There’s nothing quite like a day at the beach with your furry best friend – warm sun, cool waves, and endless fun. But before you pack up your beach towel and dog toys, it’s important to make sure your pup stays safe. Here are our top tips on dog beach safety, including how to keep your dog cool at the beach and where a waterproof dog GPS tracker can be a potential lifesaver.

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Our top dog beach safety tips: How to keep your pup safe

1) Double check your beach packing list

  • Fresh water & portable bowl
    Hydration is key to keeping your dog cool, especially with the sun directly overhead.
  • Shade 
    A beach umbrella or pop-up tent for some much-needed relief from the sun.
  • Dog-friendly sunscreen
    Dogs can get sunburned too, especially on their nose and ears.
  • Towels
    For drying off after a swim or cleaning sandy paws.
  • Dog life jacket
    A great safety measure for pups who love to swim.
  • First-aid kit
    Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications.
  • Poop bags
    Always clean up after your dog to keep the beach enjoyable for everyone.
  • Floating toys
    Perfect for a fun game of fetch in the water.
  • Leash & collar with ID tags
    Even on off-leash beaches, it’s good to have a leash handy.

💡Optional but highly recommended: a waterproof dog GPS tracker. In case your dog tends to wander off out of boredom or curiosity or chase down birds or smaller animals – or is just a water-loving dog breed that just can’t be trusted not to dive right into the nearest lake, pond, river, or ocean in sight. With just a glance at your phone, you can track their movements in real-time and find them in no time.

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2) Keep your dog cool & hydrated

Dogs can overheat quickly, especially when running on hot sand. Always bring fresh, cool water and a portable dog bowl to encourage them to drink up plenty. Setting up a shaded area with a beach umbrella or pop-up tent is a great way to keep your pup comfortable.

If your dog starts panting excessively, drooling, or slowing down, cool them off immediately by wetting their fur and moving them into the shade. Watch out for the signs of heat stroke in dogs and keep a local vet’s number at hand.

Read more: Dogs And Heat: How To Keep Dogs Cool In Summer

3) Don’t forget the sunscreen

Some dogs, especially those with short or light-colored fur, pink noses, or exposed skin areas, are more prone to sunburn. To protect them, apply dog-friendly sunscreen on vulnerable areas like the nose, ears, and belly. Make sure to choose a sunscreen specifically formulated for dogs, as human sunscreens can contain harmful ingredients like zinc oxide. Reapply as needed, especially after swimming or prolonged sun exposure.

4) Protect your dog’s fur & paws

The sand can get scorching hot, which can burn your dog’s paw pads. Before letting your dog walk on it, test the sand with your hand – if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them! Stick to cooler areas near the water and consider using protective dog booties to shield their paws from the heat.

After a swim, it’s a good idea to rinse your dog’s fur with fresh water to remove any salt, sand, or debris. Saltwater can dry out their skin, causing irritation and itching, while sand trapped in their fur can lead to discomfort. Pay special attention to their paws, as salt and sand buildup between the paw pads can cause irritation or even small cuts. A quick rinse and wipe-down can help keep them comfortable and prevent any post-beach skin issues.

5) Watch out for water hazards

Not all dogs are natural swimmers, and even strong swimmers can struggle with waves and currents. If your dog loves the water, keep a close eye on them and avoid areas with strong tides. Likewise, remember that saltwater is not safe to drink, so always provide fresh water to keep them from lapping up seawater. A dog life jacket is a great safety measure, especially if your dog is new to swimming.

Read more: Taking Your Dog Swimming? Your Ultimate Safety Guide

A pair of dogs wearing life jackets playing with a woman at the beach

6) Keep an eye out for other beach hazards

Beaches can be home to some hidden dangers, including jellyfish, crabs, and sharp objects like shells or fish hooks. Avoid areas where marine life has washed up, and always check the sand for anything that could injure your pup. If your dog gets stung by a jellyfish, rinse the area with vinegar and seek veterinary advice if symptoms persist.

7) Check the beach rules before you go

Not all beaches allow dogs, and some have restrictions during certain times of the year. Before heading out, check the local regulations to ensure your beach of choice is pet-friendly. Some beaches require leashes at all times, while others have designated off-leash areas where your dog can run freely. Knowing the rules ahead of time will make your beach day stress-free and enjoyable.

Likewise, be a responsible beach-goer and always clean up after your dog. Keeping the beach clean means keeping it safe for everyone!

8) Pick a dog-friendly place to stay by the beach

Look for accommodations that explicitly welcome pets and offer amenities to make your dog’s stay comfortable. Vacation rentals, beachside cottages, and hotels with pet-friendly policies are great options. Some properties go the extra mile by providing dog beds, treats, and designated pet relief areas.

If you’re booking a vacation home, consider one with a fenced-in yard. This gives your dog a safe outdoor space to roam while you relax. For hotels, check for nearby parks or dog-friendly walking paths so your pup has plenty of space to stretch their legs. Some beach resorts even have special pet packages that include toys, bowls, and grooming services.

Before finalizing your booking, review the accommodation’s pet policy. Some places have size or breed restrictions, while others may charge an additional cleaning fee. Knowing these details in advance can help you plan a stress-free trip.

Finally, here are some popular dog-friendly beach destinations in the U.S:

  • Carmel Beach, California
  • Outer Banks, North Carolina
  • Fort De Soto Park, Florida
  • Cape Cod, Massachusetts

9) Try these dog-friendly beach activities to keep them occupied

Keeping your dog entertained at the beach isn’t just fun – it also helps prevent them from wandering off or getting into trouble. A well-exercised dog is less likely to chase birds too far down the shoreline or venture into the waves unsupervised. Here are some great ways to keep them engaged:

  • Fetch with a floating toy
    A game of fetch in the water can be a great way to cool down while keeping your dog active.
  • Digging pit
    If your pup loves to dig, designate a sandy spot where they can safely satisfy their instincts without disturbing other beachgoers.
  • Tug-of-war with a sturdy rope
    This can be played on wet or dry sand and is a great way to strengthen your bond with your dog.
  • Hide and seek
    Bury a favorite (non-toxic) toy slightly in the sand and let your dog sniff it out for some extra mental stimulation.
  • Obstacle course
    Use driftwood, rocks, or even beach chairs to create a fun agility course for your pup to weave through and jump over.

10) Avoid leaving your dog unattended at the beach

It can be tempting to let your dog roam freely while you relax, but leaving them unattended at the beach is never a good idea. Even in dog-friendly areas, unexpected dangers like strong waves, wildlife encounters, or wandering too far can put your pup at risk. Some dogs may also become anxious if left alone in an unfamiliar environment, leading to stress or even destructive behavior.

If you need to step away for any reason, always ensure someone is watching your dog or keep them leashed nearby. A dog GPS tracker can provide extra security, but supervision is the best way to ensure their safety.

11) Use a waterproof dog GPS tracker

Beaches are full of distractions, and even the most well-trained dog might run off chasing birds or following an interesting scent. A waterproof GPS dog tracker like Tractive allows you to track your dog’s location in real-time and set virtual fences that alert you if they leave a safe zone. If your dog gets lost, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing you can find them quickly.

A dog wearing a Tractive GPS tracker in the water

A day at the beach with your pup should be all about fun, not stress. But with these tips, you can enjoy your beach adventure worry-free. Whether your dog loves to splash in the waves or dig in the sand, keeping them cool, safe, and hydrated is the key to a perfect beach day.

So grab your beach bag, pack some dog treats, and let the seaside adventures begin! 🌊🐾

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