Page 79 - Port Douglas Magazine 31

Puppy

Paradise

WORDS by Rosie Wang
Having your furry family member join you on your holiday is great.
But once you have arrived, what can you do? And where can you go?
Here are some ideas and information to help make your time and
your furry companion’s a good one.

PET FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION WANT TO MEET A LOCAL? (HUMAN OR FURRY)
There is a range of accommodation options to suit depending on THESE ARE GREAT SPOTS
your budget and the style you are looking for, but all are Paws Off Leash Areas
Welcome. Southern end of Four Mile Beach, south of Four Mile Park (Barrier
Pink Flamingo St entrance)
Relax in a large open plan and colourful villa that has a fully enclosed Northern end of Cooya Beach (north of the public amenities block)
private courtyard perfect for (up to two) well behaved pets. Northern end of Newell Beach (including the foreshore area to the
Tropic Breeze Caravan Park end of Marine Parade, north of Phillip Street)
Close to town and the beach, pets are allowed in motorhomes and Diwan Reserve (behind Douglas Shire Council Depot)
caravans. Sorry, not in tents or units North Wonga Beach (starting at Giblin St to Vixies Rd)
Newell Beach Caravan Park Cow Bay beach (south of Buchanan Creek Rd car park area)
Pet friendly and close to a beautiful beach. Dogs must be kept on Foxton Avenue, Mossman (Northern section of George Davis Park,
a lead at all times. north of the fitness equipment)
Mossman Riverside Leisure Park
Dogs are allowed but again need to be kept on a leash at all times. HEALTH TIPS FOR THE TROPICS
Not allowed in units. The one thing for people to consider here is that it’s hot, hot, hot.
Daintree Rainforest Village Or in the words of a Latin American weather forecaster “scorchio!”.
Set on 20 acres, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Powered When considering dogs just remember “If it’s too hot for you, it’s too
and unpowered camping available. hot for them”.
Private Houses Dogs don’t sweat, so laying on a cool surface, panting and drinking
There is a range of privately-owned properties that allow pets. Each cool water are their cooling methods. In Summer it is ideal to keep
individual homeowner tends to have their own policies so best to pets inside with the A/C. Popping ice cubes in their water bowl can
check them out before booking to see that they suit you and your keep the water cooler for longer.
furry friend. If your dog is outside, ensure it is under shade with a good supply
of water. Remember, the sun moves around so ensure that the
WHERE CAN I WALK THEM? area has shade all day (especially if you are staying in an unfamiliar
Bearing in mind that this is croc country, just be aware if they like property).
swimming in the sea be vigilant (avoid river mouths on beaches). If Making them a bed of cold soaked towels can also help.
you are walking next to the lakes or waterways along the paths in If you are staying somewhere with a private pool and your dog
Douglas Shire keep them away from the edge. can swim, (and allowed to!) make sure it is acquainted with the exit
Dogs are always to be on a lead unless in a designated ‘no leash’ points and can get out unassisted. If unable to swim, then ensure
area. the pool is well fenced.
They are not allowed in the National Parks, but if you keep them in When walking your dog, be conscious of the effect of the heat from
the car in Cape Tribulation, Cow Bay Beach is dog friendly where concrete and beach sand, as it can burn a dog’s paws. Try to walk
they can run off the leash. your dog on the cooler, harder packed damp sand near the water’s
If you would like to let your dog off lead along Four Mile Beach, edge along the beach. Also, perhaps try to keep them on the grass
then head to Cowrie Street. South of this exit is a designated off- rather than the pavement. The best time to walk them is around
leash area. There is also a hose and water to rinse down the dogs sunrise and sunset when it is cooler.
afterwards and give them a drink.
PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 79