Written in consultation with Dr Claire Stevens, Registered Veterinarian.

A day at the beach with your dog is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors and strengthen the bond with your dog. Beach walks are also a great way to let your dog exercise and release and burn off energy. Take some time to plan ahead for a successful beach trip to ensure your dog stays safe, comfortable, and well-behaved around other beachgoers.

"As dog owners, it’s our duty to ensure that every beach day is a safe experience for both our dogs and children. Supervision, proper dog training - especially effective recall for when you're on off-lead beaches, and understanding canine body language can all help prevent accidents and keep family holidays safe and enjoyable." - Dr Claire

To help get you prepped, packed and ready for your next dog beach adventure, we've put together a list of key things to consider for your doggy beach day. We cover everything from choosing the right beach to packing the essentials for your dog to help make your dog beach day super easy and enjoyable for everyone!

Finding a dog friendly beach

Not all beaches in Australia are dog friendly. Your local council website is usually the best place to check to find out what beaches and parks in your area are dog friendly. There are some great blogs out there about this too, but keep in mind, these may not be as up-to-date as your local council website. 

It's also important to determine if your local dog beach has any specific rules about being open to dogs. Make sure your check on these common dog friendly beach rules: 

1. 1. 1. On leash vs. Off leash regulations: Some beaches permit off-lead play, while others require dogs to remain on a lead at all times. Other beaches may have dedicated off leash areas or boundaries. 
      2. Dog beach time restrictions: Certain beaches may only be dog friendly during designated hours. Always check these and make sure you understand if there are different times that apply during daylight savings and non daylight savings times.
      3. Pick up after your dog: It's a general regulation that dog owners must always pick up their doggy doo-doo anywhere they walk their dog. Beaches are no exception. Always be considerate of other beach goers and hygiene and pick up and dispose of your dog's poop in the right bins.

If in doubt, always check for sign posts stating beach rules which can typically be found at the beach entrance.

A few key considerations when going to the dog beach are to avoid peak heat hours during the day eg: between 11am – 3pm. This is when the sand and pavement can become dangerously hot for your dog's paws. If in doubt, always check. If you can't hold the back of your hand on the pavement then it's too hot for your dog's paws so skip the beach until the weather (and pavement/sand) cools down. 

Be mindful of waves and tidal currents. Not all dogs are confident swimmers, and strong waves can be hazardous.

You should also watch out for hazards such as sharp oyster shells on rocks and jellyfish. Dogs may step on or attempt to eat these, leading to injury or illness.

What to pack for your dog beach day

A little preparation goes a long way to ensure your dog stays comfortable and safe at the B.E.A.C.H. Essential items to pack for your dog beach day include:

• • • Fresh water and a collapsible water bowl: Salt water is not your dog's best friend. Too much salt water can cause your dog's tummy to bloat and cause dehydration or diarrhoea which isn't pleasant for them. Always ensure you take a cooler bottle with plenty of fresh water to help combat the heat and keep them hydrated regularly in between runs and swims. 
    • Portable shade: Dogs can overheat quickly, so a beach umbrella or tent provides a cool resting area.
    • Toys for play: Floating toys are great for water games, while durable chew toys keep dogs engaged. SAFETY TIP: Keep in mind if your dog gets a little obsessed or over-territorial with their ball or frisbee. If they do, it is often safer to go solo without toys to avoid potential altercations with other dogs taking their ball. Plus, this is a great way for you and your dog to get some quality bonding time in! Sometimes all your dog wants on the beach is for their hoo-man to interact and run around with them! Even BETTER than the ball!
    • Pet-safe sunscreen: Short-haired and light-coloured dogs are prone to sunburn especially around their nose, ears, and exposed skin. So a good quality, pet safe sunscreen is helpful. Never apply human sunscreen to your dog!
    • Dog treats: An essential to pack and take with you to reinforce good behaviour with rewards. Positive memories breed positive moments.
    • Leash and harness: Even on an off-leash beach, keep your dog lead handy. It's essential for the safety of your dog and other dogs if anything were to happen and you need to recall and lead your dog away from danger. 
    • Poo bags: As we've mentioned above, always clean up after your dog to maintain a clean and welcoming beach environment for everyone.
    • First aid kit: Be prepared for minor injuries like cuts from shells or rough terrain. A compression bandage or saline solution is helpful in times like these to help tie you over if you do need to get to a Vet. 
    • TOWELS! A couple of good towels to dry off your dog before they jump in the car, or head back inside are always helpful. 

Recognising stress signals in your dog

Weather it's overheating, too much salt water or just being overstimulated or tired, dogs let us know when they’re experiencing discomfort through body language.

Common signs of stress include:

• • • Excessive panting: A sign of overheating.
    • Yawning, lip licking, or avoiding eye contact: Indicators of stress or anxiety.
    • Tucked tail or ears pinned back: May indicate fear or uncertainty.

If a dog seems distressed or uncomfortable, move them to a quiet area with shade and fresh water.

A note on time - avoid staying at the beach for too long! Too much salt water, heat and sand can wear your dog out. A good rule of thumb is to keep beach trips to an hour or two, depending on the heat on the day. 

Dog beach safety for other beach goers

Bringing children and dogs together at the beach can be a great experience, but safety should always come first. Supervising both dogs and children at all times helps to create a positive and safe experience for everyone! It is important to teach children to:

• • • Never approach or run up to unfamiliar dogs.
    • Always ask the dog's owner if it is okay for them to pat their dog.
    • Allow dogs to sniff before petting them.
    • Avoid rough play, such as pulling at the dog's tail or ears.
    • Respect a dog’s personal space, particularly while they are eating or resting.
      

Dr Claire advises, "Responsible pet ownership involves educating ourselves and our families about dog behaviour and body language. This helps to ensure safe play and prioritises the well-being of both our pets and our children."

Even the friendliest of dogs can become overwhelmed in busy beach settings. If your dog starts to react negatively to sudden movements or loud noises, take them off to a quiet spot to give them a break.

It's also important to consider not all dogs enjoy rough play with other dogs, so owners should watch for signs of stress when dogs are interacting. If your dog appears to be overpowering another dog, be a good owner and recall it as soon as possible to stop this behaviour. If your dog shows signs of nervousness or upset like whimpering, running away barking, or has their tail between their legs, continue to walk away from the offending dog, calling your dog to encourage it to move away from the other dog with you. 

Unwanted behaviours like digging near other beachgoers, excessive barking, or attempting to steal food isn't ideal for anyone. Recall your dog if this happens and positively reward when they come back.

Making the most of your dog beach day

A successful beach outing requires more than simply letting your dog run free. Keeping your pet engaged, safe, and comfortable is essential. Have some fun activities up your sleeve for your dog while you're at the beach. These can include: 

• • • Fetch in the sand or water using a floaty toy to add excitement!
    • Tug-of-war to help burn off energy while reinforcing positive interactions.
    • Swimming! Some dogs are natural swimmers, while others may need a little encouragement. Always start in shallow water and never force your dog to swim past their comfort zone.

When you take the time to research the right dog friendly beach spots, prepare and follow beach safety guidelines you're bound to enjoy a fun-filled, beach adventure with your furry friend. Beach outings with your dog create lasting memories, are an excellent form of dog exercise and great for ongoing training and socialisation! Have fun with your next doggy beach day.