The Salty Paw: Issue #2
Hey, beach family! 👋
June. Just say it out loud and feel how good it sounds. The water is warming up, the days are stretching long and golden, and somewhere right now a dog is sprinting full speed into the Pacific without a single care in the world. We are absolutely here for it.
This month's edition of The Salty Paw is a love letter to the dog dads — those early-rising, board-waxing, treat-dispensing legends who take their pups to the beach before the rest of the world is even awake. We see you. We celebrate you.
We've also got summertime safety tips every dog owner should have on their radar, plus a three-flavor pupsicle recipe that is going to make you your pup's absolute favorite human. June is going to be a very good month. Let's dive in! 🌊
~ The Swell Dogs 🐾☀️
Tales from the Shore
The Keeper of the Shore
Every morning at ten minutes before five, a brindle-coated Boxer named Duke would hear the specific sound of a leash being unclipped from the hook by the back door — and the entire house would briefly tremble with the force of his excitement.
This was their thing, Duke and Marco. Had been for six years, ever since Marco brought the eight-week-old puppy home in a cardboard box. He placed him on the kitchen floor and watched him immediately sprint headfirst into the sliding glass door. "He's the one," Marco told his wife Elena, with complete confidence.
The drive to the beach took eleven minutes. Duke spent all eleven of them with his enormous square head out the window, processing approximately ten thousand different smells per second, his jowls flapping in the predawn wind with a kind of joyful dignity that Marco found deeply inspiring.
Their routine was sacred and simple. Marco would pull his board from the truck and walk down to the waterline while Duke trotted alongside. Then Marco paddled out — and Duke planted himself exactly at the tide line, and waited. He never went in past his ankles. He never wandered. He just sat, square and solid and alert, watching Marco's silhouette rise and fall with the sets.
Other surfers had noticed over the years. "That your dog? He's out here every morning." Marco would nod. "Yeah. He keeps watch." Then he'd drop to a knee and Duke would place both front paws on his shoulders and lick his face with the enthusiasm of a dog who had just endured the longest, most heroic vigil in history.
On the drive home, Marco would think about how a person could spend a lot of time looking for something that made them feel completely at peace. Or they could just get a dog and wake up early.
Duke always fell asleep before the first stoplight. He'd done his job. The dad was home safe. That was enough.
Happy Father's Day to every dog dad who shares his sunrise. Your pup would not trade those mornings for anything. Neither would you. 🤙
Summer Safety Radar
Keep Your Pup Safe This Summer
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Hot PavementAsphalt can reach 150°F on a hot day — enough to cause paw burns in under a minute. Press your hand to the pavement for 5 seconds. Too hot for you? Too hot for them. Stick to sand, grass, or early morning walks. |
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Dehydration & HeatstrokeDogs cool by panting — far less efficient than sweating. Heavy panting, drooling, glazed eyes, or stumbling are red flags. Always carry fresh water and never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a minute. |
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Saltwater IngestionA few laps of ocean water won't hurt, but too much can cause saltwater poisoning. Keep fresh water accessible at all times so your pup isn't tempted to drink from the ocean out of thirst. |
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Blue-Green AlgaeToxic algae blooms spike in warm, still water. They can look like green paint or foam on the surface and exposure can be fatal within hours. When in doubt, keep your dog completely out of any murky or discolored water. |
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Foxtails & Grass AwnsThese sharp, barbed grass seeds are everywhere in SoCal summers and can burrow into paws, ears, and eyes. Check your dog after any off-trail walk. If your pup is suddenly shaking their head obsessively, see your vet promptly. |
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Insects & StingsBees, wasps, and fire ants all ramp up in summer. Some dogs have severe allergic reactions — sudden swelling, hives, or collapse warrant an emergency vet visit immediately. Curious noses are prime targets. |
The Treat Shack
Frosty Paws Pupsicles 🐾
You'll need a silicone popsicle mold (or paper cups with wooden sticks — totally works!). Each flavor is made separately. Pick one, make all three, or mix and match — your pup won't be judging.
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Strawberry Surf1 cup strawberries, hulled |
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Mango Hang Ten1 cup ripe mango chunks |
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Blueberry Barrel1 cup blueberries |
How to Make Any Flavor
- Blend all ingredients for your chosen flavor until completely smooth.
- Pour evenly into your popsicle mold or paper cups, filling about ¾ full.
- Insert sticks and tap the mold gently to release any air bubbles.
- Freeze for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Run the outside of the mold briefly under warm water to release. Serve immediately outdoors — these go fast (especially the mango ones).
- Store extras in a zip-lock freezer bag for up to one month. 🧊
Gear Up for Summer, Dog Dad Style
Father's Day is coming fast — and we've got the perfect way to celebrate the dog dad in your life. From laid-back surf tees to stickers that say what we all feel, The Swell Dogs shop is stocked with fresh summer gear built for the beach-and-dog lifestyle. Shop the new June drops and treat that deserving dad (or yourself — no judgment). 🤙
🏄 Shop The Swell Dogs →Show Us Your Dog Dad!
We want to see all the dog dads, surf dads, and early-morning-beach-walk dads out there! Snap a photo of your pup's favorite human this Father's Day weekend and tag us. Bonus points for action shots in the waves, or any dog who has clearly claimed the entire couch while Dad watches the surf report. 🏄♂️
Until Next Time... 🌅
June is pure magic — long evenings, warm water, and a dog who thinks every single day you walk through that door is the greatest day of their life. We hope this month brings you all of that and more.
We'll be back next month with a full summer edition — beach games for dogs, a July 4th safety guide for pups who are not fans of fireworks (most of them), and a frozen treat recipe involving watermelon and zero regrets. 🍉
Until then, go hug your dog, call your dad, and get out there and catch a wave. ☀️
~ The Swell Dogs 🐾🏄♂️