Take your pup to cool off at 12 dog beaches in West Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – This week’s heat wave will send Michigan residents flocking to the lake, but don’t forget to bring your four-legged friends, too.

There are several areas of the shoreline along Lake Michigan where dogs are allowed, including state parks where pets are not allowed.

It is important to remember that pets are just as susceptible to heat-related illnesses as humans, if not more so.

Pet owners should be aware of the heat-related safety risks for their four-legged friends and know how to prevent them.

To protect the animals in extreme heat, it is important to give them access to clean, cool water at all times.

RELATED: If you’re hot, they’re hot too: How to protect your pets during a heatwave

• Duck Lake State Park: A half-mile stretch along the shoreline of Lake Michigan and all of Duck Lake’s inland area. This park also includes 7 miles of nature trails. Address: 4733 N Scenic Dr, Whitehall.
• Grand Haven City Beach: This free public beach is dog-friendly, but only during certain hours during the summer. Dogs are allowed on a leash before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day. Located on South Harbor Drive, Grand Haven.
• Grand Mere State Park: A half-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline, sand dunes, two hiking trails and three inland lakes. Address: 7337 Thornton Dr, Stevensville.
• Hagar Beach: A stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline accessible by stairs. Located at 5440 M-63, Coloma.
• Hoffmaster State Park: Three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and 10 miles of scenic hiking trails are available. Location: 6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon.
• Holland State Park: Dogs are allowed on the designated dog beach along the shore of Lake Macatawa in the day-use area directly across from Lake Mac Campground. Address: 2215 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland.
• Kirk Park: The park includes a 1/3 mile stretch of Lake Michigan and 68 acres of beach, bluffs and dunes. Dogs are allowed off-leash in the south beach area during all park hours. Dogs are not allowed on the north end of the beach. Dogs must remain on a leash on the trail. Location: 9791 Lakeshore Ave, West Olive.
• Kruse Park: The 130-acre park offers about a mile of beach on Lake Michigan. A new staircase leads to the northern section of the beach, which is reserved for dogs. Location: 3205 W Sherman Blvd, Muskegon
• Muskegon State Park: This park covers two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and one mile of Muskegon Lake shoreline. Note the areas marked as ringed plover nests. Location: 3560 Memorial Drive, North Muskegon.
• Saugatuck Dunes State Park: Dogs are allowed along the 2.5-mile shoreline of Lake Michigan. Location: 6575 138th Ave., Saugatuck Dunes
• Van Buren State Park: Dogs are allowed on the one-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shore outside of the designated swimming beach. There is also a pet-friendly park on-site. Address: 23960 Ruggles Road, South Haven.
• Warren Dunes State Park: A 2.5-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline just north of the designated swimming beach is open to dogs. Location: 12032 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer.

Check out a nationwide list of dog-friendly parks and beaches: Dogs can explore these 36 shorelines in Michigan’s state parks and recreation areas