear life-vests.  Most marine stores carry a line of flotation vests for dogs of all sizes.

• Boating dogs should also be taught how to swim to the part of the boat which will be where you pull them in (such as a dive platform or ladder).  Lots of dogs board the boat from a dock and do not know what to do if they fall into the water. 

• Sunscreen--you wear it, so should your dog.  Dogs with fair coloring around the face and ears should wear sunscreen and so should dogs with white skin (even along the top of their head and along their back).  A good waterproof SPF30 or higher PABA-free sunscreen can be applied 30 minutes before exposure to water.  Skin cancer occurs in animals as well as people, so prevention is the first step.

Beaches
Right now, Brevard County does not allow any dogs on the beaches.  There are strict fines for breaking this ordinance.  Efforts are being made by different groups to have designated areas for dogs, but as of now, no changes have been made. 
However, Sebastian Inlet State Park is federal property and they allow dogs, on a leash, in most of the park's areas.  This beautiful natural resource is the location of a cove, or lagoon-type body of water which is 3 feet at its deepest.  Dogs love this area and there are plenty of birds to chase.  Weekends are more crowded as boaters and their small children frequent this part of the park, and you may see other dog owners there, too.  The fishing jetties are off limits to dogs however, because if someone needed to get away from your pet, they would be "trapped".  As long as you abide by the state park's generous rules, and mind your manners,  you and your dog can have a lot of fun.

(Sebastian Inlet State Park is located at the south end of Brevard County, 18 miles south of Hwy192 (5th Ave), on State Road A1A).

Further Beach Updates when (and if) they occur….