Summertime, and the living is easy… Yep, we’ve been waiting, and summer is finally here. It’s time to hit the beach, where the fun’s happening, the action’s buzzing, and the sea air smells like pure freedom. You better believe your doggo is very interested in this turn of events. She may not show it, but she understands the word beach much like she understands walkies.
But taking your dog to the beach isn’t as simple as telling your fur kid to hop in the car or into the back of the bakkie. We have a responsibility to take precautions and prepare properly to look after them during this adventure. Here are the essentials you need to know to care for your canine beach bum this summer.
How to Choose the Best Dog-Friendly Beach for a Fun Day Out
First, check to see if, in fact, dogs are allowed on the beach you’re heading to. Not all beaches welcome wagging tails, and there’s nothing more disheartening than pulling up to a pristine patch of sand with an ecstatic dog in the back seat only to find a big sign saying no dogs allowed. If it’s all good, head down to the beach and have a quick chat with the lifeguard. Conditions change quickly at the coast, and the lifeguard can give you the inside scoop on currents, waves, and any stingray hangouts. Set up camp where the water’s calmest and the sand is best for running, swimming, and digging with reckless abandon.
Setting Up a Comfortable Beach Spot for Your Dog’s Safety and Comfort
Think of your beach spot as an oasis in the middle of a blazing desert. Just like you, your dog needs a shady place to cool off. Set up a gazebo, beach tent, or a big, sturdy umbrella to create that much-needed shade. Then lay down a blanket or towel underneath it, so your pooch has a cool, soft place to flop down for a power nap between sprints down the shoreline.
And now for the non-negotiable: water. Lots of water. Fill up a nice big bowl and keep a stash of extra water in the cooler to ensure a constant supply of fresh, cold hydration throughout the day. Warm water that’s been sitting in the sun is no one’s idea of refreshing—not for you, not for your dog. And don’t forget to pack some healthy snackos. These aren’t just for spoiling your pup—they help keep energy levels up after all that splashing, digging, and zooming.
Protecting Your Dog from Sun, Sand, and Seaside Hazards
The blazing sun, the shells on the beach, the rock pools, and—sadly—the litter are all potentially harmful to your dog. When it comes to the sun and heat, the first line of defense is doggy sunscreen. Yes, it’s a thing. If you can’t find one designed specifically for dogs, go with baby sunscreen—but only the kind without zinc oxide, as that’s toxic to pets. Apply it to your dog’s nose, ears, belly, and anywhere the fur is thin or the skin exposed. Don't just smear it on the fur—part the hair and massage it into the skin properly. And remember to reapply after every swim. Doggy sunscreen also comes in sprays and wipes if your pup objects to the lotion treatment.
Then there’s the sand. It's hot. Really hot. And just as it burns your feet, it can scorch your dog’s paws. Enter the all-important doggy shoes. Not only do these little booties protect those sensitive pads from sizzling sand and jagged shells, but watching your dog strut their stuff in them is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. If you can, go for a pair with rubber soles—they offer the best protection. And if your dog absolutely refuses to wear shoes (and trust us, some dogs will fight you every step of the way), then apply a paw balm to help protect the skin and keep the pads hydrated. Don’t forget to test the sand with your own hand before letting your dog loose. If it’s too hot for you to walk on barefoot, it’s definitely too hot for them.
And here’s the best part: once those booties are on, get ready to witness something special. Your very own Usain Bolt tearing up the beach with reckless abandon, paws pounding the sand like an athlete chasing gold. The only difference? Bolt doesn't stop every ten meters to investigate a seaweed-covered rock.
Must-Have Beach Accessories for a Happy, Relaxed Dog
Much like human glamping trips in the wild, the well-prepared canine beach bum takes on the beach with style and confidence. For him, an ordinary beach towel or dog blanket simply won’t do. No, only a special cooling mat or cooling basket will suffice. A Fresk Cooling Basket, perhaps? Naturally, he also sports a well-tailored swimming lifejacket in bright, bold orange so his hoo-dad can keep an eye on him at all times. The handle on the back? Perfect for lifting certain individuals who don’t appreciate waves splashing their faces.
Ah yes, the bandana—the first and last word in canine cool. From the prancing mini-poodle to the drooling Saint Bernard, every self-respecting doggo will be sporting one this season.
Best Beach Toys for Dogs: Fun in the Sun with Endless Fetch
Ball. Big beach ball. Small tennis ball. Every ball known to mankind in between. And sure, the dogs won’t say no to a frisbee or a floating toy. But we hear their voice—they want that ball! Don’t disappoint them. Pick up a ball launcher and blow your dog’s mind with next-level Fetch.
Preventing Heat Exhaustion: Keeping Your Dog Cool and Safe
Sometimes the weather is just too good to take the hounds to the beach. If the mercury’s pushing 32°C or higher, it’s safer for your dog to skip the sun and snooze on the couch instead. Dogs can and do suffer from heat exhaustion and even heatstroke, and the beach makes it worse with all that reflective sand and frenzied activity. To keep things cool, encourage them to take regular dips in the sea, offer water often, and make sure they take regular breaks under the umbrella. A beach day should last no more than four hours.
Watch for signs like heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, or disorientation. If you spot any of these symptoms, get them into the shade immediately, offer water, and cool their body down with damp towels. If they don’t bounce back quickly, it’s time to call the vet.
How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Sand and Getting Sick
Dogs and sand—it’s a combination that inevitably ends with sand in ears, fur, and sometimes bellies. The trick is to stop your dog from eating too much of it. Ingesting large quantities of sand can cause intestinal blockages known as sand compaction, which can turn into a serious medical issue. Dogs take in too much sand when they bury their faces in it, chew sandy toys, or drink seawater near the shore, where the sand churns constantly.
To help prevent this, rinse off toys between games, encourage your dog to drink from the water bowl you brought rather than the ocean, and try to limit the amount of digging and sand-snuffling. At the end of the day, give your dog a thorough rinse to get rid of the sand and salt between their toes.
Beach Dangers for Dogs: What You Need to Watch Out For
Mother Nature, as always, likes to mix beauty with danger. At the beach, this often takes the form of stingrays and jellyfish. Both can cause serious stings, even when washed ashore. As with the sand, avoid letting your dog drink seawater. It’s packed with salt, bacteria, and parasites, all of which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration. And then there’s water intoxication—a lesser-known condition caused when dogs swallow too much water while swimming or retrieving toys. Keep an eye on how much they’re drinking mid-play, and call your vet if you notice bloating, lethargy, or vomiting.
After a fun day at the beach, nothing beats the blissful exhaustion of saltwater, sun, and sand. And your fur baby feels it too. As you head home, with the windows down and the sea breeze swirling through the car, you’ll see it—that contented, happy face, with sandy whiskers and a satisfied sigh. Sleep tight, little one.