Fort Lauderdale is situated on Florida’s southeastern coast, positioned just below Pompano Beach and approximately 30 miles to the north of Miami. This coastal city is a well-liked vacation spot with its 24 miles of sandy beaches and numerous attractions including Las Olas Oceanside Park, Jungle Queen Riverboat, and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. With favorable year-round weather, visitors and residents alike can enjoy countless outdoor activities, many of which can also include their furry four-legged friends.
There are numerous parks in the city that permit dogs on a leash, in addition to a few off-leash parks and beaches where your furry friend can romp and frolic without restraint. Even the primary beach in Fort Lauderdale has a designated area for dogs.
A large number of boat rental businesses and tour operators permit pets, including dogs, to join in on the fun. However, if you and your four-legged companion are interested in visiting the beach, we have identified fifteen of the top dog-friendly beaches in Fort Lauderdale for you to explore.
Fort Lauderdale Canine Beach
Located at Fort Lauderdale Beach along the Atlantic Ocean, this beach is an ideal spot for your furry companion to swim and relax. The beach permits dogs to roam freely off their leash on weekends from November through March between 3 PM to 7 PM, while from 3 PM to 9 PM dogs are allowed to play and explore during all other times.
Performance Pups Freshwater Dog Beach
Why bother with the ocean when there’s an enormous lake to frolic in? The most excellent dog-friendly freshwater beach in town is Performance Pups Beach situated at Tigertali Lake Park. The water is a beautiful shade of blue, and the sand is pure and white. Canines can swim and play freely without a leash in the fenced area. However, pet owners are prohibited from joining in on the fun. This lake is exclusively for our furry friends!
Snyder Park
Going to the beach is not necessary for allowing your furry friend to have a swimming session. Snyder Park boasts numerous lakes and a dog park surrounded by a fence where dogs can roam freely. This park comes with proper enclosures for both big and small dogs and offers an agility course on each side for exercise. In addition, there are shaded benches for the dog owners to relax. This park is more like a genuine dog park.
Precious Paws Dog Park
The Precious Paws Dog Park, also referred to as the Dania Beach Dog Park, can be found between Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, Florida. It is situated within the Patrick J. Meli Park, which is a community park in Dania Beach, and allows dogs to roam without leashes. The park comprises of two different areas- one for large dogs and another for small ones. Both sections are spacious and equipped with benches for pet owners to relax while their furry friends play. Additionally, there is a water fountain available for all to use.
Oakridge Park Dog Park
Despite the absence of a beach, Oakridge Park Dog Park still offers plenty of entertainment. Furthermore, there is a nearby lake outside of the off-leash section that provides an opportunity for your pet to frolic and enjoy themselves while on a leash. This exceptional location, known for its sizeable open areas, is situated to the west of Mapleridge’s Precious Paws Dog Park – affording ample space to engage in activities such as Frisbee or ball catching with your furry companion, or to simply observe them as they engage with other dogs.
Emerald Hills Lakes Park Dog Park
Located to the southeast of Precious Paws and Oakridge Parks, Emerald Hills Lakes Park offers a charming and welcoming spot for you and your furry companion. Regardless of whether you have a small or large breed, your dog is invited to mingle and play with other canine friends in this lovely park. The area boasts designated areas for dogs based on their size, and the park provides benches and shade for pet owners. Furthermore, you can make use of the available water fountains and dispensers for dog waste bags.
Dog Beach of Hollywood
Hollywood Dog Beach is located a short distance south of Dania Beach Pier and presents a splendid opportunity to bask in either the warm Gulf waters or the refreshing Stranahan River, situated just behind the beach. Leash-free dogs are allowed here on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays before 9 AM and from 3 to 7 PM during November through May, as well as from 5 to 9 PM throughout April to October, similar to Fort Lauderdale Dog Beach.
West Lake Park
West Lake Park, located in close proximity to Hollywood Dog Beach, provides ample opportunities for you and your furry friend to enjoy. Your canine companion may not feel restricted, as there is a lot to explore despite being on a leash. It is vital to adhere to this regulation because alligators inhabit the park’s lakes. The park features various lakes, and West Lake is the most extensive, with three miles of mangroves that you can explore by kayak.
Hollywoof Dog Park
Hollywoof Dog Park is situated in North Central Hollywood, adjacent to the lake in Stanley Goldman Memorial Park. You and your furry companion can spend your entire day here. The dog park is securely fenced, and the well-groomed grass is always lush and green for your dog to frolic in. Ample seating is available for pet owners, and the park offers dog waste bags, water fountains for both dogs and their owners, as well as spacious shade. Access to the park is convenient via Interstate 95.
Joseph Scavo Park
Joseph Scavo Park is a spacious community park located in Hallandale Beach, situated to the west of Hollywood South Central Beach. Although the park boasts a plethora of enjoyable activities, the most appealing one for your furry friend would be the dog park. This particular dog park is an off-leash haven, offering both small and large dog areas for your pooch to interact with dogs of similar size. It is accessible to the general public every day from dawn to dusk, except on Wednesdays.
BONUS: Best Dog Toys, According to the Experts: Our Dogs
Our furry companions are simply amazing, welcoming us with their radiant grins and wagging tails. They are the most affectionate, amiable, and comical buddies we could ever ask for. Nevertheless, canines can be very picky and exacting creatures when it comes to playthings. We may have tried numerous soft toys, bones, and the like to discover their preferences, but to no avail. That is precisely why we have entrusted this task to designated authorities: our four-legged colleagues, who are compensated with rewards and loving gestures.
Dog lovers should consider finding top quality dog toys that can keep their furry companions entertained even in their absence, instead of playing fetch or tug of war repeatedly.
Selecting a suitable dog toy can be a daunting task, considering the variety of options available, ranging from frisbees and balls to squeakers, puzzles and food-baited gadgets. However, it is common knowledge among dog owners that not all toys are a favourite with pets. Your furry friend may either show a lack of interest in it, or worse still, chew or pull it apart within minutes. The question then is, how do you identify the most appropriate dog toys that will guarantee hours of play and interaction?
We consulted our dogs, who are the experts.
You can find numerous options here as every canine has distinct peculiarities and likings. Regardless of the size and behavior of your dog, whether they love chewing or tugging, you’ll discover something that will thrill them on this list. These are the top-notch dog toys that our dogs enthusiastic about.
Outward Hound Dog Tornado Puzzle
If you have a dog that craves a lot of attention, you will resort to all means to engage them for a short while. This puzzle toy is perfect for that purpose. It comprises three revolving trays that you can hide treats in, prompting your dog to work for their treat.
Wild Knots Bears Durable Dog Toy
My dog loves this sturdy toy that provides endless entertainment with its rope and multiple squeakers. In fact, it’s often the toy he snuggles up with.
Kong Extreme Dog Toy
Pets gets anxious when they’re left alone. If they don’t have something to chew on, he’ll start nibbling holes in the living room rug. So when you know you’re going to be away for a couple of hours, pull out the Kongs. Stuff them with mozzarella or peanut butter (or both), and lo and behold, your doggos stay happy and occupied the whole time you’re away.
Fluff and Tuff Ball
Many dogs find it easy to destroy plush toys quickly, but this Fluff and Tuff ball is incredibly durable and can remain intact for weeks without even a loose thread.
Outward Hound Dog Hide N’ Slide Puzzle
Aside from their owners, dogs have two big loves: food and toys. This puzzle is a perfect combination of those things, providing never-ending entertainment. If you can’t take your dog for an evening walk, this puzzle is a great alternative. Despite its intricate appearance, setting it up is actually quite easy. Simply choose your preferred treats or kibble, hide them in the secret compartments, cover them with the plastic door, slide the lock over to keep things closed, and you’re done.
Aerobie Dogobie Disc
Constructed from supple silicone, this frisbee is virtually indestructible and simple to toss and retrieve. Additionally, its neon hues make it effortless to locate in the undergrowth after a wayward throw.
FAQs
Do dogs really need toys?
Toys may seem unimportant to a dog’s life, but they are crucial for their well-being and your peace of mind. Bored dogs tend to cause more trouble, so it’s essential to engage and tire them mentally. Moreover, toys can assist in correcting bad behaviors, offer an outlet for dogs who tend to chew destructively, and keep them occupied.
What kind of toys do dogs love the most?
Toys for dogs come in different styles and energy levels, necessitating that you comprehend your pet’s distinct demands to select the ideal toys for them. Three main classifications of dog toys exist as a rule.
- Active toys: Balls and frisbees, as well as ropes and woven toys for tugging, are great for interactive play and getting your dog their much-needed exercise. If your dog is very active, such toys can also be used as training motivators.
- Enrichment toys: These toys keep your dog occupied and mentally stimulated. They can range from puzzles and treat-dispensing toys to a durable, rubber toy that you stuff with treats like the Kong. By working to get at the treats, your dog is trying to “solve a problem,” which stimulates their brain and gives them something to do. These kinds of toys are designed to keep your dog engaged when you’re busy with something else or not able to with them.
- Comfort toys: Did you have a favorite stuffy or doll when you were a child? Dogs aren’t all that different and can get just as much comfort out of carrying around a favorite toy. Anxious dogs in particular might benefit from having a stuffed companion. Just be careful since some dogs are aggressive chewers and shouldn’t be given soft toys. And avoid stuffies with squeakers, which can be easily removed and swallowed.
What are the best dog toys for chewers?
Dogs naturally chew, but if your pet frequently chews on inappropriate objects, providing acceptable substitutes is advisable. Cooked bones are widely known to be hazardous as they may fracture and become lodged in the dog’s digestive system. Opt for items that are readily digestible and purchasable, such as Greenies, or preferably, give your dog a durable rubber chew toy, like a Kong or a Nylabone. It’s essential to consult your vet on the most secure alternatives for your specific pooch.
