9 Tips For A Safe Beach Day With Your Foster Dog

Watching a dog run down the beach or splash in the waves at the shore brings me joy. I love the beach and I think many dogs do, too. Finding a dog-friendly beach can be a challenge. When you do have access to one, I want you to have a safe beach day with your dogs.

We can also take foster dogs to the beach, but we should be aware of some safety tips to have a safe beach day with your foster dogs.

In truth, I’ve never had a whole beach DAY with a dog, and I probably wouldn’t plan a solid day at the beach with my pups. But any time on a beach makes a day a beach day, no?

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A Safe Beach Day Means Knowing The Beach Rules

Not every beach is pet-friendly, so you really need to check with the ordinances governing both private and public beaches. The last thing you want is a citation. I would think most rescue agencies won’t pay the fine if you get a ticket. I know the agency I volunteered for won’t. You create a preventable expense? You pay for it.

Before You Let Your Foster Dog Go Off-Leash On The Beach…

You must know with full confidence that your foster dog is safe off-leash. You must know this dog has a solid recall. Will your foster dog come back when you call them, 100% of the time?

If you cannot be fully confident, keep your dog on a leash to ensure you have a safe beach day with your foster dog.

My dogs don’t have 100% recall, so I use a long leash. I’ve used the 15′ cotton lead for decades, but I’m finding that the bolt snap clasp is susceptible to saltwater corrosion, and the cotton weave holds on to wet sand. I’m going to switch to a biothane lead with a different clasp and see if it holds up better to saltwater.

I recently purchased this leash. It is not made of biothane, but it is waterproof. I’m not sure if the clasp is going to be any more or less durable than the bolt snap clasp, I’ll let you know! So far, I really like the leash. The sand and dirt do not stick to it and it cleans very easily. It comes in a variety of lengths and colors.

I’ll keep my cotton long leads for training on dry land!

Know The Forecast

As I write this post, it is late August. The outside temperature is forecast to be in the high 80’s but the heat index will make it feel like 105 degrees. Yikes! Today would not be a safe beach day with my foster dog.

It doesn’t take much time for any dog to become overheated when the summer temperatures are extreme.

Choose to take your foster dog to the beach in the early morning when the temperatures are usually at their coolest.

If you are going to be at the shore for an extended period of time, provide shade. My good friends recently purchased the Shibumi Shade for their annual beach trip, they loved it! It only takes one person to put it up and take it down. Some beaches don’t allow anything other than umbrellas for shade, so if you decide to invest in a Shibumi or other styles of shade at the beach, check beach rules.

Learn and memorize signs of your dog becoming overheated and get them inside immediately and render any first aid needed.

HOT Sand!

You think asphalt is hot? Try sand. OUCH! Sand becomes incredibly hot at the beach. The beach isn’t any fun at all if tender paw pads get burned.

You could use protective booties on your dog’s paws, but honestly, if it’s too hot for the paws, it really is too hot for the dog to be at the beach. I think booties for dogs are a great item to have in your supply closet – they do come in handy for other things.

Dogs Can Become Sunburned – Choose Sunscreen Carefully!

Anywhere your dog has a thin coat of fur is a place where they can become easily sunburned. The nose and ears are common places for dogs to get sunburned. Certain breed of dogs with very thin or hairless coats especially need protection from the sun.

Dogs need a sunscreen that is specifically formulated for them. DO NOT ASSUME the sunscreen you use is safe for your dog. Zinc Oxide, for example, should not be used on dogs.

Not sure which sunscreen to use with your dog? From the Epi-Pet website:

“The only FDA compliant and safe pet sunscreen. Veterinarian developed, broad spectrum protection” made for dogs and horses. “

The Epi Pet Sun Protector Spray for Dogs does not have zinc oxide nor does it contain para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA. Both ingredients are a danger to dogs. Epi Pet Sun Protector Spray is safe even if your dog licks themself after it is applied.

Prevent your Foster Dog From Drinking Salt Water

Yes, your foster dog is going to taste the saltwater. No, you don’t want your dog to drink saltwater. Too much saltwater can harm your foster dog and cause dehydration and cut short your safe beach day with your foster dog!

Provide PLENTY of fresh water to your dog and if you notice your foster dog drinking saltwater, distract them away from the water and engage them in a different activity.

I’ve had a lot of different travel dog water bowls. Most are poorly designed or become funky with hidden bacteria. This dog bowl is different! Notice that it doesn’t have an attached rubber rim anywhere (a magnet for bacteria), nor is it made of fabric. It collapses flat, is BPA free, made of food-grade silic1 and is dishwasher safe.

Saltwater also can be an irritant to your dog’s skin, so when you are done with your beach day, Give your foster dog a good rinse with clean water.

Even If Your Foster Dog Can Swim Like Michael Phelps…

…manage your dog’s time in the waves. Learn how to recognize rip tides at the shore. Have your foster dog wear a properly fitted lifejacket. Keep your foster dog leashed. When you see your foster dog looking the least bit fatigued, get them out of the water and make them take a break.

I love the Outward Hound lifejackets. I’ve had mine for 20 years! Obviously, they are a bit faded, but otherwise they function just as good as the day I bought them!

Not all dogs can swim. Some dogs will sink instead of float. Know your foster dog’s capabilities before giving them free access to bodies of water.

Be Aware Of Hazards Both In And Around The Water

Sea Creatures

I always see one hazard or another when I go to the beach. Usually, I see jellyfish. Or dead fish. My dogs are curious about these objects, but I’m careful about how I let them investigate them. My personal dog has a really good response when I say “leave it.”

My foster dog, not so much.

You may live somewhere where you see tide pools with living creatures in them. Know what those creatures are and what hazards they pose to your dogs. Management is the key to a safe beach day with your foster dog.

Sharp Objects

There is risk of cuts and punctures with sharp objects in the sand and in the water. Your dog isn’t always going to tell you that it became injured. So, investigate your dog’s paws for any injuries and render the appropriate first aid.

Don’t know much about first aid? Take a first aid class for pets!!

Don’t know where to take a first aid class for pets? The availability and thoroughness of these classes may vary depending upon where you live. Online classes are beginning to pop up. The American Red Cross now offers an online class on basic first aid for around $25. Check with your veterinarian. They may know of other resources in your area.

Seaweed – Just Say NO!

While we know that seaweed can be a good addition to a dog’s diet, WILD seaweed is NOT the same thing. Do not let your dog eat wild seaweed discovered on the beach or floating in the water.

Seaweed can kill your foster dog.

Take A Dog First Aid Kit With You

Anytime you are on an outdoor adventure with your dog, you want to have a first aid supplies with you. I especially want sterile eyewash or saline solution in the event my dog gets sand in its eye or I need to irrigate a wound. I also want basic wound care supplies.

Plan For A Safe Beach Day With Your Foster Dog

With forethought and planning, you and your foster dog can have a fun and safe beach day! Keep your foster dog under positive control, keep them out of harm’s way, and let them experience the joy of playing in sand and surf.

When your beach day is done…

You’ll want to rinse the water and sand off of your dog. The beach showers are not really dog friendly, so consider using a portable camp shower! I like this one, it comes in 5 gallon, 3 gallon, and 2.5 gallon water capacity. With a built-in water temperature gauge, you don’t have to worry. There are also pockets for shampoo, combs, and a wash cloth!

Do you take your foster dogs to the beach? I’d love to hear your stories and your suggestions on how to have a safe beach day with your foster dog! Write me!