Taking Your Dog to the Beach on a Hot Day: Safety Tips
Updated: 3 days ago
A sunny day at the beach with your dog is hard to beat, and running on the sand, paddling in the shallows and a long snuffle along the tideline make for a very happy dog. But hot weather and the seaside bring a few risks that are easy to miss when everyone's having fun, so I'd rather you were proactive, not reactive. Here's how to keep beach days safe in the heat, from when it's too hot to go, to sea water, sand, swimming and what to pack.
THE SHORT ANSWER
You can take your dog to the beach on a hot day, but timing and planning matter. Go early in the morning or later in the evening, avoid the hottest part of the day and think twice once it's over about 25°C, especially with short-nosed breeds, older dogs, puppies and heavy-coated dogs. Bring fresh water, shade and a towel, offer water often and take regular breaks. Watch for heatstroke signs such as heavy panting, drooling, weakness, wobbliness or vomiting. Don't let your dog drink sea water or eat lots of sand, test the sand for hot paws, and keep an eye on swimming dogs. If your dog shows signs of heatstroke or salt water poisoning, contact a vet straight away.
Can I take my dog to the beach when it's hot?
Yes, with care. Dogs cool down mainly by panting, which is much less effective than sweating. On a hot, sunny beach with little shade, they can overheat quickly.
As a rough guide, many dogs start to struggle from around 20°C, and over 25°C needs real care. Short-nosed breeds like pugs, bulldogs and boxers, very young or old dogs, overweight dogs and dogs with thick coats are at higher risk. On the hottest days, a shady woodland walk or a paddle in a stream may be kinder. Read heat-related illnesses in dogs.
When to go
Early mornings and evenings are best. The sand is cooler, the sun is lower and beaches are usually quieter. Check the beach allows dogs, as many have summer restrictions during the day.
What to pack
A little preparation makes beach days easier. Most of it fits in one bag. Take these:
plenty of fresh water and a bowl
shade, such as a beach tent or umbrella
towels for drying off and lying on
dog-safe sun cream for pale noses and thin coats
a long line if recall isn't reliable
poo bags and a few high-value treats
Hot sand and paws
Sand can get hot enough to burn paws. Press the back of your hand on it for a few seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog. Stick to wet sand near the water and rinse paws afterwards to remove salt and sand.
Sea water and salt poisoning
Dogs often swallow sea water while playing fetch in the waves or drinking when thirsty. A little usually only causes a loose stomach, but a lot can cause salt water poisoning, which can be serious. Offer fresh water often and limit fetch in the sea. Read salt water poisoning in dogs.
Sand, seaweed and other hazards
Dogs who dig or carry sandy toys can swallow a lot of sand, which can cause stomach upsets or even blockages. Use a toy that doesn't pick up much sand.
Keep your dog away from dead fish, jellyfish, seaweed piles and rock pools, which can upset stomachs or carry bacteria. If your dog seems unwell after a beach day, with vomiting, a swollen tummy or unusual tiredness, call your vet.
Swimming safely
Not every dog is a natural swimmer, and even good swimmers can be caught by currents and waves. Let your dog build confidence in shallow, calm water first. Use a canine life jacket for weaker swimmers and on boats.
Watch for signs of tiredness and call your dog out before they're worn out. Never encourage a dog into rough sea.
Signs of heatstroke
Heatstroke is an emergency, and it can develop quickly on a hot beach. Dogs who are playing hard may not slow down on their own. If you see these signs, move your dog to shade and contact a vet straight away:
heavy, fast panting
lots of drool
bright red or pale gums
weakness, wobbliness or collapse
vomiting or diarrhoea
confusion
Cool your dog with cool, not ice cold, water on the way to the vet. Ring ahead so the practice is ready for you.
RENEE'S TIP
Plan your beach trips around the tide and the clock. Arrive as the tide goes out in the early morning or evening, when there's lots of cool, wet sand. Your dog gets more space to run, and you avoid the hottest part of the day.
QUICK CHECK
✓ Go early or late, and take extra care over about 25°C
✓ Bring water, shade and towels, and take regular breaks
✓ Test the sand for hot paws and stick to wet sand
✓ Limit fetch in the sea to avoid salt water poisoning
✓ Know the signs of heatstroke and call a vet quickly
ONE-TO-ONE HELP
Help with a dog who's hard to manage on the beach
If your dog won't come back, gets overexcited around other dogs or can't settle on beach days, I can help in an online Dog Behaviour Consultation from wherever you are.
Online on Teams, wherever you are. 30 or 60 minutes.
FAQs
Can I take my dog to the beach in 25 degrees?
Take real care. Go early or late, bring shade and water, and keep visits short, especially for high-risk breeds.
How hot is too hot for a dog at the beach?
Many dogs struggle from around 20°C, and over 25°C can be dangerous without shade, water and breaks.
Is hot sand bad for dogs' paws?
Yes. Hot sand can burn paws. Test it with your hand and stick to wet sand.
Is it bad for dogs to drink sea water?
A little causes a loose stomach. A lot can cause salt water poisoning, so offer fresh water often.
What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?
Heavy panting, drooling, red or pale gums, weakness, vomiting and confusion. Contact a vet straight away.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience · National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
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