My First Beach Experience...and My Second As Well

I love surprises. And the family knows that. They always say that we are a crazy lot with love for even the simplest of surprises, love for fun, love for exercises and of course love for food. The order is not always the same though. 

So, one fine morning, after Big B left for his classes, mother and father started getting ready. It seemed a bit weird because mother takes me out for walking while father gets ready for his outdoor exercises. What are these people up to? 

Do you have an hidden agenda guys?

As I was wondering, mom wore the harness around me. Oh, they are taking me out...but where to?

Shortly, we got into the car. Parents told me that we were going to beach and there would be lots of sand and lots and lots and lots of water. Oh my, I can't wait to see how it looks like.

I was thoroughly enjoying the ride and the gentle breeze. Then I threw up some milk. For a moment, parents were in a dilemma but then decided to go ahead. 

After a long drive, father stopped the car. I was ready when parents asked me to get down.

Lots of sand really...

And then there was water. Lots and lots and lots of it. Oh, really unimaginable. Such a sight it was.

I JUST LOVE THIS

We started walking on the seashore. 

World is really big, dad

Soon, I started having doubts if I am going to enjoy being here. Yes, the sound of crashing of waves made me uncomfortable. Even mom and dad were saying the sound was too loud.  

I wanted to avoid looking at the waves as they were making terrific noise.

Can humans not hear sounds?

I wanted to avoid walking by the sea. So father changed sides.

Waves should stay in one place dad

Slowly, dad stopped walking. Mom and dad asked me to have a look at the waves.

If you hear like me, you will not ask me to stay guys

Mom walked towards the waves and she asked me to come forward and join her. I took a step forward. 

Never show your back to waves mom

Slowly father took me closer to the waves. And I got curious too.

Where is wave's mouth?

We got still closer. Then I spotted a big wave coming towards the land and I just moved behind my dad and refused to move forward.

Be my shield dad

But soon curiosity got the better of me. I took a step forward and we moved closer to the waves.

Do you know to swim dad?

It all happened in a moment. A huge wave came crashing towards the shore.

Dad, stay safe

I rushed out.

Come out dad, it is too noisy

We started walking on the shore. Dad was smiling but I was not.

Didn't you say beach would be calm in the morning dad???

We started walking back towards where we had parked our car.

I like it when you are calm, waves

Mom and I got into the car and waited for dad to get in.

Is he going into the waters again?

Let me look around before dad gets in.

When can I sit on the front seat mom?

Mom said I could sit on the front seat only when I am comfortable with seat belt and when I become very, very well-behaved ....which in other words mean, I may not be allowed, at least not in the city traffic. 

I will try to be well-behaved from this moment

But where is dad? 

Hope he gets something for me

Dad didn't get anything for me. But I loved the experience. We reached home on time for breakfast. 

In a few days time, we went to the beach again. This time Big B joined us. 

I like traveling by car. I was enjoying the view through the window. But about half-an-hour  later, I threw up some milk in the car just like last time. 

I felt sad and just settled down without looking through the window any further. Looking at my face, mom felt bad. Nevertheless, she took a pic.

Are you addicted to camera or emotions mom?

We reached the beach, got down from the car and walked for a while.

How many footsteps, how many scents!!!

It was fun walking with Big B and dad. They kept doing something interesting.

Are you also looking for scents guys?

This was also the first time I noticed big boats.

Is it a sea car? 

Then father and I started jogging.

Gotta match me dad

We jogged...

...and jogged

..and jogged.

Dad, that was good company

Then dad asked if we can go near the waves.

Can't humans hear sounds?

I decided to give it a try again. We moved closer.

By the way, is there a silent beach anywhere?

As we neared, I changed my mind and sat down.

Waves are noisy; let's come when they are asleep dad

But the family had other plans. They slowly moved towards the waves and encouraged me to get near the waves. I was hesitant but stood for a while. I am comfortable if the sound is tolerable.

Moving forward without sound...a hunter wave?

The wave receded leaving traces behind.

Waves are powerful and fun...do I really love them?

I think I love the beach. The noise, no; but the beach, it is a big yes. I think I will get used to the sound of crashing waves in the coming days.

Bye bye beach. We will meet soon

We were on our way home and I threw up in the car again. This time it was mud.

The car seat was all mud with vomit. The family did not scold me. I got to drink coconut water as well.

What did mom learn?

Lessons learnt

Fear of waves is common in puppies. The sound of wave breaking can cause discomfort and fear in puppies. Never force puppies into the water.

Motion Sickness

Puppies are more prone to motion sickness than adult dogs. The inner ear, which is responsible for maintaining balance and equilibrium fully develops around 6 to 8 months. This imbalance causes puppies to puke while in the car. 

However, there are other reasons behind a puppy throwing up while traveling. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Intake of food or excessive liquids before a car journey - Our doctor suggests withholding liquids for at least two hours before journey would help to prevent puking.
• Association of previous incidence of throwing up while traveling - If your puppy vomited during her first car ride, there is a possibility that she will associate car ride with nausea and vomiting. To prevent this situation, you may have to avoid car rides for a couple of weeks, then slowly begin with very short rides in the car. 
• Destination of the journey can cause nausea and motion sickness - If your pet's first car ride was to visit the doctor or for a stay at shelter, there are chances that your pet may associate car travel with vet or shelter, both of which may make her anxious leading to motion sickness. 
• Eating inedible foods may cause vomiting. 
• Watching the moving world from the side window may cause nausea in many puppies. This could be avoided by making your pet sit in the middle of the backseat in such a way that she looks forward.

In Chezhi's case, she did not throw up on her first car ride when she visited relatives but threw up during the second and third rides. On both occasions, she had a glass of milk an hour before car travel. On the third ride, she vomited while returning as well as she loaded her little tummy with mud despite our tight watch on her.