Three brown dogs walking on leads at the beach

How to Keep your Dog Safe at the Beach

Learn how to prepare for a day of fun at the ocean, lake, or river!

8/27/2024

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

Test your knowledge of beach safety

Large, white dog laying next to woman with beige FOUR PAWS tshirt at the beach

Before Your Trip

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

 

Brown dog on a leash trotting at the water's edge at the beach

At the Beach

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

 

Dogs playing at beach, with big dog in a play bow, and small dog laying in sand before them

After the Beach

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

 

Yellow lab with ball in mouth exiting the water at beach

Ready to take the beach safety quiz?

Little brown and black dog with curly tail playing in water

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