As the summer vacation season approaches, many families are planning trips to the beach. If you are a ferret owner, you and your pet are not excluded from these beach adventures. Ferrets usually love digging through the sand, and playing in the fresh air. Just keep safety in mind when visiting the beach with your ferret friend.

It is best to schedule your beach trips early in the morning. Keep in mind that ferrets do not tolerate heat very well at all. They are quite prone to heat or sun stroke, so it is best to have them outdoors in the cool morning hours before the sun is high in the sky. Additionally, the early morning hours will probably be the least crowded time at the water’s edge. You might have trouble with the beach environment if there are a great deal of people or dogs around, so choose a quiet time to introduce your ferret to the shoreline.

While at the beach, be sure to keep your ferret on a leash. It is not safe for him to run free along the water, and he should not be allowed in the ocean on his own. Ferrets are not naturally equipped to handle the waves and tides of the ocean so it is important for you to keep them from heading directly into the water. However they probably will enjoy playing at the very edge of the water, where they can run to meet the wave as it flows up the beach.

Always keep an eye out for loose dogs who may try to attack your ferret. Many dogs have never encountered a pet ferret and may be curious, and even aggressive towards your ferret. If you suspect danger, be sure to pick your ferret up off of the ground and carry him to a safer and quieter section of the beach. And like a dog owner, be sure that you pick up after your ferret while at the beach. Keep the beach playground clean for everyone to enjoy.

Be sure to provide plenty of fresh water for your ferret. He cannot drink the salty ocean water to quench his thirst and cool his body so it is important that you provide fresh drinking water. You might also want to wipe your ferret down with clean, fresh water after the trip to remove any salt water and sand from his coat.