How To Keep Your Dog Safe At The Coast

There’s nothing like exploring the stunning scenery of the British coast with your dog, but it brings with it new dangers. Here are our top tips on how to keep your dog safe at the beach.

Sand, sea and a fresh salty breeze, the coast is the perfect place to go explore with your pooch. Whether you’re heading to your local stretch of beach or journeying further afield for a weekend trip, the UK is full of beautiful coastline to enjoy with your four-legged friend. 

While the seaside is a beautiful place, full of exciting sights and smells, it’s important not to forget that there can be some hidden dangers too. To make sure both you and your dog stay safe, here are some top tips so you can enjoy a trip to the beach with some peace of mind.

It’s important you are clued up on the local tide times before walking along the beach so you don’t get cut off by the sea while you’re wandering the sandy shores. Tide times vary depending on where you are, so check for the signs or check online and keep an eye on the time to avoid getting caught out. 

If your route takes you near cliff edges or fast flowing water, keep your dog on a lead to prevent them from putting themselves in any danger. Avoid walking right below cliffs on beaches in case of falling stones. If your dog gets stuck in mud, quicksand or the sea, don’t go after them yourself. Call 999 or 112 and ask for the coast guard. 

Unfortunately, not everyone picks up after themselves, meaning the coast can be scattered with litter and left over food. Stay vigilant and keep your dog away from any patches of rubbish which may contain broken glass or potentially toxic foods, as well as used BBQs, which may still be hot and could burn your pooch. 

Just like us, some breeds of dog are prone to sunburn, especially those with fair fur. Be sure you lather them up in dog-friendly suncream. Avoid using human-grade suncream which may irritate your pooch’s skin. If you’re sitting down in the sunshine for a while, try to bring some shelter or find a shady spot for your dog to lie down and relax in. This will help prevent them from overheating and potentially developing heat stroke. 

Exploring the coast can be tiring work. Make sure you’ve stocked up on plenty of food and water for both you and your dog to avoid them becoming weak and dehydrated. Why not pack a bag of our delicious treats to keep your pooch going? 

Many use the coast to unplug and unwind, but keeping in touch is important for the safety of both you and your pooch. Mobile signals can be a bit hit and miss on the coast, so be sure you always let someone know where you’ve gone and when you’re due back. If you’re planning on exploring a specific route, send it to a friend or family member so they can direct help to you should you need it. Additionally, avoid going off set walking routes along cliff faces and coastal lines as you may run into a variety of potential dangers such as unstable rockface, quicksand and falling debris.