As many of us say, long walks on the beach are our favorite activities. What makes those long walks even better? Puppies! Read on to learn more about how to get the most out of your day at the dog beach.

First things first, make sure the beach you are headed to allows dogs! BringFido.com is a great resource to determine whether your local beach is dog-friendly. At most beaches, dogs are only allowed in a certain area, so be sure to follow the rules. Second, bring poop bags! No one wants to walk on a beach filled with dog poop, and no one want to be the owner who forgets to bring the bags. Third, make sure your dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations, flea and tick medications, and Bordetella shots. Just like a dog park or doggy day care, lots of pups in a small space can lead to pesky health issues that you’ll want to avoid.

Pack a good bag

You should bring a beach bag with you that includes everything to protect you and your pup from the harsh elements of the sun and ocean. This means bringing a number of doggie safety items: a strong leash/collar, a beach umbrella, a swim vest (the ocean is strong), dog sunscreen (for its nose especially), a water/food bowl, food, lots of fresh, cold water, a pet towel, a pet first aid kit, and a toy that floats! Sinking toys are annoying and dangerous if your pup is toy driven. If you want to get extra cute, you can look for a doggie bathing suit.

Watch out for problems

Dogs, just like humans, can have major problems with heat and water. Some of the tell-tale signs of dog heat exhaustion are: rapid panting, bright red tongue, thick and sticky saliva, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea. To overcome heat exhaustion, you can: move the pup into the shade and apply cool water all over her body to lower her body temperature, apply cool towels to your pup’s neck and chest, allow your pup to drink small amounts of cool water, and lastly, take your dog to the nearest veterinarian.


On the opposite end of the spectrum, your dog can get extremely cold and go into a hypothermic state if she spends too much time in the cold ocean or a cold lake. Signs of hypothermia to watch out for, include: lethargy, weakness, shivering, muscle stiffness, difficult breathing, and fixed and dilated pupils. To overcome hypothermia, you can: wrap your dog in warm towels, apply warm water to your dog’s body, and, if still cold, bring him to the nearest vet. Once you’re home, it’d be nice to let your dog out on the porch to go potty instead of having to go all the way outside after a long beach day. That’s where Patio Pet Life’s farm fresh, hydroponically grown, lightweight pet grass comes in!