Tampa dog-friendly beaches are a great place for playtime

For Chris Perry and his German shepherd mix, Molly, the stretch of sand at Davis Islands Seaplane Basin soothes the soul.

The beach's industrial backdrop doesn't faze Perry, who says the narrow strip of shoreline sanctioned for dogs is well worth the 20-minute drive from his home in Seminole Heights.

"She's kind of high strung," he says, watching Molly wade into the surf in pursuit of a ball. "She's got to do something every day. It gets me out, too."

Molly trots up to other beachgoers, nuzzling them with a drenched ball clenched in her jaws. She could not do this at just any dog park. Perry watches fondly as fellow dog owners oblige Molly's steadfast drive to fetch. Clearly, the beach can cement the connection between man and best friend.

"It is great exercise and playtime for your dog, both of which are very important for your dog's well-being," veterinarian Shawna L. Green says. "Not to mention the bonding that will help your relationship. It is win-win for both of you."

Perry calmly waits as Molly repeatedly retrieves her ball, but he watches carefully to ensure she doesn't lap at the saltwater. Packing a bowl and fresh water are among several suggestions from Green, who practices at Medicine River Animal Hospital in Madeira Beach.

She recommends slathering sunscreen all over dogs, especially if they have thin or no hair. Some pet stores and websites carry pet sun block, or one made for babies will do.

Green also encourages scouting the water's edge for dangerous debris. "If you can't walk comfortably along the shoreline, then it probably is not the best or safest location for your pet to run up and down the beach," she advises.

As Molly swims after the ball for the umpteenth time, a bunch of hyper dogs scamper by. A border collie at the helm cannot shake a persistent Chihuahua attempting to ride piggyback. Farther off, a woman looks pained as her Australian shepherd fails to evade a pit bull's relentless advances.

Green stresses the importance of observing dog beach etiquette. One owner's disregard of common courtesies can lead to another's harassed dog. Other canines, not jellyfish and stingrays, actually pose the greatest threat to dogs. Green warns owners to watch out for dogs forming a pack.

Well-mannered mutts like Molly, though, make the visit a breeze.

"I found her in a park in Ohio. People say she got lucky," Perry shrugs. "I think I got lucky."

Davis Islands Seaplane Basin, Tampa

Where: 864 Severn Ave.

The scoop: A slew of regulars frequent the dog beach at the tip of Davis Islands. A leash-free area offers lots of splashing and chasing seagulls. Small waste bags and a canine shower are available.

Open: Sunrise to sunset daily

Price: Free admission and parking

Contact: (813) 274-8615; http://tbo.ly/davisislandsdogs

Picnic Island Park, Tampa

Where: 7409 Picnic Island Blvd.

The scoop: Dogs can roam sans leash in a fenced area along the beach, which has a water spigot.

Open: Sunrise to sunset daily

Price: Free admission and parking

Contact: (813) 274-8615; http://tbo.ly/picnicisland

Bicentennial Park, Madeira Beach

Where: 599 150th Ave., Madeira Beach

The scoop: The beach is located beside the Tom Stuart Causeway and Madeira Beach Middle School. Dogs must remain leashed, but they can swim.

Open: Sunrise to sunset

Price: Free admission and parking

Contact: (727) 391-9951; http://tbo.ly/bicentennialpark

Pet Beach, Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin

Where: 1 Causeway Blvd.

The scoop: This 1/4-mile-long beach allows dogs and other domestic pets, but they must be on a leash, even in the water. It's located at the far west end of Curlew Road/Causeway Boulevard, past the Dunedin causeway bridge. The nationally ranked park also has bathhouses, nature trails, a nature center, showers, umbrella and pavilion rentals, and a snack bar. A ferry leaves from the park on multiple daily cruises to Caladesi Island State Park.

Open: 8 a.m. to sunset daily

Price: $2 for pedestrians/bicyclists; $4 for single-occupant vehicles; $8 for vehicles with two to eight occupants; kids under 6 are free

Contact: (727) 469-5942; http://tbo.ly/honeymoonisland

Paw Playground, Fort De Soto Park, Tierra Verde

Where: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S.

The scoop: The only Pinellas County park that allows dogs on the beach. Not only do local dog beachgoers favor the scenic, leash-free area, the beach has been ranked as one of the country's best.

Open: 7 a.m. to sunset daily

Price: No parking or admission fees; that may change in October

Contact: (727) 893-9185; http://tbo.ly/fortdesotopark