When it comes to soaking up the sunshine and making summer memories, nothing compares to a day at the beach. For many dogs, splashing in the surf, chasing tennis balls on the sand, and breathing fresh beach air brings pure joy. However, a fun beach outing can quickly turn dangerous without the proper precautions.

Trips to the shore expose pets to potential water safety dangers, including heat exhaustion, saltwater poisoning, and paw injuries. Our Animal Emergency & Referral Associates team compiled a list of key do’s and don’ts to help keep your four-legged friend safe during your next “sun-day” fun day.

DO ensure dogs are allowed

Not all beaches welcome dogs, and some have specific off-leash hours and designated pet areas. Dog-friendly areas may have fencing and waste stations, making them safer and more convenient than the open beach. Always check the regulations before you go and plan to keep your pet leashed unless the rules allow otherwise—and your dog has good recall and off-leash manners.

DON’T forget to pack the right gear

Beach safety for dogs requires preparation and the right gear. Forgetting to include some canine essentials in your beach bag can lead to a day of discomfort or danger.

Don’t forget to bring:

• Fresh water and a collapsible bowl

• A towel for drying off or covering hot sand

• Dog-safe sunscreen for sparsely-haired areas

• A life vest for dog swimming safety

• Poop bags and a trash bag

• A tent or a large beach umbrella to provide shade

DO ensure your dog can swim

While many dogs enjoy the water, not all are strong or natural swimmers. Breeds with short legs, flat faces, or dense bodies (e.g., bulldogs) often struggle with buoyancy and tire quickly in the water, putting them at risk of drowning.

A life jacket with a handle helps your dog stay afloat and allows you to assist them. If your dog is swimming for the first time, stay in the shallows and go slow—don’t force them to enter if they aren’t comfortable. Strong swimmers can still struggle against a current, so pay attention to warnings and consider attaching a longline leash to keep them from going out too far.

DON’T leave salt or sand on your pet’s fur

After a day of swimming and rolling in the sand, rinse your dog with fresh water. Salt can irritate and dry out skin, and sand stuck between paw pads can lead to abrasions or infections. After rinsing or bathing, clean and dry your pup’s ears with a vet-approved cleanser to remove sand and prevent an infection from developing.

DO supervise your dog at all times

Activities such as chasing birds, interacting with other dogs, and diving into rough waves provide dogs with ample opportunities for trouble. Keeping close tabs on your dog ensures you can intervene if they encounter a hazard. Ensure your dog will reliably return when you call them and respond to commands despite distractions. If your dog hasn’t mastered this quite yet, use your time at the beach to practice on a long leash.

DON’T let your dog drink saltwater

Saltwater toxicity is a serious emergency condition in dogs. Dogs may swallow water while swimming or drink from tide pools to cool off. However, saltwater can overwhelm the kidneys’ ability to balance salt in the blood, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, seizures, or death. Bring along plenty of fresh water and offer frequent drinks to keep your dog hydrated. Call your vet or the AERA emergency hospital immediately if your dog vomits, acts disoriented, or shows signs of weakness after a beach trip.

DO take breaks in the shade

Another consideration regarding beach safety for dogs is heatstroke. Dogs cannot sweat enough to cool down, so they rely primarily on panting or lying on cool surfaces to dissipate body heat. Beach days are especially risky for flat-faced (i.e., brachycephalic) breeds, whose anatomy makes breathing difficult and panting less efficient.

Bring a beach umbrella or pop-up tent so your dog has a shady resting place, and take frequent scheduled breaks to cool down. Watch for signs of overheating, such as heavy panting, drooling, weakness, or collapse, and move your pet to an air-conditioned vehicle and seek veterinary care right away if you think they have heatstroke.

DON’T walk on hot sand or pavement

Sand heats up quickly and can burn your dog’s paw pads. Walk on the sand alongside your pet—if it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for theirs. Try visiting the beach during cooler hours, walking only on wet areas, or using protective booties on long stretches of sun-warmed sand. Also, avoid putting metal dog gear, such as bowls or collars, directly in the sun.

DO enjoy the waves safely

Staying mindful of beach safety for dogs ensures they remain safe during summer adventures. Preparation and awareness can turn a potentially risky outing into a tail-wagging good time. If you have questions about beach safety for dogs or think your dog sustained a beach-related injury or illness, contact our AERA team for 24/7 urgent and emergency care.