10 Essential Dog Friendly Beach Tips

Hitting the beach with your pup? Then you need these dog friendly beach tips.

There aren’t many dog ​​friendly beaches near me so it’s the perfect excuse to pack up my RV for a road trip with my dogs. Exploring dog beaches during my RV adventures has been a joy for both me and my Papillon, Pippy. On a recent trip to the East Coast, we visited some of the most stunning dog beaches in Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton.

The beach is a fantastic place to run, play, and explore with your dog. But to keep dog beaches open, dog owners must be responsible and follow dog beach rules when you’re enjoying your beach day with your furry friend. This not only benefits our dogs and helps keep them safe, but also ensures a positive experience for all beachgoers.

My experience at  Twin Shores Campground  in PEI demonstrated that dogs can coexist peacefully with other beachgoers and inspired me to share some important tips that all dog owners should know before they head to the beach. Here are ten important dog friendly beach tips and etiquette to remember when you’re taking your four legged friends to the beach in the summer months.

10 Essential Dog Friendly Beach Tips

1. Find a beach that allows dogs.

The first and most important rule is: Check if the beach is dog friendly before bringing your dog. There are many dog ​​free beaches, and some pet friendly beaches have designated dog areas and swim areas, so make sure you’re at the right beach and in the right spot!

2. Keep your dog on a leash.

Always adhere to local regulations and rules regarding leashes at the dog beach. Unless you’re at a designated off leash beach, even well-behaved dogs should be leashed to ensure the comfort of other beachgoers and to avoid potential conflicts.

A longer leash or line of 10 to 15 feet can be an alternative to a regular six-foot leash, giving your dog more freedom to explore. When you see other dogs and people approaching, give them a wide berth and keep moving to create distance between you and the approaching dog.

3. Remember your dog poop bags.

This should be a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating! Always carry poop bags and promptly clean up after your dog. Leaving waste on the beach is not only unsightly but also unsanitary and can lead to stricter regulations against dogs.

Dispose of the bag in a designated bin OFF the beach area. Don’t leave poop-filled bags on the beach or at the entrance to the beach. Find a trash bin in the parking lot further away to avoid the inevitable odor from poop bags cooking in the summer heat.

4. Do not allow your dog to approach others without permission.

Remember, that this isn’t an off leash dog park. Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, and some might even have severe allergies.

Others might not realize that dogs are allowed on the beach, which could be quite surprising for someone who’s afraid of dogs. Always ask for permission before allowing your dog to approach strangers or other dogs.

5. Do not let your dog eat seaweed.

Seaweed found on a beach can hold pollutants or debris that can harm your dog.

6. Bring fresh water and a bowl.

Saltwater is not safe for dogs to drink, and running on the beach can quickly lead to dehydration. Make sure to bring fresh water and a portable bowl to keep your dog hydrated during your day at the beach.

7. Do not leave your dog unattended.

Leaving your dog alone on the beach is irresponsible and potentially dangerous. They could wander off, get into hazardous situations, or disturb others.

8. Provide shade and rest.

Beaches can get incredibly hot and dogs can overheat quickly which can lead to heatstroke. Bring a beach umbrella or a pop-up tent to provide some shade. Ensure your dog has a comfortable and cool place to stay away from the sun’s direct heat and the hot sandy beach under their paws.

If it’s too hot outside, don’t bring your dog to the beach at all. If you are packing for the day, bring your dog’s cooling pad for a clean, cool and relaxing spot for them to ‘chill’.

9. Monitor your dog’s behavior.

Keep a close eye on your dog to ensure they are not bothering other beachgoers, getting into dangerous situations, or cleaning up scraps underneath the beach picnic tables! Human food, especially in the form of beach snacks, can be harmful to dogs.

10. Don’t let your dog chase wildlife.

Beaches are delicate ecosystems and are home to unique, threatened and endangered birds and other wildlife. Allowing your dog to chase them can be harmful to the animals and disrupt the local ecosystem. Keep your dogs curiousity in check!

By following these dog friendly beach tips, you can ensure that your RVing adventures to the dog beach are enjoyable and stress-free for everyone. Responsible behavior not only keeps your dog safe but also helps maintain access to dog friendly beaches for all pet owners. Enjoy your time RVing and exploring dog beaches, making lasting memories with your furry friend on the road and at the shore! Find a dog safe beach near you and plan your next road trip today .