A day at the beach can be a fun and enriching day with your dog, as long as you come prepared to keep them safe and make sure they have everything they need. Between the sun, hot sand, salt water, and waves, the right gear keeps your dog safe, cool, and comfortable, and makes the day much easier for you.
We pulled together the best dog beach essentials, making sure you have everything you need to protect them from the heat and water, keep them close, have toys for playtime, and dry off after.
Even if your dog is a strong swimmer, you want to make sure they are safe in the waves and currents, so safety gear comes first. If your dog will be anywhere near deep water, a life jacket is the one item we would not skip.
A life jacket built for dogs who love the water. Foam panels support a natural swim position, and a strong handle on the back lets you lift your dog out of the water or help them back onto a dock or boat. The neck closure adjusts for a secure fit, and there is a sizing chart and fit video to help you pick the right size. I have this one for my dog, and without the handle there would have been times I wouldn't have known how to get her back on the boat.
A good pick if you head to a lake, dock, or pool. This inflatable ramp gives dogs an easy way to climb out of the water, which helps puppies and dogs with limited mobility. It has a non slip surface, bright colors that are easy to spot, and rings for tying it to a dock or boat.
Sand gets hot fast, and spending a long time on it can hurt your dog's paws. A little protection for their paws and a way to cool off keeps the day comfortable and fun.
A paw balm made for beach hazards like hot sand, sharp rocks, and salt. It also moisturizes paw pads, and it is lick safe. It can also be a better choice than booties, since sand can still get inside them, and it works for dogs who will not wear booties at all. You just apply it before you go.
A cooling vest for hot days. You soak it in water, put it on, and the evaporation helps keep your dog cool while the fabric blocks the sun. It has an inner mesh lining and side buckles that make it easy to put on and take off. It can also be worn over a harness.
Dogs get thirsty fast in the sun and salt air, so bring plenty of fresh water. A longer leash also gives your dog room to explore while keeping them under control, which is useful on beaches with leash rules.
A travel water bottle that doubles as a food container. You press to dispense water into the lid, and release to pour the extra back into the bottle, so there is no spilled water in your bag. The food compartment is handy if you are at the beach for the whole day and your dog needs to eat, so you do not need to pack a separate container.
A 20 foot leash that floats, so it will not sink or get heavy in the water. It has a padded handle and a clasp that rotates to avoid tangles. It is made for small and medium dogs, so it is not recommended for extra large dogs, and you should keep an eye on dogs who chew leashes.
Fetch in the waves is the best part of a beach day for most dogs. These toys all float, so they are easy to spot and bring back from the water.
A throw toy with a rope handle that makes it easy to toss far, on land or in the water. It has a foam core so it floats, and it is soft on teeth and gums. This is my dog's favorite toy to play with in the water.
A flying disc that floats and flies far, which makes it great for catch on the sand or in shallow water. It has soft rubber edges that are gentle on teeth and gums. It is not meant for chewing, and not for aggressive chewers.
A soft, buoyant disc that stays afloat and is easy to spot in the water. The big ring shape is simple to pick up, even for flat faced breeds, and it dries quickly. Great for dogs still learning to fetch.
A floating tug toy with grab handles for you, and a center pad for your dog. A good choice for dogs who love tug of war, on the sand or at the water's edge.
A set of four floating toys in different shapes, each with a squeaker. It is a fun way to keep your dog busy with a variety of toys. They are hollow, so they are not for destructive chewers.
The beach day is not over until your dog is dry and the car is clean. A good towel and a robe save your back seat and keep your dog comfortable on the ride home.
A soft, absorbent fleece robe that helps dry your dog faster. Once it is on, your dog can shake off without sending water everywhere. It closes with an adjustable hook and loop strap, and it is machine washable. It comes in five sizes.
A large microfiber towel and seat cover in one. It absorbs a lot of water, has headrest openings so it stays in place, and covers a back seat or trunk to keep sand and wet fur contained. It is machine washable and dries quickly.
A quick list to run through before you leave the house.
Bring fresh water, a life jacket if your dog will get in the water, paw protection for hot sand, floating toys, towels for drying off, a leash, treats, and poop bags. Shade is also important on sunny days.
Many do. Waves, currents, and tiredness can make swimming harder than it looks, even for dogs who swim well. A life jacket with a handle also helps you lift your dog out of the water.
Test the sand with your hand first. If it is too hot for you to hold your palm on, it is too hot for your dog. A paw balm or dog booties can help, and you can stick to wet sand or shade during the hottest part of the day.
No. Salt water can upset a dog's stomach and cause dehydration, so bring plenty of fresh water and offer it often. Keep an eye on dogs who gulp water while they play fetch.
Use a large absorbent towel or seat cover on the back seat or trunk, and dry your dog off before they get in. A dog bathrobe or towel helps remove most of the water first.
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