Summer days are upon us, and one of the most fun ways to take advantage of the warmer weather with your dog is to visit the best dog-friendly beaches. Here are ten safety tips that will help make your beach visit with your dog fun and accident-free.
Sun, surf, and safety tips for dogs at the beach
Spending time at the beach with your dog is one of the great pleasures of the warmer months. While these sun-soaked days can be the highlight of the year, they also present potential hazards that require careful planning and vigilance. Even if your dog is friendly, a strong swimmer, and obedient to your commands, unexpected situations can arise rapidly. Maintaining close supervision of your pet at all times on the beach is crucial. Your dog’s safety should be the top priority.
Socialization is key
If you ever plan on being in off-leash situations with your dog while you’re in public, you must ensure your pup is well-behaved with other people and animals. Even among friendly dogs, misunderstandings can happen. Play can get too aggressive, or there can be fights over toys or treats.
If your dog still needs proper socialization training or isn’t consistent with recall commands, you must keep them on a leash in public. This is true even if it’s where dogs are allowed to be off-leash. We generally recommend you always keep your dog leashed. Thankfully, you have the option of buying an extra-long lead to allow them more space to roam.
Finding the right dog-friendly beaches
Before you plan your trip, you’ll want to research the top dog-friendly beaches. Start with a quick internet search for “dog-friendly beaches near me.” After reading reviews and checking out beach ratings, you should visit the beach in person without your dog first. Make sure it is reasonably clean and assess any potential risks.
If crowds make your dog nervous, pick a less crowded beach and visit when it’s less busy. Find out if the beach is a good fit for your pup before you show up with them. When you do arrive with your pup, always check the beach safety flags to indicate potentially hazardous conditions.
Even good swimmers should have dog life jackets
Dog life jackets are so important, even for dogs who are great swimmers. Undercurrents can be unpredictable. What’s more, if your dog gets pulled away from shore, they may not have the strength to swim back. Dogs may also get tired, lost, or confused and need help swimming.
Get a brightly-colored dog life jacket with good reviews so your dog is visible and not at risk of going under the waves.
Keep dogs cool at the beach
Your dog needs to have an area with shade, water, and ways to cool down. Heat stroke and dehydration can occur, even when dogs spend time in cool water. Bring your dog a bowl and fresh water so they have something clean to drink. Have towels you can get wet and place on your dog if they need to cool off quickly. Consider bringing a cooler with some ice packs, just in case. You can also buy dog cooling vests, as well, that are specifically made to reduce UV exposure and reduce your pup’s temperature.
Ensure your pup takes breaks occasionally and drinks plenty of water to hydrate. Prioritize these actions even if your pup seems okay. When dogs are having fun, they don’t necessarily realize how hot and tired they are, and that can be very dangerous. Be especially aware of senior dogs, brachycephalic breeds, or other breeds that can’t tolerate warmer weather, as they can be more susceptible to heat.
Prioritize dog sunscreen
Dogs’ fur protects them from sunburns, but even canines benefit from sunscreen. Dogs who are losing hair, have thin hair, or have lighter-colored coats are more at risk, especially if they spend a significant amount of time outside.
Ask your veterinarian about dog sunscreen to decide which is best for your pup. Do NOT put human sunscreen on your dog, and avoid any sunscreens with zinc oxide, which can be toxic to canines if ingested. Apply sunscreen to areas with thin fur, such as the snout, face, and ears. Follow your vet’s instructions.
Always supervise your pet when on the beach
Even if dogs seem safe and look like they’re having a good time, you must be constantly vigilant, especially if your dog is off-leash. If other dogs are on the beach, it’s respectful to speak with other dog owners and see if they’re comfortable with your pup being off-leash. Your dog should only be off-leash if they are confident in recall commands.
Watch for fights with other dogs, signs of heat stroke, dehydration, and hypothermia, which can happen even in summer if dogs spend too much time in cold water. Additionally, examine their paws for any signs of wounds, as many sharp objects could be on the beach. Until your dog’s collar or harness is connected to their leash again, your eyes should be on them.
Pick suitable toys
Some veterinarians suggest tennis balls can contribute to dogs swallowing sand, which can cause gastrointestinal blockages. Instead of tennis balls, cloth toys, or other items that might collect sand more easily, stick to rubber balls, frisbees, and other toys that don’t collect sand as quickly. Your dog will probably still swallow some sand — who doesn’t at the beach — but it is less likely to be enough to cause problems.
Pack a first-aid kit, leash, and other supplies
First thing first: You need to have a leash. If there is an emergency or incident, you need a way to get your dog under control and move them to safety. Towels are also necessary, as your dog’s fur can trap moisture that turns into steam and overheats their body. Dry your dog once they are out of the water. You should have a first-aid kit for minor injuries and any other supplies you might need for the day, including medication, food, and extra water.
Update tags, microchips, and any other ID
If the worst thing that should happen is that your dog runs off or gets lost, the best way for them to get back home is to have updated identification. Ensure their collar tags are up-to-date, as well as their microchip information and any other identification they might have. Make sure you have a recent photo of them, too. It’s always important to keep this info updated, but it is essential if they will be in an off-leash environment.
Wash up afterward
Untreated bodies of water can be full of harmful bacteria, parasites, chemicals, and toxic substances that can hurt your dog. If you can, try to rinse your dog off quickly after a beach visit and bathe them more thoroughly after you get home.
It’s also important to keep your dog up to date on leptospirosis and giardia vaccinations. While these vaccines are typically not required, they are highly recommended. Don’t let your pup drink from any lake or river water, no matter how tempting it may be. They can also be exposed to the bacteria through cuts around their legs and paws.
You should pay special attention to the ears, paws, and anywhere where there are skin folds, as these are the places parasites and bacteria like to hide the most. Be especially mindful of fresh bodies of water and oceanic occurrences like red tide. This can reduce the chances of your dog getting sick from something they pick up from their fun beach day.
Worry-free fun at dog-friendly beaches
With these safety tips for dogs at the beach in mind, you can enjoy a worry-free adventure with your pup. Don’t forget to pack your camera! You can also find many other dog-friendly activities to keep you busy all summer.
If you’re hitting the road to the coast, check out our guide on how to find the best pet-friendly hotels. Also, don’t forget to buckle up your pup in a quality dog car seat to keep them safe on the way to sunshine and sea air!
