🏖️ Top 10 Summer Safety Tips for Dogs at the Beach

Keep your pup safe, cool, and wagging all summer long!

Few things are more joyful than a beach day with your best furry friend, waves crashing, tails wagging, and sand flying as your pup digs like there’s buried treasure. But beach fun comes with a few sun-soaked risks. Just like humans, dogs need a little extra care during the hot summer months, especially when they're romping around at the beach.

At Happy Sand Paws, we’re all about safe and joyful adventures. So before you pack your pup’s favorite toy and hit the shore, take a few minutes to review our Top 10 Summer Safety Tips for Dogs at the Beach.

These simple steps can turn a potentially risky day into a pawsitively unforgettable adventure!

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🐶 1. Pack Plenty of Fresh Water & a Dog-Friendly Bowl

Your dog may be surrounded by water, but that ocean water? It’s not drinkable. Saltwater can cause dehydration, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs, especially if they ingest too much while playing in the waves.

Tip: Bring fresh water and offer it frequently. A collapsible silicone bowl, like the ones in our summer boxes, is lightweight and easy to carry. Bonus points if you freeze a few ice cubes with treats inside before heading out.

🌞 2. Avoid the Midday Heat

Dogs can overheat more easily than humans, especially breeds with short snouts like Bulldogs or Pugs, older dogs, or pups with thick fur. The hottest part of the day, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., can be dangerous.

Go early or late. Plan beach adventures for early mornings or after 4 p.m. when it’s cooler. Not only will your pup thank you, but the beach will likely be quieter too.

🐾 3. Check the Sand Temperature

Hot sand can quickly burn your dog’s paw pads. A good rule of thumb is to place your own hand or bare foot on the sand for 10 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pup.

Protect those paws with dog booties, or stick to wet sand near the water’s edge. You can also use pet paw balms that act as a barrier against heat and rough surfaces.

🧴 4. Use Dog-Safe Sunscreen

Surprise, dogs can get sunburned too. Light-colored dogs, short-haired breeds, or those with shaved spots are especially vulnerable to UV rays. Sensitive areas like the nose, belly, and ears need extra protection.

Only use sunscreen made for dogs. Human sunscreen may contain zinc oxide or salicylates, which are toxic to pets. Apply it 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply if your pup swims or rolls around a lot.

🐕🦺 5. Bring a Leash or Harness, Even If It's an Off-Leash Beach

Even at dog-friendly or off-leash beaches, a long-line leash is a smart choice. It allows your pup to roam and explore while staying safely within reach.

Don’t forget a secure collar or harness with up-to-date ID tags. For added peace of mind, consider a GPS tag, especially if your dog is an escape artist or gets easily distracted by seagulls.

🏊 6. Supervise Swim Time

Just because your dog can swim doesn’t mean they should go it alone. Strong currents, big waves, or deep water can be dangerous, even for confident swimmers.

Always supervise water play. Start in shallow water and let your dog get comfortable. Consider a doggy life vest if your pup isn’t a strong swimmer or is new to the ocean.

🌊 7. Rinse Off After

Saltwater and sand can irritate your dog’s skin, dry out their fur, and cause itchiness if left on too long. Plus, seaweed, fish bits, or debris can get trapped in paws and ears.

Rinse your dog thoroughly with fresh water after the beach. Pay special attention to the paws, between the toes, and inside the ears. Dry ears well to avoid infections.

🧺 8. Pack Shade & Snacks

Dogs can’t sweat like humans do, they rely on panting and shade to regulate body temperature. Overheating is a serious risk, especially on a sunny day.

Bring a beach umbrella, pop-up shade tent, or a lightweight towel your dog can relax on. Add a few healthy treats or frozen dog snacks for cooling energy. Try frozen watermelon cubes or peanut butter popsicles.

🦀 9. Watch for Hazards

The beach is full of surprises, some fun, some not-so-much. From sharp seashells and broken glass to jellyfish and barbecue coals, it’s important to keep an eye out.

Do a quick scan of your beach spot before letting your dog roam. Watch your pup closely to avoid them eating something they shouldn’t, like dead fish or plastic waste.

💩 10. Leave Only Pawprints

As dog lovers, we all know the joy our pups bring to the world. But we also have a responsibility to keep beaches clean for everyone, people, pets, and wildlife.

Always bring waste bags and pick up after your dog. At Happy Sand Paws, we include eco-friendly poop bags in our summer adventure boxes to make cleanup a breeze.

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🌴 Final Thoughts: Safety = Happy Memories

With a little preparation, your beach day can be full of safe, sandy fun. Whether your dog is a swimmer, a digger, or a lazy sunbather, these safety tips ensure they stay healthy, hydrated, and happy.

• Water and shade are your dog’s best friends
• Supervision keeps splashing safe
• Paws need protection from heat and sharp objects

Looking for the perfect beach-ready gear? Check out our Happy Sand Paws Summer Adventure Kit, packed with water bowls, tug toys, sunscreen wipes, and more.

🐾 Stay safe, stay sandy, and keep those tails wagging!