Dogs love the seaside, but always check for seasonal bans (a few areas ban dogs year-round, due to lack of shady places). And read these simple tips, to keep them safe. Also clean up using biodegradable poop bags.
For emergencies, call 999 or 112 and ask for Coastguard (RNLI will help pets).
Before You Travel to the Seaside
- Check tide times before travel, as some beaches disappear when the tide is in. Many beaches also have seasonal restrictions.
- Driving with Dogs has details of walking areas near motorway exits, if you get stuck in traffic jams.
- Ensure you’re stocked up with water and a bowl, and biodegradable poop bags.
- Make notes of dog-friendly places to stop for a drink. Email Wetherspoons to ask them to allow dogs outside at least (irresponsible guardians may leave dogs in cars). Report refusal to accept assistance dogs to Open Doors.
- Don’t let dogs run for an hour (or two) after long drives, to prevent bloat.
Seaside Safety Tips for Dogs
- Practise humane dog training in calmer places, before hitting the busy sand. This keeps them safe, when distracted by new dogs, children and sandwiches!
- Keep your dog on a lead near crowded spaces and car parks, and keep them away from cliffs, crashing waves or gulls protecting their young.
- Keep dogs away from seals (pups can drown, if spooked into the water). Mothers (and nesting coastal birds) hide their young in sand dunes.
- Keep dogs away from jellyfish (even dead ones can sting). If your dog is stung, rinse area with sea water, remove tentacles/barbs and seek immediate vet advice. Also keep dogs away from crabs, birds and dead fish.
Hazards at The Sea and Shoreline
- Don’t let dogs drink seawater (contains salt).
- Lets dogs play gently (they can cramp if plunging into cold water). Don’t throw toys out to sea (a dog will keep playing, even if exhausted).
- Keep dogs away from seaweed (it can swell up inside, when it dries).
- Keep dogs away from palm oil (white waxy lumps that sometimes wash up).
- Discourage digging near loose sand piles or near water lines. Obey local warnings signs. Read up on how to get out of quicksand (for you or your dog) in emergencies.
Keep Dogs Safe in Warm Weather
- All dogs (especially large, elderly and flat-faced dogs) can get heatstroke, so only give short walks (early morning or late evening) in warm or hot weather.
- Ask your vet about pet-safe sunscreens. Never use human sunscreens, due to pet-toxic zinc or titanium oxide).
- Keep dogs away from adders. Dog-Friendly Cornwall has tips on when to avoid walking near basking adders (‘safe hours’ were before 9am and after 7pm). But rising temperatures means times may change. Adder bites need emergency vet care (read more on how to avoid & treat adder bites).
Heatstroke: If dogs are panting with red gums or vomiting/collapsing, move to a shady area and pour cool (not iced) water over the body (not head) until breathing normally. Give small sips of cool water. Use a fan (or place ice wrapped in a towel) on the groin and armpits. Don’t place wet towels on the body, this can raise temperature. Turn on air-conditioning in the car, when driving to the vet.
Never leave dogs in (even warm) cars, as temperatures heat up fast (same with glass conservatories). If you find a dog needing help, smash the window and move the dog to a shady area and follow advice above, then call the vet, RSPCA and police (take the registration number). It’s unlikely you’ll be charged with criminal damage, as the people who forget their dog, will likely feel terrible, and not prosecute.
Post-Beach Dog Care and Local Highlights
- After beach (and countryside) walks, check your dog’s fur and skin for ticks, cuts or irritation. Ticks can hide in grassy dunes, and sharp objects can cause wounds between toes or paw pads.
- Once home, rinse off seawater and sand, as it could cause itchy skin, ear infections or stomach upset if licked off later. Give special attention to paws, bellies, ears and between the toes, but avoid getting water in the ears, mouth or eyes. Read more on giving dogs baths (use warm water around 37 °C).
The Most Dog-Friendly Beach on Earth?
The affluent northern California town of Carmel-by-the-Sea has police to patrol local beaches, to ensure no dogs are left in warm or hot cars. And nearly all shops are dog-friendly (with water bowls and biscuits)
There is even a ‘fountain of woof’ spurts out fresh water for thirsty dogs. And a grassy area for dogs to relieve themselves! Locals photograph pooches, and raise money each year for a shelter, by selling a dog calendar.
Rules are strict. All dogs running loose must be ‘under voice control’. And aside from the beach and some trails, dogs must be on leads.
All visiting dogs must be registered, to know they are safe and for easy tracing, should they get lost. If an incident occurs (like a fight or bite), people are required to share details.
What should you look for in a dog-friendly beach town?
- Clearly marked dog-friendly sections of beach
- Plenty of shaded areas
- Waste bins and dog bags available
- Local vets close at hand
- Businesses that allow dogs inside or outside
Picking a destination like this can make your seaside trip less stressful and more memorable.
Conclusion
A great day at the beach with your dog isn’t just about fun and games. It means thinking smart, preparing ahead and being ready for surprises. Checking tide times, packing fresh water and practising recall can prevent unwanted accidents. Taking simple steps, like rinsing off seawater and watching for hazards, adds up to safer adventures.
Looking after your dog’s needs keeps them safe and turns a simple beach outing into the highlight of their year. With the right balance of freedom and care, dog owners can enjoy everything the coast has to offer — tails wagging and worries left behind. Enjoy your seaside escapes and always put your dog’s wellbeing first.
