One of Merseyside's beaches has been listed as one of the top 50 places to go with your dog, according to Vets Now.
The emergency pet service revealed its handy guide to this year's best, safest, and friendliest beaches you should take your pet for a walk.
Ainsdale Beach was featured and has been awarded an International Blue Flag, a certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education that it meets its standards, on several occasions.
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It is also recognised as one of the premier beaches in the UK for extreme kite activities, with zones set aside for kite buggy and landboard use as well as kitesurfing taking place on the sea.
In its 32-page comprehensive digital guide, Vets Now takes into consideration beaches where water quality is deemed high, dogs are welcomed all year round, parking and access is good and a daytime vet is based nearby.
This is because each summer there is a significant rise in emergency cases for pets that are related to beaches and the sea.
Before you venture off though, you should be cautious of dangers like fish hooks, jellyfish, low tides to name just a few.
Laura Playforth, professional standards director at Vets Now and one of the authors of the Best Beach Guide, has some advice: “Don’t be fooled by cool coastal breezes, temperatures on beaches often soar and you can be caught off guard, even at the end of summer.
"Be sure to provide a shaded area for your dog and give them plenty of fresh water.
“It can take just 15 minutes for a dog to die from a heat-related illness so never leave them in a sun trap or in a car for a nap – even with the windows down, it does little to affect the heat. Sadly this is an all-too common mistake which we see time and time again.
“If your dog is not used to swimming then the sea is not the place to start. Be careful of strong tides and rolling waves and make sure your dog doesn’t venture too far out.
“Waves and currents can quickly exhaust dogs. Also stop them lapping up sea water — the salt, bacteria and parasites in the water can make them sick.
“And keep a close eye on your dog if there’s likely to be jellyfish. Often lurking in shallow water or washed up on the beach, these troublesome creatures can cause a nasty sting and we’ve had to treat many an affected dog.”
Here are 50 of the most dog-friendly beaches in 2021 according to Vets Now.
Other beaches included in the list from the West Coast area of England are:
- Bispham Beach, Lancashire
- Sand Bay Beach, Somerset
- Uphill Beach, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
- Clevedon Beach, near Bristol
- Burnham-on-Sea Beach, Somerset
All beaches that have been featured are within an hour's drive of a Vets Now pet clinic or hospital if an emergency occurs.
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