For most dogs, swimming is a passion…ok, let me rephrase that. For some dogs, swimming is a passion, for most 
dogs, swimming is fun from time to time. (Then there are the few dogs who would rather take a trip to the vets than go swimming…but I digress)
When the weather turns warm some of us think about places we can bring our dogs to let them swim and cool off. It’s also a great way to exercise. If you’re not one of the fortunate ones who have a nice private place to swim your dog, like a pond or a pool, the question that is always asked is “Where around here can I let me dog swim?” We are fortunate to live in an area where water is plentiful and available.
In Exeter, for example, there are trails behind the Academy where leashed dogs can walk. They follow the Exeter River for quite a distance and there are many access points along the way. Here’s a link to the trail map… http://exeternh.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/pea_trailsmap_2013.pdf
The town beaches in Rye allow dogs with certain restrictions…..From the town; Dogs allowed from Oct. 1 thru Friday before Memorial Day weekend (unrestricted) and from Memorial Day weekend thru 9/30 — before 8am and after 6pm
The town of Hampton has a similar ordinance; From the Hampton Police Department Animal Control Ordinance page, Sec. 1:111: “A. Animals will be permitted on the Town of Hampton beaches from Labor Day to Memorial Day any time. Section 1:110 (Animal Waste) will be enforced throughout the year. B. Animals will be allowed on the Town of Hampton Beaches from Memorial Day to Labor Day only after 6 p.m. in the evening and before 8 a.m. in the morning.”
A short drive to Salisbury Mass takes you to the Salisbury Beach State Reservation. http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-north/salisbury-beach-state-reservation.html Now it has to be noted that dogs are not allowed on the ocean side of the park. They are, however, allowed on the Merrimac River side and all throughout the park itself. There are no time limits or date restrictions but there is a leash law. I would rather my dogs play in the reasonably calm river water than the beach and there are miles of shorefront for the dogs and you to enjoy. In season, Memorial Day to Labor Day, the park does charge for admission. If you like it there (and you will) and plan on going back frequently, spend a few dollars and buy a season pass. For Mass residents, it’s $35, for out of state residents, $45.
Remember, if after your dogs has a nice swim, if you need to rinse off the salt water or some mud, you can swing by the Pet Pantry on Lincoln Street in Exeter and we can rinse them off and blow dry them.