Yorkshire’s Runswick Bay was voted ‘beach of the year’ on The Sunday Times’ ‘Britain’s 50 best beaches for 2020’ list and was 1 of 41 dog friendly beaches to make the list. With so many fantastic beaches that welcome dogs all year round, there’s really no need to leave your four-legged friend at home when a trip to the seaside is on the cards..
If you’ve got holiday at home plans or a day at the coast in mind, here are some top tips for a beach day with your dog:
- Check the beach is dog friendly
Always check whether the beach you’re visiting is dog friendly. Some beaches have restrictions or bans during high season. Websites such as BeachGuide.co.uk will tell you whether a beach is dog friendly all year round, or during certain times of the year.
If you’re in the Yorkshire area, you can also check out our list of Dog Friendly Beaches in Yorkshire for some tips!
- Check tide times
Low tide will offer the most space for your beach walk, the last thing you want is to arrive at the beach and it’s mostly seawater. Tide times are a good thing to know to make sure you don’t get stranded before you get back to your car as well.
- Bring lots of water
Most dogs LOVE the beach. They’ll chase a ball or paddle around in the water for hours given a chance. They’ll need plenty of fresh water to drink to cool down and rehydrate.
- Consider a long lead
If you’re heading to a busier beach and you know your dog can be a little nosy, consider taking a longer lead so you’ve still got control, but your pal can still enjoy themselves.
- Check temperatures
As humans, we love a day at the beach in the sunshine, but high temperatures are difficult for dogs to cope with, even if they’re going for a swim. Sand can get incredibly hot during high heat. Prevent burning your dog’s paw pads by choosing early morning or evening walks during particularly hot days.
- Does your dog need sunscreen?
It may sound a little OTT dog parent, but did you know that some dogs can get sunburn? Dogs with light muzzles and lightly coloured ears can get sunburn which can lead to sunstroke. Sunstroke can be lethal in dogs, so it’s worth checking with your vet if they’d recommend getting one of the specialty dog sunscreens available.
- Bring plenty of poo bags
Don’t ruin the beach for other dog owners and other beachgoers. Bring plenty of poo bags with you and pick up after your dog. It’s the best way to ensure these dog-friendly beaches remain dog friendly.
- Bring a towel
If your dog is anything like mine, they like to dive face-first into the sand and the sea to grab their ball. This can result in a face full of sand, you should avoid letting your dog get sand in their eyes or wiping at their own face with sandy paws. Bring a towel or some water to rinse them off. A towel also helps to dry them off or knock off some sand before getting back in the car.
- Keep an eye on your dog’s ears
If your dog has floppy ears, they’re more likely to suffer from irritations in their ears. Make sure you dry their ears thoroughly after swimming and remove any sand that might have gotten in there. This should help with the head shaking and ear scratching.
- Consider giving them a bath/rinsing them off
Sand and sea water can dry out your dog’s skin and fur which could lead to itchiness and irritation. Give them a quick rinse in the shower at the beach, or when you’re back home to help them feel fresher and prevent a lot of scratching.