A Lancashire beach has been hailed as one of the best for dog owners, featuring in a list of the most dog-friendly places to visit on the coast.
Vets Now, the country’s leading pet emergency service, has unveiled the top 50 dog-friendly beaches in Britain to ensure the nation of pet lovers stay pet safe- and Bispham Beach is on the coveted list.
Vets Now experts have examined the UK’s beaches, creating a 32-page comprehensive digital guide on the best – and safest – beaches for dogs to ensure the country’s pet owners and their beloved pets have a fun and safe experience this summer at the seaside.
Bispham Beach just north of Blackpool got the expert seal of approval for its sweeping expanses and on a quiet day, you and your dog could have large swathes of the beach to yourself.
In the guide, reviewers said: "The Lancashire coast has some of Britain’s best beaches – but dogs are banned on many, especially in summer.
"Thankfully, you won’t find that problem at sandy Bispham beach, just up the road from Blackpool.
"Bispham very much considers itself a separate village from its big, brash and busy neighbour. So, on a quiet day, you and your dog may find yourselves with the entire beach to yourself.
"There’s a split-level promenade from where you can admire the views over the Irish Sea and the sprawling sands at low tide.
"The Blackpool trams run along the esplanade — and your dog is welcome on board for 50p — or you can buy the appropriately-named Rover ticket to give your dog all day travel for £1.
"The well-maintained beach has public toilets and dog bins."
Laura Playforth, professional standards director at Vets Now and one of the authors of the Best Beach Guide, said: “Unfortunately, pet emergencies don’t take summer holidays and each summer we witness a significant rise in emergency cases that are related to beaches and the sea.
“We’ve only chosen beaches where: water quality is deemed high, dogs are welcome all year round, parking and access is good and a daytime vet is based nearby.
"All those featured are within an hour’s drive of a Vets Now pet emergency clinic or hospital so, if you’re at the beach in the evening or weekend and suffer a pet emergency, you know you’re never far from expert help."
“The team were really impressed with Bispham Beach, especially its pet friendliness and facilities on offer, and believe it to be an ideal destination for the UK’s dog lovers.”
Tips on keeping your dog safe at the beach
Even on the safest beaches, it’s always important to stay pet aware to ensure you and your dog have a fun and safe experience in the sun, surf and sand. The team have also revealed 13 Top Tips for keeping man’s best friend safe on whatever sand adventure you choose.
Laura continued: “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.”
Vets Now clinics and pet emergency hospitals are open through the night, seven-days-a-week, and day and night on weekends and bank holidays, to treat any pet emergencies that may occur.
All of Vets Now’s out-of-hours clinics and 24/7 hospitals have a vet and vet nurse on site at all times.
Vets Now has also launched an online video consultation service where experienced vets are available to discuss any worries or concerns pet owners might have. If a pet needs to be treated at any vet clinic, pet owners are refunded the online consultation fee.
Vets Now 50 Best & Safest Beaches is available to download at www.vets-now.com/dog-friendly-beaches/
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