Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Imagine a beautiful day at the beach. The fresh sea breeze, waves crashing on the shore, the feel of soft sand beneath your feet and the warm sun on your face. Now imagine your faithful dog is at your side. Could there be a more perfect day?
Before you get too excited and start planning for fun in the sun, sand and surf, take a moment to consider any problems you may encounter or safety precautions you may need to take to prioritize your dog's well-being. Whether you're taking your dog to the beach for the first time or the hundredth time, it's important to know how to best protect your dog on the beach.
Preparing for the beach
Just like humans, dogs can encounter health hazards on the beach, including too much sun or even potential accidents or injuries. It's important to ensure a trip to the beach—or any summer activities with your dog—are safe and enjoyable experiences.
Check local beach regulations
Familiarize yourself with your local beach's rules and regulations concerning dogs before you leave home. Some beaches have specific leash requirements or designated dog-friendly areas, while others ban dogs altogether.
When you get to the beach, speak with the lifeguards (if your beach has them) to check any additional rules and ask about current water and weather conditions.
Pack essentials for your dog's safety and comfort
When bringing your dog to the beach, take some essential gear to make sure you have everything your dog needs for the day out, including:
- Fresh water and a portable bowl: Your dog may become overheated from all the excitement of running around in the sun, so be especially alert for signs of dehydration, which include excessive panting, followed by disorientation and fast, noisy breathing. Ingesting salt water can be very dangerous for dogs, due to the high sodium content. Provide plenty of fresh water and look out for serious signs, which may include collapsing or convulsing, bright red or blue gums, vomiting and diarrhea.1 If your dog shows these signs, get them to a veterinarian without delay.
- Sunscreen for dogs: Even though your dog may have a thick coat of fur, they can still experience sunburn just like humans do—especially on sensitive areas like the ears and nose. Apply dog-safe sunscreen (avoiding zinc-based formulas, which can be toxic if ingested) to areas with sparse fur or exposed skin.
- Doggy first aid kit: Don't leave home without a basic pet first aid kit to tackle minor incidents and injuries. It's a good idea to include bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers and any medications your dog may need.
- A sunshade: Your dog can quickly get too hot at the beach, so you'll need to think ahead and provide some shade in the form of a beach umbrella or small tent.
Safety measures on the beach
Follow the guidelines below to ensure your pup stays safe at the beach.
Keep your dog on a leash
Your beach may have designated off-leash areas, but otherwise—for the safety of your dog, other animals and other beachgoers—you should keep them on their leash for the duration of your visit.
Leashes prevent your dog from encountering hazardous situations, which could include anything from running into a beach barbecue to unexpected current changes in the water. Unleashed dogs can also potentially disturb wildlife and upset other people at the beach.
Provide a sheltered area for your dog to relax
This will be an exciting time for your dog, so they may get a little overstimulated. Provide a shady spot for them to rest out of the hot sun and take a moment to decompress, keep cool and relax.
This can help avoid overheating or the chance of sunburn, which particularly affects hairless breeds like Xoloitzcuintli and American Hairless Terriers, or those with thin fur or lighter skin like Collies, Dalmatians, Bulldogs and Whippets.2
Protect paws from hot sand
If you've ever run into the ocean to stop the soles of your feet from burning on the hot sand, you know how important it is to protect your dog's paws. Your dog will show you through their behavior how they're feeling. If you notice them limping or licking their paws, take action. Set up close to the water, or consider putting booties on your dog's paws to protect them from burns.
Water safety for dogs
Many dogs love swimming in the ocean, but it's important to first assess the safety of the waves. You can do this by checking the water conditions and being aware of your dog's individual swimming ability.
Assess your dog's swimming ability
Not all dogs are natural swimmers. Some—like Pugs, Corgis, Dachshunds, Boxers and Shih Tzus—prefer not to swim.3 If your dog isn't confident in the water, consider using a life jacket for added support, keeping them on a leash or only taking them in rock pools of shallow water.
Monitor your dog while in the water
Even if your dog is a competent swimmer—like American Water Spaniels, English Setters and Labrador Retrievers—they still need close supervision in the water.4 Never leave them alone, not only for their own safety, but also because they could potentially encounter sea life or bother human swimmers. Some marine life, including shellfish, starfish, sea urchins and dead fish, can pose potential toxic risks to your pet if eaten.5 Closely monitor your dog in the ocean to ensure they don't lap up too much salt water—the high sodium content can be bad for them.
If the lifeguard informs you of strong currents or undertows, take heed and opt out of swimming for the day.
Socialize responsibly
Follow beach etiquette, and teach your dog the right way to interact with other people and pets. This includes respecting others' space and comfort levels, as not everyone may feel comfortable around dogs.6
Health considerations
Make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations and preventive treatments before you enjoy your beach day. Look out for signs of heatstroke, which can be very serious. Symptoms include:
- Excessive panting
- Weakness
- Drooling
- Bright red/brick red gums
Take immediate action if you suspect heatstroke. Get your dog out of the sun, provide plenty of water and seek prompt veterinary care if needed.
Proper waste disposal and hygiene
It's your job to clean up after your dog on the beach and in other public spaces. Leave all areas in the same state in which you found them—or ideally, even cleaner. Be responsible, and help maintain a clean and safe beach environment for everyone.
Proper waste disposal also helps prevent the transmission of diseases and parasites between dogs and other animals.7
When you're ready to head home, make sure you clean off your dog, including rinsing away all seawater and sand that can irritate their skin. Get between their toes and give them a good soaking to help cool them down.
You can also use this time to check for any pests or burrs in your dog's fur that may have hitched a ride from the beach.
Pets Best is here to help
By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that your beach trip with your dog is not only fun, but also safe. From preparing essential items to monitoring your dog's well-being, these precautions can keep your dog happy and healthy and help create cherished memories together.
It's very important to prioritize the safety of your dog on the beach because anything can happen. For additional peace of mind, ensure you have chosen the right pet insurance from Pets Best to help protect you from the unexpected. Our policies include access to an Emergency 24/7 Vet Helpline, where you can get expert advice at any time of day or night.
Sources/Citations
1. "Warning Signs of Dehydration in Dogs," Jan Reisen (7/2023), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/warning-signs-dehydration-dogs/, accessed September 6, 2023.
2. "Do Dogs Need Sunscreen?" Harriet Meyers (7/2023), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/do-dogs-need-sunscreen, accessed August 4, 2023.
3. "8 dog breeds that can't swim," Jessica Downey (1/2023), PetsRadar, https://www.petsradar.com/news/dog-breeds-that-cant-swim, accessed August 4, 2023.
4. "Just Add Water! 16 Dog Breeds That Can Swim Easily," Jan Reisen (6/2023), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/breeds-that-are-born-to-swim/, accessed August 4, 2023.
5. "Is It Safe for Your Furry Friend to Join You Poolside?" ASPCA (7/2019), https://www.aspca.org/news/it-safe-your-furry-friend-join-you-poolside, accessed August 4, 2023.
6. "Aggression," ASPCA, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/aggression, accessed August 4, 2023.
7. "Transmission of Parasitic Diseases," (6/2023), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/transmission/index.html, accessed August 4, 2023.