Tips for Taking Your Dog to the Beach

Arriving at the beach without preparing for your dog’s basic needs can put a damper on your day. Pack a beach bag with the following gear:

Yep, dogs can get sunburn. Lather your pup up with sunscreen specifically formulated for dogs at least 30 minutes before heading out—paying special attention to their ears, nose and areas where they have less fur, like their belly, which can get burned by reflected light if provided sun protection.

Bring multiple gallon-sized jugs of fresh water and a portable dog bowl.

Keeping your dog hydrated helps keep them cool and protects them from overheating and heatstroke.

Signs of overheating include:

• Rapid breathing or excessive panting in dogs
• Excessive drooling
• Lethargy or refusal to obey or respond to cues
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Bright red or blue gums
• Seizures or collapse

You don’t want your dog drinking ocean water. Drinking salt water can cause your dog to vomit and also act as a laxative, so make sure you’re providing ample fresh water for your pooch.

Use whatever water is left over to rinse off the irritating salt water when you’re done for the day.

If you have a brachycephalic breed, an out of shape pooch, or a senior, be aware that the heat and stress of prolonged beach running might overwhelm your dog. Make sure to take frequent hydration breaks in the shade.

Your dog absolutely must come to you when you call for them (called the “recall cue“) every single time without fail. If they have not mastered this skill, keep them on a long leash—about 20 to 30 feet—while enjoying the sand and surf. They’ll still have enough room to frolic and run, but you’ll be able to reel them in if necessary.

A well-trained dog is a pleasure on outings and minimizes worry that they’ll run off or get into something harmful.

Bring tasty dog treats with you to get in some really great practice of the recall cue on-leash with the distractions of nature and people.

Lay the praise on thick with each instance of success and give them a treat every time they obey. Soon, you’ll both be going out for your beach day without the need to leash.

Bring (or put together) a dog first aid kit of bandages, cotton balls, ammonia and hydrogen peroxide in case of jellyfish stings or cut paws.

Bring a thick blanket for your pup to lie on, both on the hot sand and in your car on the way home.

Also bring some towels to dry off. A large beach umbrella will provide your dog with shade from the hot sun.

The sand can get hot. Protect your dog’s paws with dog boots or dog shoes.

For dogs who give booties a hard pass, another option is to shield your pup’s paw pads with a protective wax, like Musher’s Secret paw protection. Paw waxes serve as a physical barrier that can protect your dog’s pads from hot surfaces.

Your dog may be ecstatic as they romp on the beach and dog park and bark at the surf. Be aware that they might not be as responsive to you as they are in your yard.

Another factor is the crash of the waves and shouts of giddy kids and other beachgoers, which may drown out your own voice and make your cues inaudible. If danger is lurking in the surf, you may have trouble alerting them to it so they can remain safe.

Don’t let your dog off leash until you’re confident they’ll respond to your training cues, like “come” and “stay,” and will refrain from raiding other people’s food and supplies.

When you get to the beach, keep your pup on a dog leash as you scope out the situation.

Ask yourself important questions:

• Is the area crowded with small children who could get knocked over by an exuberant pup?
• How many other dogs are on the beach? Are they playing appropriately together, and what’s the size difference between the dogs?
• Is the beach littered with trash that your dog may eat, or broken glass and beer caps that can cut their paws?

If it seems like the environment might be challenging for your dog, keep them on leash until the situation calms down, or move to a less populated part of the beach.

Your first priority is your dog’s wellbeing, so don’t get too caught up in your own good time. Always keep an eye on your dog and make sure that they’re happy and safe.

Make sure to pay attention to warning flags that may be flying at lifeguard stands or along the boardwalk.

• Purple flags indicate marine pests such as jellyfish, stingrays, or even sharks.
• Red flags inform the public of rough conditions such as riptides, strong surf, or bad currents.

Many beaches have individual laws that can leave pet parents with a fine or citation if not obeyed. Below are a few more rules to follow before hitting the sand and surf:

• Puppies under four months should stay home: Young dogs are especially vulnerable to overheating and could face lifelong behavioral challenges if they have a negative experience with another dog. 
• Vaccinations must be up-to-date: Contact your vet to make sure your dog is current on all their licenses and vaccinations to keep them—and the other pooches they meet—safe.
• ID tags on a collar: The quickest and easiest way to identify your dog to others is your pooch’s name and your phone number on their ID tags, worn on a waterproof dog collar. Microchipping is a good idea, too.

• Obey leash laws: Many beaches allow off-leash fun, but not all. Check the posted rules for specifics about what time of day dogs are allowed on the beach, and if they need to remain on leash.
• Bring dog poop bags: Keep an eye on your pooch to clean up after their potty breaks.

• Keep off the dunes: Most dunes and the sea oats that grow on them are protected. Keep your dog off the dunes to avoid trouble.