Tips for Going to the Beach with Your Dog

If you have never taken your pup to the beach, you may not know what to pack or where to start. Below are a few tips for taking your best friend to the beach.

Dog-Friendly Beaches

Sadly, not all beaches welcome our furry friends. Before you hit the road, do some quick research on beaches around you. Check out their websites or other online resources to check the rules and regulations for dogs at the beach. Some beaches allow dogs 24/7, while others have specified dog hours or areas of the beach. Research before you go to be sure you get to have all the fun you want! Here are some dog-friendly beaches in Orange County!

Test the Waters

If you have never taken your pooch to the beach before, you won’t know how they will react to it. Some pups enjoy playing in the sand and the water, while others hate it. You should plan your first beach trip to be around a half-hour. Then, you can determine if the beach is something your four-legged friend enjoys.

Cool and Shady Spots

Find a shady spot to keep your pal comfortable at the beach. Though you may not think of it, your pooch can get a sunburn or have a heat stroke just like you! So, try to plan your trip in the morning or afternoon when the sun isn’t too hot.

Additionally, be aware of hot sand! Just as concrete or asphalt can burn your pup’s paws, sand can too! If you touch the sand with the back of your hand and it is too hot for you to stand, it is too hot for your pup. You can also find chillier areas with wet sand that your pal can tolerate.

Items to Bring

• Water Bottle and Bowl

Hydration is essential, especially when your pal exerts more energy running on sand and swimming in the water! Though some beaches have communal dog water bowls, bringing your water bottle and bowl is better. Collapsible bowls are also a great option when traveling to the beach.

• Tent/Umbrella

Having a tent or umbrella is a great way to provide shade for your pup when they get too hot. A tent will keep your pal cool and keep the surrounding sand cool.

• Swimming Booties

If your pooch doesn’t mind wearing shoes, booties are a terrific option to protect your pal’s paws. These will help your pup walk on hot sand without getting hurt. Additionally, they can help protect your four-legged friend from cuts or stings from other debris on the beach. Here is an option that comes in multiple sizes for all different-sized pups.

• Life Jacket

Even though your pooch may be an experienced swimmer, a life jacket is just an extra precaution. A life jacket will help your dog keep their head above the water and keep them from getting tired as quickly. Additionally, life jackets are an excellent safety device if your pup will be your kayaking, boating, or paddle boarding buddy.

• Floating Toys

Floating dog toys offer a variety of fun for your pooch! These can help engage your pal and allow them to have even more fun in the water. If this is your pal’s first time at the beach, having engaging toys will help make the experience super fun!

• Poop Bags

This simple thing may slip your mind when packing for the beach. No one likes stepping in sandy dog poop. But, it can also be harmful to marine life while also causing water and soil contamination. Be a responsible dog owner and pick up after your dog!

• Dog Towel

You defiantly don’t want a sandy, wet dog in your car on your way home from a day of fun. Please bring a towel to help your dog dry off before the car ride home to keep them comfortable.

• Car Hammock

You can save some clean-up time with a seat cover by keeping your seats dry and sand-free. Car hammocks catch shedding fur and prevent scratches to your seats. Aside from the beach, these are great traveling items.

After having fun in the sun and returning home, you will want to get all the sand out of your dog’s fur. Here is a guide to removing sand from your canine’s coat.

Now you are ready to have some fun at the beach with your furry friend and experience something new with them! Remember to take lots of pictures!