10 Safety Tips for Taking a Dog to the Beach

Being prepared for a safe day at the beach ensures you and your pup enjoy both the physical exercise and the mental enrichment. Heat, dehydration, strong currents, hot sand, and exposure to wildlife are the main factors to consider so you can keepyour dog safe, comfortable, and healthy while enjoying the excitement the beach has to offer.  

Why Is Dog Safety Important at the Beach?

The beach presents a variety of risks for dogs that they don’t commonly encounter during everyday walks or playtime. For example: 

• Hot sand can burn a dog’s sensitive paw pads. If they lie down on it for too long, it can also burn their belly. 

• Prolonged heat exposure can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heatstroke. 

• Strong waves and currents can put dogs at risk for drowning, just as they do people. 

• Drinking large amounts of saltwater can cause dangerously high blood sodium levels (hypernatremia), which may lead to neurologic problems and even be fatal. 

• Sharp seashells, fishhooks, and other debris can cause puncture wounds or become choking hazards. 

• Leftover chicken bones and other trash may tempt your dog with a yummy snack but could leave them with an upset stomach or even an intestinal obstruction. 

• Dead or decaying marine life, including fish, crabs, and jellyfish, may harbor harmful bacteria, parasites, or toxins. 

10 Beach Safety Tips for Dogs

To help keep your next trip to the beach safe for you and your dog, here are simple tips to keep in mind. 

1. Check the Beach Rules 

Before heading to the beach with your pup, check the rules for the specific location.  

Not all beaches allow dogs. Some permit them only during certain hours or seasons, and many require dogs to remain on a leash.  

2. Make Sure Your Dog Is Healthy 

Dogs with certain medical conditions should avoid the beach or be cleared by a veterinarian before going.  

Dogs with heart disease, breathing problems, mobility issues, brachycephalic breeds, and those who are very young or very old are generally more susceptible to heat, fatigue, and other beach-related hazards. 

3. Pack the Essentials 

Don’t head to the beach empty-handed. You’ll need the right gear for a safe and successful day. Be sure to pack: 

• Fresh drinking water and a bowl 

• Snacks or treats 

• A leash and harness 

• Waste bags 

• Towels 

• A source of shade, such as a beach umbrella 

• Pet-safe sunscreen 

• A basic first-aid kit 

4. Bring Plenty of Fresh Water 

Drinking large amounts of saltwater can be life-threatening for dogs because it causes dangerously high blood sodium levels (hypernatremia).  

Always bring plenty of fresh water for both you and your dog to stay cool and hydrated in the heat. Having drinking water readily available also reduces the temptation for your dog to drink saltwater.  

5. Make Sure the Water Is Safe 

Beach water can contain hazards you can’t always see.  

Check local water-quality reports for bacteria advisories, and avoid areas with large accumulations of seaweed or visible algal blooms, such as blue-green algae, which can be toxic to both people and dogs.  

If a beach is closed or has a posted health advisory, keep your dog out of the water, even if it looks clean. 

6. Know the Tide and Water Conditions  

Before allowing your dog into the water, check for warning flags, posted notices about dangerous currents, or large breaking waves.  

It’s also helpful to review local tide tables before your trip. At some beaches, low tide can expose your dog to hazards on the seafloor such as broken shells, sharp rocks, or marine animals that may injure them.  

7. Protect Against Sunburn  

Shade gives your dog a place to cool off and helps reduce the risk of sunburn.  

Dogs with a thin coat, white fur, or little hair are especially susceptible, and the nose, ears, and belly are particularly vulnerable. 

Use a sunscreen specifically formulated for dogs, and provide shade with an umbrella or beach tent. Never use human sunscreen on a dog, as some ingredients can be toxic if dogs lick them.  

8. Prevent Sand Ingestion 

Dogs often swallow sand while digging, retrieving toys, or playing in the surf.  

If enough sand is ingested, it can accumulate in the intestines and cause a potentially serious blockage known as a sand impaction.  

Signs include: 

• Vomiting 

• Loss of appetite 

• Straining to defecate 

• Abdominal pain 

• Lethargy 

• Large amounts of sand in the stool 

9. Use a Long Leash Instead of a Retractable Leash 

A long leash gives your dog room to explore while allowing you to quickly bring them back if a hazard arises.  

Standard leashes also provide better control around wildlife, other dogs, and changing surf conditions. Retractable leashes are generally not recommended at the beach because they can create safety hazards for both dogs and people.  

10. Prioritize Aftercare 

When you get home from the beach, give your dog a thorough rinse and check them over carefully.  

After your beach visit: 

• Bathe your dog to rinse away salt and sand, which can dry out and irritate the skin and result in itchy skin.  

• Check their ears for moisture and sand, and clean them if needed using a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner. 

• Examine the paws and skin for any cuts, abrasions, or irritation. Treat them accordingly.  

• Monitor your dog for delayed signs of illness, including vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, excessive panting, lethargy, or difficulty walking. Contact your veterinarian if any of these signs develop.  

Most beach-related emergencies are preventable. A little preparation before you go can help keep your dog safe, comfortable, and healthy while making your beach day more enjoyable for everyone.