At the Beach with Your Dog

People who go on a seaside holiday with their dog often dream of being able to walk or play with their pet on the beach. However, this isn't always allowed!

Dog-friendly beaches (with conditions)

Some coastal or seaside towns allow dogs on their beaches, others only allow them in certain spots and/or at certain times of year, while others ban four-legged visitors from the beach entirely. It all depends on where you're spending your holiday.

• Find out from the local council, police or tourist office what the rules are, both for beaches and for natural areas or dunes. (If you're heading to the Belgian coast, click here.)
  Signs along the beach often indicate the rules to follow.

- Always respect hygiene rules: carry a plastic bag to immediately pick up after your pet, and only dispose of it in bins or designated spots.

- Even if local rules allow you to let your dog run free, keep it on a lead if you notice it might bother (or bite!) other people (or other dogs) on the beach. Some people (children in particular) are not at all comfortable seeing dogs running loose.

- Make sure your dog obeys you immediately in the event of a problem or a particular situation.

- Always keep an eye on your dog to avoid it bothering anyone or getting lost. Make sure your dog has an identification chip and another means of identification that allows you to be contacted quickly (tag, tube or collar with an address, ...).

Note: if you don't comply with local rules, it could cost you dearly: from a fine of several dozen euros up to... €3,000 (as in some places in Spain)!

Protecting your pet

Sun and heat

Watch out for heatstroke. A dog can be quickly and particularly sensitive to it.

• Avoid exposing your pet to heat or direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day.
• Check with your vet whether it's advisable to apply high-factor sunscreen if your pet has thin or sparse fur.
• If you plan to stay in one spot on the beach, bring a parasol so you can shelter your pet under it.

Dehydration

Always bring fresh water to quench your pet's thirst and give it something to drink regularly. Teach your dog to drink from a bottle with a spout (this avoids wasting water or having to carry a bowl).

Above all: make sure your pet doesn't drink sea water. Not only does sea water fail to quench thirst, it can also cause diarrhoea.

Swimming

Some breeds love (Labradors, Newfoundlands, ...) swimming, others don't (and never will).

• Don't force your dog to swim, paddle, or fetch a toy or stick from the water if it doesn't want to.
• Make sure your dog doesn't exhaust itself while swimming, doesn't swim too far out, and isn't carried away by the current or the waves. Many dogs have died this way!
• Rinse it with fresh water when you get home to remove the sea salt, which can damage its coat and skin.

Also read: A worry-free holiday for your dog or cat or discover our "Pets" collection.