How to Plan a Beach Day with Your Dog

Hard to believe it’s February already! Though the weather has actually been unseasonably warm (over 60º in central Ohio!), we’re still thinking ahead to future travel plans for later this summer. While we haven’t decided officially on a beach trip, we’d like to make it happen!

Whether you’re off to enjoy some mid-winter beach time or thinking about your summer vacation, we hope this guide to planning a fun, stress-free beach day with your dog comes in handy.

What to pack for a beach trip with your dog

At minimum, we recommend:

• Collapsible water bowl
• Fresh water
• Treats
• Leash
• Long lead – if permitted by the beach you’re visiting
• Towels – bring more than you need!
• Beach blanket
• Poop bags

If you’re planning to be outside for a long duration or during the peak of the day:

• Light layer for UV protection – we’ve used the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler vest in the past, which doubles up for both UPF protection and evaporative cooling
• Sun goggles – this may require some training
• Dog sunscreen – be sure to get dog-specific sunscreen, as zinc oxide is toxic to dogs if ingested

For dogs who love water, we have some additional suggestions:

• Life jacket / canine flotation device
• Water toys

If you’re out during the peak heat of the day and it’s sunny, it’s most likely too hot for your dog to be walking on pavement or sand for too long. We suggest planning your beach outings during cooler parts of the day with less direct sun so your pup is more comfortable!

Preparing for the beach day

It’s always best to be prepared! And if conditions don’t look great or you feel like something is off, always trust your gut.

Look for a dog-friendly beach

How dog-friendly a beach is will depend a lot on what you like to do, and what kinds of boundaries you have set for yourself and your pup. If simply being on the beach and walking along the water is your goal, leash requirements might not bother you. If you plan to let your dog burn some energy with water toys and paddling, a beach with leash requirements probably won’t fit the bill.

Some beaches offer waste stations, fenced areas for contained off-leash play, and shallower water access, which might be ideal for you.

Check beach regulations

First things first: double check that the beach you’re planning to visit allows dogs. (Year to year, this can change!) Look into specific rules including restricted areas, leash length requirements, types of leashes permitted, and times of day (or times of year) that may impact your pup’s beach experience.

Check the tide times

While it’s generally safe to swim both at low tide and high tide, there are different things to factor in. At high tide, there’s less beach available; at low tide, more underwater organisms are exposed, which may be too tempting for a curious dog.

WeatherWorks mentions that the peak of high or low tide can be the “most difficult dangerous time for beachgoers to swim in the water” with water generally safest the hour before or after a high or low tide (also known as slack tides). Keep that in mind if your dog is new to swimming or if you want to maximize safety!

Check for rip currents and other water warnings

Rip currents are extremely dangerous and often appear on pleasant, sunny days, and can occur in the Great Lakes and in the ocean. Check the local beach forecast for your area before going out, and keep an eye out for beach warning flags.

If you’re heading to fresh water, check that there aren’t any water warnings that might impact your beach experience. For example, Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are common in our area, and they’re toxic to both humans and dogs.

I (Jess) grew up near Lake Ontario and the lake would often be closed for swimming because of high levels of bacteria. The Great Lakes can actually be more dangerous for swimming because their smaller size (relative to the ocean) means that the time between two waves is much shorter. More details on the Great Lakes can be found on the National Weather Service website.

Briefly learn about critters, insects, and plants you might encounter

Whether your dog has a natural sense of curiosity or likes to stay close by, it’s always good to know what the common plants, animals, and insects are! In the Outer Banks, jellyfish are common (and sometimes sharks), along with various types of seaweeds and sand bugs.

Beach activities to play with your dog

If you’ve found a beach that offers some freedom to play games either off-leash or on a long lead, here are some recommendations for things you can do for a fun day at the beach.

Play fetch, in the water

Some dogs are really into fetch, so offering a floatable toy (preferably in shallow waters) can be a great game for dogs. We always recommend a doggy life jacket for extra precaution!

Create a mini agility course

If you have space, pack some cones to set up a small agility course to keep your dog entertained and focused. (Beach bags and coolers can also make fun obstacles.)

Get to digging

Some dogs really love to dig. Enlist your dog’s help in digging holes and then hide toys in them to stimulate your dog’s sense of smell and curiosity. Be sure to watch your dog as ingesting sand is dangerous.

Safety tips for a day at the beach

• Don’t forget to make sure there’s enough room under your umbrella or tent to create a comfortable shaded spot for your dog.
• Hydration is also crucial, so bring plenty of fresh water and a portable bowl.
• Watch for signs of overexertion or heat stress.

Frequently asked questions