Take Your Dog Swimming in Tampa, FL

The state of Florida has been dubbed The Sunshine State - and for good reason. Of course, lots of sunshine means warm temperatures, too. Since dogs cannot dress to beat this heat, they need to find alternate ways to stay cool. And what better way than a dip in the water?  

Here are a few places to take your dog swimming in Tampa. FL.  

Picnic Island Beach Dog Park

Picnic Island Beach Dog Park is an off-leash park where dogs can run in the sand. Just as its name suggests, it is the perfect place for a picnic. There are picnic tables, grills, and fresh drinking water. You two can play in the water, play some beach volleyball, go for a walk on a nearby trail, or check out the playground. And, when you are ready to go, don’t forget to hit up the shower station.  

Honeymoon Island State Park

The southern tip of Honeymoon Island Beach is where you will find both a dog beach and a nature trail. Pets are required to remain on a 6-foot leash at all times, but that doesn’t mean there is no fun to be had.  

This beach is always clean with nearby restrooms for convenience. Pups can relax, or you both can hop in the water which is often very calm. Shade is hard to come by on this beach so don’t forget to bring fresh drinking water for your pup and your beach umbrella!

Pass-A-Grille Dog Beach

Pass-A-Grille Beach has a dog beach just for dogs and their owners. Here they can frolic in the sand, let the wind blow through their fur, and cool down in the crashing waves. There is no boundary fencing, so many owners leave their dogs leashed.  

Fossil Park Pool

If your pup doesn’t like to feel the sand between his paw pads (it happens), then don’t miss the annual Dog Swim Day at Fossil Park Pool. At the end of swim season, they open their doors to all the fur pups in the Tampa, FL area for some off-leash swim time.  

Keep Your Dog Safe While Swimming

When you take your pup out for some water fun be sure that you are following some water safety tips.

• Do not leave your dog unattended in or around water - even if they are strong swimmers. Sometimes emergencies happen and even the strongest swimmer can need help.  
• Know that all dogs are not strong swimmers and that those with short snouts do not do well in water. Learn about your dog’s breed, and talk to your vet before taking the plunge.
• Make sure there is an easy and accessible way in and out of the water.  
• For dogs who aren’t too strong at swimming - and even for those who are - putting on a life jacket doesn’t hurt.  
• If you are at one of the beaches in Tampa, FL, watch for flags that are lifted by the lifeguards. Dangerous sea life, currents, and other conditions can put your pup at risk.  

• Bring fresh water for your dog to drink. Even if you are surrounded by water, you don’t want your pup to lap up anything that could be harmful.  

Spending time in and around water can be very rewarding - especially on a hot day. But things can go wrong very quickly. Take steps to ensure your dog is safe and then go have some fun!

Scoop Soldiers is a pet waste removal service in and around the Tampa, FL area. After spending the day at the beach with your dog, coming home to a clean, fresh, and sanitized lawn feels so good.

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