Beach and sea safety for dogs
A day at the beach can be brilliant for dogs, but the sea is unpredictable. Lifeboat crews rescue dogs from UK coastlines every year, and sadly owners are sometimes lost trying to rescue them.
Before you go
- Check whether dogs are allowed. Many beaches have seasonal restrictions, often from spring to the end of summer.
- Check tide times so you are not cut off, and avoid cliffs, harbour walls and mudflats.
- Pack fresh water, a bowl, shade, poo bags and a towel.
In the water
- Do not let your dog swim if the waves are big, the sea is rough, or the tide is turning.
- Keep swims short. The sea is cold for much of the year in the UK, and dogs tire quickly.
- Keep dogs on a lead near cliff edges and fast-flowing water.
If your dog gets into difficulty
Do not go in after them. Move to a place your dog can reach safely and call them. They will usually get back by themselves. If you are worried, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard. The same applies if your dog gets stuck in mud.
Sea water, sand and things on the shore
- Sea water: drinking it causes vomiting and diarrhoea and, in larger amounts, salt poisoning. Offer fresh water regularly.
- Sand: it can get very hot, and eating lots of sand (often from wet balls) can cause blockages.
- Jellyfish: even stranded ones can sting. If your dog is stung, rinse with sea water (not fresh water), remove any tentacles without touching them with bare hands, and contact your vet if there is swelling or distress.
- Dead fish, seaweed, fishing hooks and plastic can all cause problems if eaten.
Afterwards
Rinse salt and sand from your dog’s coat with fresh water and dry their ears. Watch for tiredness, coughing or breathing changes if they had a long or rough swim.
When to contact your vet
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, wobbliness or excessive thirst after drinking sea water.
- Coughing or difficulty breathing after a struggle in the water.
- A swallowed fishing hook or line. Do not pull on it.
- Facial swelling after a jellyfish sting.
Not registered with a vet, or need one out of hours? See our local vets near Horley.
This guide is general information for UK dog owners and is not a substitute for advice from your vet. If you are worried about your dog, contact your vet straight away, or your nearest out-of-hours emergency vet.
