7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe at the Beach

Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe at the Beach: There’s something magical about a day at the beach with your dogthe crashing waves, the open space to run, the pure joy on their face. But while the beach can be a fantastic adventure, it also presents unique risks for dogs.

Sunburn, dehydration, saltwater poisoning, sharp objects hidden in the sand all these hazards can quickly turn a fun outing into a stressful emergency.

Knowing how to prepare and protect your dog ensures your beach day stays happy, safe, and memorable. In this guide, we’ll cover seven essential tips to keep your canine companion safe by the sea, plus answer some common questions dog owners have about beach trips.

7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe at the Beach

1. Choose a Dog-Friendly, Safe Beach

Not all beaches welcome dogs, and not all are safe for canine play.
Before you go:

• Research local regulations. Some beaches allow dogs year-round; others have seasonal or time-of-day restrictions.
• Look for dog-specific beaches. These spots often have safer, cleaner areas, and sometimes freshwater rinsing stations.
• Check surf conditions. Strong tides, rip currents, or rough surf can be dangerous, even for water-loving breeds.
• Inspect for hazards. Rocky shorelines, broken glass, jellyfish, and fishing hooks are common dangers.

Bonus tip: Visit during cooler parts of the day (morning or evening) when sand and air temperatures are lower.

2. Keep Your Dog Hydrated and Offer Shade

The sun can be brutal at the beach, and dogs overheat far faster than humans.

How to prevent heatstroke:

• Bring plenty of fresh water. Always offer cool water, not ocean water (which can cause salt poisoning).
• Provide shade. Use a beach umbrella, a pop-up tent, or find natural shade if possible.
• Watch for signs of overheating:
  • Excessive panting
  • Drooling
  • Bright red gums
  • Weakness or disorientation
  • Vomiting or diarrhea

If your dog shows signs of heat exhaustion, move them into the shade, offer water, and cool them down with wet towels immediately.

3. Protect Their Paws

Hot sand can easily burn your dog’s paw pads, and sharp shells or debris hidden under the surface can cause cuts.

Protect those paws:

• Test the sand with your hand; if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.
• Walk your dog near the waterline where the sand is cooler.
• Bring dog booties if visiting during peak sun hours.
• After playtime, check paws for cuts, blisters, or embedded objects.

Remember: a dog’s paws are incredibly sensitive—injuries here can be painful and slow to heal.

4. Supervise Swimming Closely

Even if your dog is a strong swimmer, the ocean isn’t the same as a calm lake or pool.

Things to watch for:

• Rip currents: These can quickly sweep even large, powerful dogs out to sea.
• Fatigue: Swimming is tiring. Dogs often don’t realize how exhausted they are until it’s too late.
• Waves: Rough surf can slam dogs against the ground or knock them over.
• Saltwater ingestion: Swallowing too much saltwater can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and even dangerous electrolyte imbalances.

To stay safe:

• Start with shallow, calm areas.
• Consider a dog life vest, especially for smaller breeds or those new to swimming.
• Never let your dog swim far from shore unattended.

5. Prevent Saltwater Poisoning

Dogs may lap at ocean water out of thirst or curiosity. But too much saltwater is dangerous.

Symptoms of saltwater poisoning include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Seizures
• Collapse

How to prevent it:

• Bring plenty of fresh water and offer it frequently.
• Encourage your dog to drink before and after play sessions.
• Discourage them from drinking ocean water.
• After leaving the beach, bathe your dog to remove salty residue from their coat and skin.

If you suspect saltwater poisoning, seek veterinary care immediately.

6. Use Dog-Friendly Sunscreen

Yes, dogs can get sunburned—especially those with light-colored fur, short coats, or exposed areas like noses and bellies.

How to protect your dog from sunburn:

• Apply pet-safe sunscreen to vulnerable areas (ears, nose, belly, inside legs).
• Avoid human sunscreens—many contain zinc oxide or PABA, both toxic to dogs.
• Reapply sunscreen every couple of hours, especially after swimming.

Additionally, limiting sun exposure during peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) helps prevent burns.

READ ALSO: How to Handle Pet Shedding

7. Rinse and Groom After the Beach

Saltwater, sand, and debris can irritate your dog’s skin and cause matting in the fur.

Post-beach care checklist:

• Rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt and sand.
• Dry carefully, especially between toes and in skin folds.
• Check for fleas or ticks—they thrive in beach grass and coastal brush.
• Brush out the coat to prevent matting and skin infections.
• Inspect ears. Dogs prone to ear infections (especially floppy-eared breeds) should have their ears cleaned after swimming to prevent moisture buildup.

Proper aftercare ensures your dog doesn’t bring the beach home in the form of infections or skin issues.

FAQs

What breeds are best suited for beach trips?

Water-loving breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Newfoundlands often thrive at the beach. However, any breed can enjoy the beach with proper precautions, including non-swimmers.

Can my dog get sick from eating sand?

Yes. Dogs who ingest large amounts of sand can develop sand impaction, a dangerous condition where sand blocks the intestines. Always supervise digging behavior and discourage sand eating.

What should I pack for a dog beach trip?

Essentials include:

• Fresh water and collapsible bowl
• Dog-friendly sunscreen
• Shade (umbrella or tent)
• Towel for drying off
• Leash and collar with ID tags
• Poop bags
• First-aid kit (including tweezers for removing debris)

Is it okay to let my dog off-leash at the beach?

Only if the beach regulations allow it and your dog has excellent recall (returns reliably when called). Otherwise, a long-line leash gives them freedom while keeping them under control.

How do I know if my dog has had too much sun?

Signs of sunburn or heatstroke include:

• Red, inflamed skin
• Whining or sensitivity when touched
• Lethargy
• Heavy panting
• Vomiting Act quickly by moving your dog into the shade, offering water, and applying cool (not cold) wet cloths.

Can saltwater cause ear infections?

Yes. Moisture and salt left in the ears can create the perfect environment for bacterial or yeast infections. Always dry your dog’s ears thoroughly after a beach day.

Should I bathe my dog after every beach visit?

Yes, or at least rinse them thoroughly with fresh water. Leaving salt, sand, and other debris in their fur can lead to skin irritation, hotspots, and itchiness.