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We love the beach. Dogs love the beach. We love being with our dogs on the beach. But as carefree as these trips might seem, the truth is even a leisurely romp in the sand can be much improved by a little preparation, which is why we’ve rounded up some key dog beach accessories.
We’re going to assume you’ve already got the basics of dog beach supplies covered such as fresh water, food, a leash, and collar, but here are a few things worth adding to your dog beach bag that might surprise you.
Our 10 Favorite Dog Beach Accessories
Because dogs are covered in hair, it’s easy to forget that there are parts of their body that are still susceptible to sun damage. If you’re going to be in the sun all day, spray some of this sunscreen on your dog’s nose to protect them from harmful UV rays.
No matter how much you personally love to sunbathe, the sun can really take it out of a dog, especially when they’re running around enjoying the sand. Give them a place they know they can retreat to and recover, like a simple, shady pop-up tent with ventilation that can easily fold up into a bag with your other dog beach accessories.
Where there is water, there will be wet dogs. Throw a dog towel in your beach bag to get your pet as dry as possible when playtime is done. Microfiber is gentle on hair but also quick-drying, just in case your dog decides to squeeze in a little more splash time.
As shoe-wearing humans, sometimes we forget that ground surfaces can be hot. A simple balm like this one can protect your pet’s feet from hot sand and helps keep paws appropriately moisturized as they run around on abrasive surfaces.
While we’re sure your pet would be happy to chase whatever to you bring for them—tennis balls and frisbees are beach favorites—having a reliable floating toy is a game-changer as your pet gets used to the water. This device is meant to train for soft-mouth carrying, but makes a great toy for any dog who loves long sessions of fetch.
While many dogs are natural swimmers, those who aren’t—or those who have a long day of play ahead of them—could really use a life jacket. It still gives them a range of movement but allows them to swim safely for longer and gives pet owners peace of mind. This splashy dog beach accessory is designed to look like a fish. You know, to blend in.
Dogs on a beach get messy, and there’s not a whole lot you can do about it. But being able to wipe sand and mud out of eyes, mouths, and ears is useful until you can get all the saltwater off your dog’s fur. Grooming wipes are designed specifically for pets to be good for their coats and non-irritating to sensitive areas.
You’ll never be more grateful for some car seat protection than after a day at the beach. While no seat protector is ever going to keep your car 100 percent sand-free, this one will certainly help. The cover is designed to keep dogs penned in the backseat and is water-resistant, so your dog can curl up and relax after a long day of splashing around. Plus, you can pop it right into the washing machine when you get home.
While “beach” brings up images of soft sand for many of us, beaches can also be rocky, hot places, and that calls for extra paw protection for your pet. Whether it’s natural dangers like sharp stones, human debris such as broken glass, or sand burn, booties help protect your pet’s paws and pads from a range of unsafe conditions.
OK, OK, to say that a Hawaiian pet shirt is “essential” is taking it a little far, but what says sun and sand more than a loud floral print? Plus, you can consider this dog beach accessory extra UV protection for your dog’s coat and skin, all while getting some truly memorable pet portraits.
Further Reading
Want more ideas for summer fun with your dog? Check out one of the articles below.