8 Tested Tips For Taking Your Dog To The Beach
Summer is finally arriving, and countless dog owners are gearing up to take their four-pawed friends to the beach! Who wouldn't want to see their furry friend dashing up and down the dunes or splashing about in the ocean spray? In fact, here in the UK, a trip to the coast is a wonderful year-round idea for quality time with your canine companion. However, if you're on the hunt for a dog-friendly beach for the first time, you've probably got a lot of questions!
Which beaches can you head for with confidence and what essentials will you need to bring? There are many factors to consider ahead of taking your dog to the beach. Whenever I hit the sand with my Maltipoo Button, I make sure to pack a bag with all our must-have beach essentials. We've learned through experience that to make it a safe and fun trip, it's worth being prepared.
With that in mind, here are our tested top tips for taking your dog to the beach—and don't forget to read to the end for pointers on all of Button's very favourite beach destinations!
1. Check Out Your Chosen Beach Destination Online
For new pet owners or those who have never had a beach day with their dog before, it can be a surprise to learn that not all beaches allow dogs. Meanwhile, some welcome four-pawed visitors, but only if certain rules are adhered to! Here in the south of England, dog owners will discover that some beaches only allow dogs during the off season—for example, from October to April each year—while others may permit dogs early in the morning and in the evening, or at all times but only on leads. Phew, that's a lot to keep track of!
If dogs could cast a vote, there's a good chance they'd let us know that few things are as exciting as hitting the sand. It only seems fair, then, that many coastal areas provide visitors with a map each year specifying which spots are dog-friendly beaches and which aren't, allowing pet owners to get their quality shared beach-time with ease. This fantastic tactic allows dog owners to enjoy some sand and sea with their fluffy amigos and those who prefer it to stick to a dog-free zone.
These days, not only beaches but also local venues are becoming more and more welcoming to dogs. Often, when you find a dog-friendly beach location online, you'll also find restaurants, attractions, and even hotels in the neighbourhood that embrace canine visitors too. It's important to remember that dog owners who hit the wrong beach may receive a fine for doing so. The simple solution is to check online before heading to the beach for total peace of mind. A little later on, you'll get to hear about Button's favourite dog-friendly beaches—as it happens, they're mine, too!
2. Help Your Beloved Pooch Stay Hydrated
Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink! When your darling doggo is crashing through the waves, it's easy to forget that they might be getting thirsty. Especially when they love to run up the beach and gleefully shake off right next to you! But, it's vital to remember that sea water is salt water, and it isn't safe for your pooch to slurp on that. In fact, if your dog drinks too much sea water, it might upset their stomach. Happily, if you ensure that there's always fresh water on hand, they will certainly choose that instead when they need to hydrate.
Whenever I go to the beach with Buttons, I take a cleverly designed dog water bottle that is features a bowl-top for easy drinking wherever we are—you'll find our favourites just below! If you've got gigantic furry friends, you might prefer to take a lightweight pop-out dog bowl and a large bottle of water to ensure that they always get enough H20. If the sun is shining and you know it's going to be a scorching day, you can make the act of hydrating even more refreshing for your dog by packing chilled water in a cooler bag or box.
Button’s Favourite Water Bottles:
MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle, Leak Proof Portable Puppy Water Dispenser with Drinking Feeder for Pets Outdoor Walking, Hiking, Travel, Food Grade Plastic (550ML Blue)
Lesotc Dog Water Bottles, Dog Water Bottles Travel, Portable Dog Water Bottle, BPA Free (18oz-Blue)
3. Provide Shade and Sun Protection
Beach sand can be bright and brilliant—making it beautiful to look at, but also great at reflecting the sun back at us double! As your dog gets giddy playing in the sand, they will inevitably get hot. This makes opportunity to find some shade all the more important.
Not many beaches have accessible shady spots, so the solution is to take some shade with you. This could be a parasol for your pooch or a purpose made pop-up beach shelter for dogs. No doubt, they'll love to take a power nap out of direct sunlight for a little while, before being recharged enough for another round of playing!
Do keep in mind, too, that some dogs can get sunburned just as easily as we can. Particularly for furry friends with pale skin and a light coloured coat, a dog-specific sunblock is a great idea.
4. Remember to Keep Bugs at Bay
Beaches are often framed by gorgeous natural habitats that make for fantastic exploring with your canine companion. Dunes, promenades, and winding pathways await—but so too do critters that you won't want hitching a ride on your pal! Some dogs are sensitive to bites from mosquitoes and other blood-sucking bugs, while coastal areas are often home to ticks. Avoid itchy skin and even risk of illness with an effective dog-friendly insect repellent. Buttons and I always turn to the Seresto Dog Flea Collar with Tick Control for reliable protection for total peace of mind!
5. Make Sure Swim Time is Safe
If you're an urban dweller like Buttons and I, it might be that your dog hasn't had much opportunity to gain confidence in the water. The sea can be fast-moving and unpredictable, making it crucial that you keep water safety in mind. You can do this by introducing your dog to calm water first before taking them into the waves, and even seeking out dog swimming lessons. Yes, that really is a thing!
No matter how strong a swimmer your pooch may be, don't ever underestimate the power of coastal currents and waves. Always check the water safety status of your beach destination before getting in the car, and if the water looks choppy, it's better to decide that this isn't a swimming day for Fido. Safety first!
6. Help Your Doggo Stay Cool
We mentioned staying out of the sun, but particularly when visiting a dog-friendly beach in the summer, there are more things you can do to help your four-pawed friend keep cool. Often, when we walk across the beach with sandals or shoes on, we don't realise how hot the sand gets in the sun. So, take a moment to feel the temperature of the sand for yourself before assuming that your dog won't burn their toes! If the sand is too hot, you can stick to the damp sand closer to the waterline for canine comfort. If the sand is warm but OK to walk on, then a cooling mat is a fantastic option for giving them a break underfoot.
Rosewood Cooling Mat for Dogs 65cm x 50cm (Watermelon, Circle)
Just like humans, dogs can experience heat stroke at the beach. Alongside helping Buttons stay hydrated and providing shade, I always reach for a cute and cooling accessory whenever the weather heats up. From chill out bandanas to cooling coats, there are plenty of ways to help your dog stay stylish and cool in one fell swoop!
ALL FOR PAWS Chill Out Dog Ice Bandana, Instant Cooling Pet Bandana, Breathable Scarf Dog Cat Ice
Prestige Cool Coat for Dogs, XS, Blue
7. Pack Some Pick-Up Bags
When taking your dog to the beach, you in essence make an agreement with the authorities who allow us to enjoy these beautiful spaces for free with our furry companions. No matter whether on a beach that allows dogs all year round or only on a leash during certain windows, it's always a must to pick up your dogs mess. This makes carrying poo bags an unavoidable duty. The good news is that by picking up after your dog, you contribute to keeping beaches beautiful and welcoming for all dog owners—and we each return in kind!
8. Be On the Look Out For Beach Hazards
While dog owners like us might be extra careful to leave no trace of our visit, that doesn't mean that dangerous things don't wind up scattered on the sand from time to time. As you stroll through the dunes with your trusty pup, be on the look out for things like broken glass and rusty metal in the sand. Down by the water, be aware that toxic oil deposits—that arrive in the form of white waxy pebble or pea-sized lumps—occasionally wash up on beaches. Dogs can get sick if they eat these oil deposits, so always be cautious if you spot any!
9. Don’t Forget to Rinse Away the Salt
You've had an incredible day soaking up the sights and roaring across the sand, and it's time to make your way back to the car. Before you and your dog head for home, don't forget to rinse off all that sand and salt water! Not only will you not want to take half of the beach home with you, but the salty residue left by sea swimming on your dogs skin may cause irritation and itching.
To avoid this—and the inevitable associated mess in the car—give your pal a quick rinse with fresh water. Some beaches provide visitors with a freshwater tap or even a shower area, but the safest bet is to pack a little more water and a dog towel in the car.
Discover Button’s Favourite Dog-Friendly Beach Destinations
I mentioned that I'd share the beach destinations that Buttons and I love the most, and I wouldn't want to disappoint! Forget sunbathing spots—these are our go-to locations for sensational seashore fun.
Margate
The main beach in Margate has great parking facilities and is popular with families all year round. That said, they only allow dogs between 1st May and 30th September. This is no problem for us pooch owners, however, as there are plenty of other beaches nearby that welcome dogs during the high season. In fact, the local authorities offer a handy colour-coded guide so that their beach regulations are easy to follow and you can enjoy beach time with your fluffy friend all year round.
Brighton
Everyone loves Brighton in the summer, and dogs are no exception! While our canine companions are only allowed to visit the central Brighton beach between 1st October and 30th April, they can stroll with you on the promenade as long as you keep them on a leash. There are also stretches of dog-friendly beach nearby that can be located using the local council's dog-friendly beach map.
Rye
The coastal town of Rye and its surroundings are wonderfully dog-friendly, and filled with interesting places to explore with your pooch! While the beach areas where dogs are allowed are controlled between 1st May and 30th September, there are always plenty of spots to choose from, such as those at Camber Sands and Winchealsea beach. The local authorities only ask that you clean up after your dog and use a leash when near livestock.
Bournemouth
Between 1st May and 30th September, Bournemouth operates a mapped Dog Friendly Zones system along the local coastline. Steer clear of the areas marked in red and make your way to those marked in green on the map for success when you arrive at your destination. You'll also be pleased to discover that the Bournemouth seafront promenade welcomes dogs on a lead!