Beach Day with Your Dog? Here’s What to Pack

by Grace Briggs

A beach day is one of the most exciting parts of summer - but for dog parents, it comes with a bit of extra planning. Between the sun, saltwater, hot sand, and distractions all around, your dog’s comfort and safety should be your top priority. The good news? With the right gear in your beach bag, your furry friend can have just as much fun (if not more) than you!

Here’s a detailed guide on what to pack for a dog-friendly beach trip—complete with expert tips and product recommendations to make your beach day easy, breezy, and tail-waggingly wonderful.

1. Pet-Safe Sunscreen

Dogs can get sunburned—yes, really—and not just on their noses. Breeds with short hair, light-coloured fur, or pink skin are especially vulnerable, but even darker-coated dogs can suffer from overexposure to the sun. Unlike humans, though, dogs can’t use just any sunscreen. Ingredients like zinc oxide and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which are common in human products, are toxic to pets and can cause serious health issues if ingested.

Instead, opt for a vet-approved pet-safe sunscreen—ideally water-resistant and unscented. Focus on applying it to areas with little or no fur coverage: the nose, tips of the ears, belly, and anywhere else that tends to be exposed to direct sunlight. Reapply after your dog goes swimming or rolls in the sand.

2. Paw Protection

The beach might feel relaxing for us, but your dog’s paws can tell a different story. Hot sand can burn paw pads quickly, especially during the peak heat of midday. Plus, sharp shells or rocks buried beneath the surface can cause cuts and scrapes. Protect your pup’s feet with dog booties designed for summer use, or apply a paw balm or wax that provides a heat-resistant barrier.

Hownd Hemp Paw Nose And Skin Balm 50g £9.99 and Animology Dog Care Paws & Nose Moisturising Balm 50ml £7.99

Before you hit the beach, do the five-second test: place the back of your hand on the sand. If it’s too hot for you to hold it there, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

3. Fresh Water & Collapsible Bowl

Your dog might love splashing in the waves, but that doesn’t mean they should be drinking from the ocean. Saltwater is extremely dehydrating and can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, and even salt poisoning. That’s why it’s essential to bring plenty of fresh, cool water along with a collapsible or travel-friendly water bowl.

Doggyrade Collapsible Silicone Travel Bowl For Dogs £5.65 and Henry Wag Water Bottle with Leaf Bowl 500ml £14.99

Encourage your dog to take regular water breaks, especially if they’re running around in the sun. Even if they’ve just been swimming, they’re still losing moisture through panting and exertion.

4. Shaded Rest Area

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion and sunstroke, especially breeds with flat faces like bulldogs or pugs, who struggle to cool down efficiently. Provide a shady retreat where your dog can rest and cool off between bursts of play.

A pop-up pet tent, beach umbrella, or even a compact beach cabana works wonders. If you want to go the extra mile, bring along a cooling mat or towel that you can dampen and lay out in the shade.

Ice Paws Cooling Mat £9.99 and Snugglesafe Cool Pad £11.29

5. Floating Toys for Water Play

Want to keep your pup entertained while staying safe in the water? Pack a few toys specifically designed for aquatic use. Regular tennis balls or plush toys can become waterlogged, sink, or fall apart, which creates both a mess and a safety risk. Floating toys like foam frisbees, buoyant balls, or durable rubber rings are easy for dogs to spot and retrieve from the water.

Rosewood Cyber Rubber Dog Frisbee £7.19 and Chuckit! Kick Off Interactive Floating Football Dog Toy £21.15

Not only do they provide physical exercise, but they’re also a great way to encourage your dog to interact with the water in a positive, supervised way.

6. Towels & Clean-Up Supplies

You can never pack too many towels when bringing a dog to the beach. Bring one for drying off after a swim, one for wiping sandy paws before hopping back in the car, and maybe even one to lay down for your pup to lounge on. Sand, salt, and seaweed can be irritating to your dog’s skin if left on too long, so a quick towel-down can go a long way in keeping them comfortable.

Also, don’t forget poop bags! Even if the beach is remote, cleaning up after your dog is a must. Eco-friendly waste bags are a great choice for staying green while being responsible.

Ancol Bio-Degradable Poop Waste Bags - 60 Bags £5.49 and Beco Large Dog Poop Waste Bags Unscented £4.99

Final Beach Safety Tips for Dog Parents

  • Check the beach rules ahead of time. Not all beaches allow dogs, and some have lead laws or time restrictions.

  • Rinse your dog after swimming. Salt, sand, and algae can cause skin irritation if left to dry on the fur.

  • Watch out for hazards. Keep an eye on sharp shells, broken glass, jellyfish, or strong currents.

  • Know the signs of overheating. Excessive panting, drooling, disorientation, or vomiting can be signs of heatstroke—move your dog to shade and offer water immediately.

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