Dogs love jumping into ocean waves and splashing in the water just as much as humans. However, although our pet has an adventurous spirit, there are regulations that restrict its presence on the beaches for reasons of public health and safety for the rest of the bathers.
In recent times, the petfriendly movement has been working to get public bodies to limit certain areas on the beaches so that dogs can roam freely, at times when the public is less crowded. Many of these agencies have already given permits on certain beaches on the coast. In Cantabria some of the beaches that allow dogs are the following.
Whether you are in Asturias for holidays or if you live in the area and you are looking for beaches for dogs in Asturias, this year you are in luck because several dog beaches have been inaugurated in the community to respond to the growing demand for this type of outdoor space.
Cervigón Beach
Gijón was the first Asturian city to open a beach for dogs called Playa El Cervigón in El Rinconín. It is a small cove next to the Rinconín Park, also perfect for taking a walk with the dogs.
The regulations were approved by the City Council in 2015 and surely many people will come this year to enjoy with their dog. Here you can be with the animals all year round and not only out of season as it happens in the San Lorenzo dog zone.
Cove Saliencia
The Cudillero City Council changed its regulations to enable in 2016 a beach for dogs accessible throughout the year: Cala Saliencia, located next to the mouth of a stream called Yendebarcas, next to the Islote de Fariñón.
It is a beach located next to Lairín Beach that is difficult to access and lacks any service, so you have to be cautious when visiting it. The views from this place are very beautiful since it is a cove in the wild but you must be aware of the risks that it can entail for both dogs and humans.
Bayas Beach
Castrillón was one of the first towns in Asturias to set up a beach that can be accessed with dogs. Specifically, that of Bayas, in which an area has been delimited for this purpose as long as they are properly tied.
Sabugo Beach
In July of last year the Valdés city council approved the access of dogs to the Sabugo beach, a beach near the town of Luarca, with dark sand and pebbles and located between the Barayo and Otur sands.
Of difficult access and little influx of bathers, it is ideal for nature lovers. To access it you must park your vehicle in the upper part of the beach, and walk through a path down. It has clean waters and moderate waves and occupies about 250 linear meters. It is a natural beach without services.
Rules of coexistence on the beaches
- The owners will be obliged to immediately collect the excrement.
- The entry of dogs can be limited to a certain number of dogs per person.
- The so-called dangerous breeds must always wear a muzzle and a leash.
- The owner of the dog must carry the animal's passport, the vaccination record, the identification and all those mandatory documents that are indicated in the municipal ordinances.
- Dogs with infectious diseases, females in heat and puppies are prohibited from accessing the beach until they have their vaccinations.
Tips before going to the beach with your dog
- Before leaving for the beach, you should make sure that you have all the dog's utensils: toy, drinking bowl, water, food, the papers in order (in case something happens), bags to collect his “necessities” and protector for pads if he is small and it has delicate legs.
- On the beach, it is normal for him to walk and run through certain places (with few people, so as not to disturb) but in the hours of greatest solar radiation, keep him under the umbrella in the shade and with his drinking fountain always full of water.
- If you want your dog to bathe in the sea, find a shallow spot with no waves. This way you will feel more secure and comfortable.
- Once we return home with him, give him a good bath with warm water and special gel for dogs, and make sure you clean him well of the salt and sand. Check their ears well before leaving the bathroom to make sure there is no sand in any corner.