Planning to head out to the beach with your furry friend? Be sure to plan ahead to keep your dog safe, happy, and healthy! 

Pack your Supplies:

• Leash, collar, and harness
• Up to date ID tags
• Pet-safe sunscreen 
• Booties or paw balm 
• First-Aid kit 
• Fresh water 
• Poop Bags 
• Pet life-jacket (optional)

Prepare you Dog:

• Ensure that the beach you are traveling to is dog-friendly!
• Make sure they have a reliable recall if going off-leash 
• Train “leave it”
• Make sure their ID/microchip is up to date 
• Remove tick/flea collar if your dog wears one
• Keep their vaccinations up to date
• Research if the area you’re traveling to is known for harmful algal blooms (HABs) particularly red tides and blue-green algae

Safety & Etiquette Tips

• Keep fresh water readily available
• Apply pet-safe sunscreen to nose, ears, and belly
• Keep an eye out for signs of overheating and heat stroke
• Do not allow your dog to ingest sand or seawater
• Consider keeping your dog on a long leash (not retractable lead) for safety
• Don't let your dog swim in deep or choppy water
• Be mindful of hot sand
• Watch out for litter including broken glass that can be harmful
• Keep an eye open for wildlife or signs of dangerous animals such as snakes or bears
• Consider purchasing a pet life-jacket for not-so strong swimmers and trainees
• Toss balls on the sand, not into the ocean--your dog can inhale water when fetching due to their mouth being more open
• Don't overdo it! Allow your dog (and yourself) to take many breaks for rest and water!
• Don't allow your dog to be a nuisance to fellow beachgoers or wildlife by barking or chasing others (remember, not every person or dog wants to say hi, even if your dog is friendly)
• Don't allow your dog to wander unattended

Clean up & Check up

• Use fresh water to wash off sand and saltwater once you’re away from the beach
• Check your dog after your day at the lake for ticks, cuts, and other potential problems
• Keep an eye out for vomiting and diarrhea, which could signal ingestion of saltwater
• If you suspect your dog may have eaten sand, call your vet immediately

You can see our beach tips infographic here!