It’s always nice to be able to take your dog on vacation, but a dog-friendly beach trip requires a little more planning than your average vacation. If you’re considering bringing your pup along for some fun in the sun, here are some tips and a list of packing essentials.
Tips for going on a beach vacation with your dog
Ensure that there are dog-friendly beaches nearby
The first mistake you might make when you plan a beach vacation with your dog is assuming they can go anywhere you can go. Not all beaches allow dogs, and you probably want to be close to a beach that does. If you chance it, you may get a stern talking to or a fine in some cases.
Keep your dog in the shade
Harsh sun poses many dangers to dogs. If you have a dog with a light coat, they may be more prone to sunburns, which can cause blistering and itchiness. If you have a dog with a dark or heavy coat, they may be more prone to overheating and dehydrating. The best way to avoid all these issues is to keep your dog in the shade. Stay under an umbrella or in the shade of trees so your dog isn’t getting direct sunlight and they’re being cooled by the breeze.
Stay inside during the hottest parts of the day
A good way to avoid the worst sunlight of the day, not to mention the crowds, is to go to the beach with your dog early in the morning and/or late in the afternoon, when the sun is not as awful. The good thing about this is that if you’re arriving at a popular beach at 8 or 9 am, you won’t be fighting anybody for the best beach real estate. Coming back to the beach when the crowds are thinning, and the sun is on a downward path is also an easy way to keep your dog cool at the beach. And let’s face it, that relentless 2 pm sun is not good for you either, so pack it up when it’s time for lunch and go take a nap in the comfort of your accommodation.
Don’t let your dog drink salt water
Dogs may drink salt water because they’re thirsty or because it tastes good. This is always something you should discourage. If you let your dog freely drink salt water, it will dehydrate them and cause stomach upset.
Avoid paw burns
Sand and asphalt is considerably hotter than atmospheric temperature, especially after hours of direct sunlight. In temperatures of over 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the ground can be as hot as 135 degrees, which is enough to severely burn your dog’s paw pads. You should always walk your dog in the shade or keep their paws covered. You can find some items that will prevent paw damage in the packing list below, but as a general rule, if you can’t hold the back of your hand against the pavement or sand for more than 7-10 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog.
Pay attention to signs of overheating
Even if you’ve taken all possible precautions, it’s still possible for your dog to overheat or get dehydrated. It’s important to pay attention to potential signs of overheating that could lead to heat stroke. These include:
- Bright red gums or tongue
- Excessive or frantic panting
- Extreme salivation
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Fast heartbeat
- Lethargy or collapse
If you see any signs of overheating the dog should immediately be taken out of the sun and into a cool place. You can also spray or pour some water on them, but not too cold so it doesn’t cause shock.
Be ready for dog interactions
Anyone with a dog at the beach you’re visiting is going to be at the same dog beach, which means that interactions with other dogs are inevitable. If you have an easygoing friendly dog, this may be no issue. But if your dog can be reactive, you should prepare for the possibility that other dogs may approach, particularly off-leash dogs. Keep your dogs leashed leashed if necessary and have plenty of treats available to distract them from other dogs.
Packing essentials for a dog beach trip
If we forget something like a toothbrush or sunblock when we go on vacation, it’s easy to stop by a drugstore and pick it up. But when you’re traveling with a dog for a beach vacation, you will definitely have to order some special items in advance. Here are some essentials you don’t want to forget on a dog-friendly beach vacation:
Paw protection
Unless you’re going to the beach at some unseasonably chilly time, your dog will likely need some extra help protecting their paws from scalding sand or sharp rocks. That’s why it’s a good idea to bring dog booties so their paws have an extra layer of protection from the heat of the ground. If your dog is not the shoe-wearing type, you can also use paw wax like Musher’s Secret, which protects paws while moisturizing them. Paw wax is also great for snowy weather!
Dog shampoo
Like you, your dog should be rinsed off and bathed after swimming in salt water or their skin can get irritated and itchy. You should use your dog’s usual shampoo to avoid introducing something that may irritate them. And of course, you should never use human shampoo or conditioner on your dog.
Towels
Even if you’re staying at a dog-friendly hotel, it’s unlikely they’ll be okay with you using their towels to dry your dog or wipe his dirty paws. You’re better off traveling with at least one towel for your dog to avoid potential damage charges. Thin quick-dry towels don’t take up too much space in luggage and get the job done.
Dog sunscreen
To best protect your pets from harmful sunburns, you can also pack sunscreen specifically intended for dogs. You should never use human sunscreen on them as they contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs if ingested. It’s important to apply sunscreen to the parts of your dog that are most exposed like the bridge of the nose, the ears, lips and groin.
A life vest
Even if your dog is a better swimmer than you, it’s not a bad idea to take a life vest for them because the ocean is unpredictable. You could end up deciding to take a boat trip and you’ll want your dog to be safe in open waters. Most swim vests for dogs have a handle that can help you grab ahold of them and pull them out of the water if needed.
A good water bottle
Since dehydration can be so dangerous for animals out in the sun, it’s important for your dog to have constant access to cool water. A regular water bottle is good but an insulated one is better, so the water doesn’t get hot under the sun.
Activated charcoal
I’m not a vet, and I don’t want to recommend anything that would be potentially harmful to your dog so please do run this by your vet. Activated charcoal is a tricky thing to administer as it can cause damage to the lungs if it’s inhaled or aspirated. That being said, it’s an absolutely amazing way to quickly treat diarrhea, which is especially important on a dog beach vacation because drinking too much salt water can cause explosive watery diarrhea.
Poop bags
This shouldn’t even need mentioning, because hopefully you have poop bags with you when you take your dog anywhere. But if you’re taking your dog to the beach where people lay down their towels and kids go digging to make sandcastles, you definitely want to make sure you clean up after them.
Dog toys
A dog-friendly beach is like a dog park by the sea. So you should pack the toys your dog enjoys playing with at the park, so you can play fetch or tug with them. These toys can also motivate them to get into the water if they’re not super fond of the ocean. If you keep these tips and packing suggestions in mind, you and your dog are sure to have a successful beach vacation.
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