What to bring for a beach day with your dog

As spring and summer approach, what could complement the warmer weather more than a trip to the beach with your dog? Just like humans, many dogs will adore the fresh air and the chance to run around – and if your dog is a strong swimmer and the current isn’t strong, maybe even a dip in the sea!

However, it’s important to be prepared when going to the beach. Just as you wouldn’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen, you should also bring a few items for your dog’s wellbeing. Read on to find out what to bring (aside from the standard collar, leash, poop bags, etc.)!

But first, a brief note about Suffolk’s beaches

We know many people love going abroad for their holidays, especially to beachfront locations where the weather is much hotter and ‘all-inclusive’ is the name of the game. However, there are many reasons to take a holiday in the UK: it can be far more cost effective, it’s better for the environment and it’s a great way to visit areas that you might not have thought about before.

If you’d love to go on a local holiday, but you still like the idea of being at the beach, then Suffolk is the place to go. Our beaches are very clean and, if you have a dog, many are dog-friendly at certain times of the year. Suffolk Coasts and Heaths is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which lines our county; this means that our beaches are untouched by development and maintain a healthy flora and fauna population. There’s so much to see here – and all just a stone’s throw away from our Dog-Friendly Dutch Barges!

5 things to bring to the beach with your dog

Plenty of water

Even though you’re by the sea, it’s essential to bring clean water for your dog to drink during your beach trip. A few gulps of sea water can cause diarrhoea, and any more than that could cause vomiting and dehydration, which is dangerous for dogs. If your dog is running around in hot weather, they will need plenty of hydration. Bring a bottle or two with you; some popular beaches offer communal taps for refilling bottles.

Towel

Whether or not your dog is going in the sea, beaches can be messy places, with sand, seaweed and other substances sticking to your dog’s fur. An old towel is a simple but very handy item to help you keep your dog clean.

Beach umbrella

Did you know that dogs can get sunburnt, too? Their noses and ears are the most sensitive areas, and it can be quite painful for them to get burnt there. Dogs can also get heat stroke from being in the sun for too long, and this can be very dangerous. A beach umbrella will provide some sun relief for both you and your pup – so take one during your next visit!

Floating toy

Bringing your dog’s favourite toy to the beach is nice – but what if it disappears under water?! Balls, ropes and other toys can quickly disappear if dropped in the sea, and this can result in a distraught doggy! Floating toys stay on the surface, allowing your dog to easily locate their toy. Take one along to the beach for a game of fetch.

Small first aid kit

Accidents do happen, whether your dog has stood on a piece of broken shell and cut themselves, or they’ve been stung by a wasp. A small first aid kit filled with essential items will help you keep your dog safe until you can get them home and make them comfortable again. A couple of bandages, dog-safe antiseptic towelettes and scissors can come in handy (always read the labels before using any products on your dog’s skin).

Dog-Friendly Suffolk Holidays with Woodfarm Barges

We hope that you and your dog have a waggly tail of a time at the beach! If you are thinking about coming to Suffolk for a holiday, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our two historic, Dog-Friendly Dutch Barges are situated at Woodbridge and Snape Maltings, and both can accommodate up to three dogs each. We also have a set of Luxury, Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages further into the Suffolk countryside, but also not far from the beach.