Sand, Surf, and Safety: 10 Dog Beach Essentials

The warm weather is finally here. So, naturally, it’s time to grab the pups, pack our bags, and head to the beach. Here are 10 dog beach essentials to help keep your four-legged family member cool, comfortable, and content under the sun.

1. Fresh Water & Portable Bowl

Keeping your dog hydrated is crucial, especially when spending the day outside in the heat. While there’s plenty of water at the beach, we definitely don’t want our dogs drinking the salty ocean water. So, instead, make sure to pack plenty of fresh water. I personally bring this water bottle with me during all dog-filled outings. On the surface, it looks like a regular water bottle, but it features a food-grade silicone flap that you simply flip up, and voila — you have yourself a water bowl for your pooch!

2. Shade Tent or Umbrella

Just like people, dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion and sunburn. Providing a shaded area while at the beach is vital to protect your pup from the scorching sun. There are a variety of shade tents or umbrellas that instantly create a cool refuge for your furry family member. Here are some options:

3. Pet Sunscreen

As I mentioned a minute ago, dogs can get sunburned. In fact, your pup is at risk of all the same dangers as you are when it comes to UV rays. I’m talking about painful sunburn, tumors, skin cancer, etc. While all canines are at risk, dogs with light-colored or thin fur are particularly susceptible. Applying pet-safe sunscreen to exposed areas, such as the nose, ears, and belly, provides protection against harmful UV rays.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Only use sunscreen made for dogs. Never use human sunscreen on your pooch, as most contain zinc oxide, PABA, and other chemicals that should not be licked or ingested. They are toxic to your dog. This Epic-pet Sun Protector Spray is actually the only sunscreen for dogs on the market that’s FDA-compliant. It dries quickly, protects against both UVA and UVB rays, has a pleasant fragrance, and won’t leave a greasy residue.

4. Cooling Mat or Towel

To keep your dog comfortable in the heat, bring a cooling mat. This cooling pad features pressure-activated cooling and does not require any refrigeration! Just set it out and let your pup chill on the cool, comfortable surface. It comes in 3 sizes: Medium, Large, and Extra Large. I have the Medium and it works perfectly for my Chihuahua and Toy Poodle.

5. Paw Protection

Hot sand, sharp shells, or rocks can pose hazards to your dog’s paw pads. Protect their paws by using booties or applying paw wax before heading to the beach. Booties provide a physical barrier, while paw wax creates a protective layer. Choose the option that best suits your dog’s preferences and comfort level.

Looking for a great paw wax? I use PawTection by The Natural Dog Company. It’s plant-based, all-natural with no artificial preservatives or harmful ingredients. The fragrance-free formula includes mango butter, rice bran oil, lavender oil, and rosemary extract. Plus, it’s handcrafted in the USA!

6. Pet First Aid Kit

Sunburn, heat exhaustion, cuts, scrapes, and bruises … accidents happen, even during the most enjoyable beach outings. That’s why a pet first aid kit is an indispensable item to have on hand. Not sure what to put in your kit? No worries! I’ve created an entire item checklist for you, filled with 20 essentials.

7. Life Vest

If you let your dog take a little dive in the ocean waves then consider strapping on a life vest for extra safety measures. They make life vests for dogs and this small investment could be a huge lifesaver! The Outward Hound’s life vest has wonderful ratings. Available in five sizes, ranging from XS-XL, more than 4K people have already shared positive reviews on Amazon. It’s even earned an “Amazon’s Choice” badge!

8. Waste Bags

Cleaning up after your dog is essential to maintain a clean and enjoyable environment for everyone. Bring biodegradable waste bags to dispose of your dog’s waste appropriately, keeping the beach pristine for others to enjoy. Plus, check out the Dog Doo Tube (AKA a portable trash can for your dog’s used waste bags that easily clips to your pup’s leash).

9. Absorbent Towel

Along with packing a towel for yourself, don’t forget to grab one for your pup too! A sandy and wet dog is inevitable at the beach. An absorbent towel comes to the rescue to quickly dry off before lounging around or hopping back in the car.