Dog Friendly Beaches:
15 Beach Safety Tips for Your Pup

Love the idea of dog friendly beaches, where your best friend can run in the sand and splash in the waves and have as much fun as you do? There are great beaches for dogs all over the world. But when taking your pup to the beach, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to keep him and other bathers safe.

1. Know the Rules and Regulations – Not all beaches allow dogs. Beaches that do allow them may require that they be on-leash at all times. You are responsible for your dog's behavior and for treating other people at the beach with courtesy.

With the thousands of beaches in the U.S. it can be difficult keeping up the current beach by beach regulations concerning dogs. At the bottom of the page is a list of popular dog beaches.

Write a review of YOUR BEST FRIEND'S FAVORITE BEACH!

Here are a few of the resources that I use when looking for beaches that are safe for my dog. Some of the resources are more about keeping him safe, while others will help you find a great dog-friendly beach to plan your trip around.

www.dogfriendly.com

www.petfriendlytravel.com

www.beachcalifornia.com

www.hawaiianhumane.org

www.hautedogs.org

2. Protect Your Pup with SPF – Just because he has fur doesn't mean your pup can't get sunburned. Protect him from the sun! There are lots of sun related products for dogs on the market, such as pup sun goggles and and canine sun block. Check with your Vet for what they recommend for your pet.

3. Protect Your Pup from Loss – Dogs get lost just as easily at dog friendly beaches as anywhere else. Add your cellphone number to a waterproof tag on your dog's collar to keep him from getting lost. If you get separated that my help get your dog returned within minutes... and avoid you having a panic.

4. Watch for Fleas and Pests – Many beaches have sand fleas, sea lice, and jellyfish... all of which can be a threat to your dog. Sea lice can cause itchy, red bumps on your dog's skin. If jellyfish are in the area, your dog should stay out of the water. Talk to your vet about flea care at the beach. Also, before allowing your pup to swim remove his or her flea collar if they normally wear one. A wet flea collar won't work and may irritate tyour puppy's skin.

5. Control your Pup. – If you are taking your dog to a beach where he or she will be off leash, be confident that you can control your dog. Especially for dogs that don't get to visit the beach very often the various interesting scents may lead them away from you. Be sure of your dog's behavior when off leash.

6.Protect those Sensitive Areas – Make sure to add sunscreen to your dog's nose and ears if you will be at the beach.

8. Provide Shade. – If there aren't any shady areas at the dog friendly beach you will be visiting, be sure to bring along an extra umbrella for your pup. Your pet needs some relief from the sun and heat and will enjoy curling up under their umbrella.

9. Provide Paw Protection – Dog friendly beaches aren't always friendly on your pup's paws! Hot sand and beach debris can hurt your dog's paws. Consider doggie boots to protect your pet from the heat. Dogs absorb and release heat through their paws and the boots will protect them from the heat just as they do from the cold.

10. Avoid Dehydration – Dogs cool off by panting instead of sweating. If you notice your dog is lethargic or drooling excessively it may be getting dehydrated. Pull up a section of skin and if it takes longer then normal to fall into place that is another sign. To keep your dog hydrated, bring plenty of drinking water and give your dog a drink frequently. If your dog is good sized you can use a Doggie Pack or Vest to carry their water and bowl. If you visit a lot of dog friendly beaches, a collapsible bowl is great little investment.

11. Watch Their Activity Level – Don't let your dog get to tired. As your pet gets older he or she won't have the strength and stamina they once had. Running in the heat and sand may also make their outing more strenuous than they are used too. That said, one of the best things you can let your dog do at the beach (but only if it's a dog friendly beach!) is dig, dig, dig. The beach is a great place for your dog to dig to their hearts content-- something he's probably not allowed to do at home. When the hole is dug your pup may also enjoy relaxing in the nice cool place they just created.

12. Remember Swimming Safety – Some dogs love the water but swimming is not for every dog. Watch your pup closely and be on the watch for undercurrents and rip tides. And remember... any dog that goes out on a boat needs a flotation device.

If you plan to visit a lot of dog friendly beaches, be prepared to know how to help your dog if he or she gets into trouble in the water.

13. Supervise Any Beachcombing – Dogs tend to be inquisitive. Watch your dog closely to make sure s/he doesn't get into anything dangerous. Fishing tackle and other debris that has washed up may be sharp. Dead fish or other objects may be toxic and be a hazard.

14. Pick Up After Your Dog – Just like anyplace else you take your dog, remember to bring a supply of bags to clean up after your pet.

15. Schedule Bath Time – Just like you do for yourself, try to give your dog a shower or rinse with fresh water before leaving the beach. Even if your pup does get a shower at the beach, be sure to give him or her a good bath when you get home. Sea water can be harmful to your dog, as it can dry and irritate the skin and eyes.

The following beaches are some of the most popular in the country for dogs and dog owners.

Block Island in Rhode Island - For a truly unique vacation spot, visit Block Island, Rhode Island. Described by the Nature Conservancy as one of the last twelve great places in the western hemisphere! Located about twelve miles off the coast of Rhode Island this island hideaway is full of wonderful dog friendly beaches.

Dog Beach in Ocean Beach – San Diego, California

Coronado Dog Beach on Coronado Island – San Diego, California

The Dog Beach Zone in Long Beach California

Dog Beach in Huntington Beach, California

Fort Funston State Park in San Francisco, California

Carmel City Beach, California

North Beach at Fort De Soto in St. Petersburg, Florida

Dog Beach in Key Biscayne – Miami, Florida

Cape San Blas, Florida

Fort DeSoto Beach, Florida

St. George Island, Florida

Jekyll Island, Georgia

Evanston Dog Beach in Evanston, Illinois

Susan Kimmelman Off-Leash Dog Beach in Chicago, Illinois

Quiet Waters Dog Beach in Annapolis, Maryland

Norman F. Kruse Park in Muskegon, Michigan

Duck, North Carolina

Ft. Fisher State Recreation Area, North Carolina

Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint, Oregon

Hunting Island, South Carolina

South Whidbey State Park on Whidbey Island, Washington

Is there a favorite beach that you and your best friend share? What's the best part? Is it calm water for swimming or a breaking surf to play in? Broad sandy beaches for running and fetching or shady spots for long naps?

Whatever beach you love to play at, please share your experiences.