Tips for taking your dog to the beach

Updated 27/02/2024

Gearing up for a beach day with a four-legged friend in tow? Prepare to make a splash as we share a list of insider tips and awesome activities to make the most of your time with your dog at the beach. Get ready to feel the sand between your toes (and paws) as we dive into the sun-soaked world of beach adventures with your best buddy!

Taking your dog to the beach for the first time

Follow these tips for taking your dog to the beach to avoid getting into deep water.

1. Find a dog-friendly beach

Before you grab your bucket and spade, it’s important to note that not all beaches roll out the (beach) mat for our four-pawed pals. Do your homework and make sure you choose a beach that welcomes both two-legged and four-legged visitors. Take a look at the rules displayed at the entrance to the beach as some may have designated areas for dogs, specific time slots, or even seasonal restrictions.

2. Bring lots of water

Running around at the beach is thirsty work, and our furry friends have been known to gulp down seawater when they’re desperate for a drink. This can lead to unpleasant tummy troubles such as diarrhea and vomiting. If large quantities of salt water are consumed, it can lead to much more serious problems such as dehydration and in extreme cases, can even be fatal. Keep pooch pals from resorting to drinking salt water by packing plenty of fresh water for your trip to the puppy beach, and don’t forget to bring your dog a bowl!

3. Avoid the hottest times of the day

You might love soaking up those rays, but it’s important to remember your furry friend may not handle the heat as well as you do. Visit the beach early in the morning or later in the day, and check your dog’s paws aren’t getting burnt on the hot sand. Bring an umbrella for your furry friend to rest in the shade and watch out for signs of heatstroke, which include panting, lethargy, disorientation, and excessive thirst. Heatstroke is an immediate medical emergency and you should contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog might have overheated. 

4. Master your commands

It’s a good idea to get your pup’s training in check before letting them run wild and free across the sand. Pooch pals need to be under verbal control and have basic obedience skills in order to enjoy everything the beach has to offer. They should also know the command “leave it”, which can be particularly useful if they’re trying to gobble up things such as dead fish, seaweed, or leftover picnic food (trust us, the beach can be a treasure trove of things your fur baby must not eat!). Finally, your pup should be well socialized as they’re likely to bump into a whole host of other dogs at the beach, and people too! If your furry friend’s training is still a work in progress, it’s best to keep them on the leash and avoid the busiest times of the day. Better yet, head to a local dog park where you can focus on training in a more controlled environment.

5. Leave only pawprints 

Don’t be a party pooper - keep the beach clean and poop-free by picking up after your dog! Dog poop can be a nasty surprise for a barefoot stroller, and also causes harm to wildlife and contaminates the ecosystem at the beach. It also poses a serious health risk to humans, particularly children who are likely to play in the sand. So scoop the poop and take your litter home to ensure the only thing beachgoers feel between their toes is sand! 

6. Stay vigilant

When walking on the beach, watch out for crashing waves, dangerous currents, “tasty treasures” that might tempt your furry friend’s taste buds, and other beach dogs. Your pooch pal might be well-trained, but that doesn’t mean that other dogs on the beach are. Keep an eye on your pup and their furry friends to ensure everyone’s tail is wagging. 

7. Wash the day away

It might seem like your furry friend has had a refreshing bath in the sea, but the truth is that saltwater and sand can cause skin irritation and rashes. Some beaches have showers where you and your pooch can wash off after your sandy escapades, but if these aren’t available, make sure you give your fur baby a thorough rinse when you get home. 

What to do with your dog at the beach 

Whether it’s a day trip or a beach vacation, there are endless possibilities for fun in the sun! 

1. Let the games begin

Don’t forget to pack your furry friend’s favorite tennis ball, frisbee, or water dummy for a long game of fetch at the beach. Some pooch pals love jumping in the water to swim after their toy, just be aware of currents, make sure you don’t throw it too far out to sea, and avoid disturbing sunbathers!

2. Go swimming

The beach is the perfect place for your pup to practice their doggy paddle! Check with the lifeguard that the sea conditions are safe before your fur baby takes the plunge, and supervise your pup at all times, even if the water looks calm. Keep an eye out for rough water and rip tides and be mindful of any underwater friends, such as jellyfish, that could pose a threat to your pooch. Consider investing in a dog life vest and perhaps you can teach your dog how to swim, but never, ever force them into the water if they’re not feeling it. 

3. Take a stroll along the beach

Take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline as your furry friend combs the beach for exciting smells, shells, and crabs, just don’t let your dog gobble up any seaweed or sand along the way (these tempting treats can cause tummy troubles for pups). 

4. Play in the sand

A beach day isn’t complete without getting a bit sandy, and from digging holes to tearing down sandcastles (hopefully just the ones you’ve built), there’s loads of fun to be had in the sand! Just be sure to fill those holes before you go so that no one falls down them!

Whichever activities you decide to do with your dog at the beach, remember to be a responsible pet parent or dog sitter at all times. Keep a watchful eye on your furry friend, not only to ensure their safety but to allow other beachgoers to relax and enjoy their time there. Come armed with poop bags, sunscreen, an umbrella for shade, and lots of water, and get ready to soak up the sun, stretch out on the sand, and make a splash in the sea!

Meet our veterinary expert, Gemma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Gemma Cliffin BSc BVSc MRCVS. Gemma is an experienced small animal vet who combines her love of writing alongside working in practice. Since her graduation from the University of Liverpool in 2014 she has worked in a wide variety of roles including first opinion practice, as a night vet, and as a locum vet. She has also spent time working at a charity clinic in the Cook Islands which was a challenge but also immensely rewarding. She loves all aspects of veterinary work, but she especially enjoys medicine cases and diagnostic imaging. She is passionate about pain management, particularly in her more senior patients. She currently works in a first opinion small animal practice in North Yorkshire where she deals with both routine and emergency cases.