Let's hit the beach! Top 13 essentials for fun & safety with your dog
Top 13 Trip Essentials for you and your dog
Updated blog for summer 2023
You've packed your sun cream, swimmers, flip flops and sunnies....you are ready to go! Let's not forget about all the essentials for your dog too....
The beach is such an exiting place for dogs to visit, there is nothing more enjoyable that watching a dog zooming around!
It is beyond important to make sure you are prepared for a trip to the beach with your dog as they will be running around like crazy and can easily overheat.
We do so hate to see dogs on the beach with no shade or water. Imagine sitting in the sun with a big fur coat on and no way of cooling down! *sad ears*
This list is not just for the beach, but any day trip, holiday or night away.
Essential travel loot for dogs
1. Fresh water
LOADS of it too pals! This is the most important thing you can take on any trips, but especially in warm weather. Take a large bottle or a camping bottle of fresh water and a travel bowl.
Ruffwear Quencher packable food and water bowl – Be More Bob
We keep a travel bowl in the car as they are just so useful.
You can always use these bowls for kibble as well.
We keep a travel bowl in the car as they are just so useful.
We've also got collapsible bowls which are easy to carry or keep in the car.
Collapsible Pet Bowl 1 ltr Red – Be More Bob
2. Drying robe / towel
Nobody likes putting a soggy doggy back in the car! These UK made drying robes are perfect for putting on after your swimming / beach visit. They are super comfortable and warm too, so you can get all cosy after your adventures.
Combine with drying mitts for a nice scruff after your dip.
These are great for the house and car as you never know when you might need to dry off those paws!
3. Shade
Dogs will soon overheat and struggle to control their temperature, so it's absolutely imperative that you make shade.
Either choose a shady spot under a tree, or take a tent / umbrella / tarp with you to the beach. Imagine sitting in the blazing sun with your warmest coat on, it would be totally unbearable!
4. Water toys
It's so much fun to play on the beach, either just on the sand or in the water too.
We've got great durable toys that are lightweight for you to carry to the beach, and they float so you can play in the water too - SWIMMING – Be More Bob
5. Float coat / dog life jacket
If you are doing some swimming or water activities (such as paddleboarding, kayaking, boating) then we'd recommend a Ruffwear float coat.
Dogs can get in trouble in the water as easily as humans can, and a float coat will help to keep them safe.
The grab handle will help you to lift and assist your dog if that becomes necessary.
Ruffwear Float Coat Life Jacket – Be More Bob
Our Rukka Float coats are great for dogs of differing sizes, as they attach with adjustable velcro straps. Other features include a grab handle (hold the handle and the dog under their stomach) and reflective trims.
RUKKA Lightweight Life Vest XS-XL – Be More Bob
For all wearables, make sure to measure your dog, as all brands have different sizes. We often find people picking up a 'size large' for their spaniel - whereas they would actually be a small in most brands! It's difficult to know your dog's size, as you may think they are a big dog - but if you put them next to a Great Dane, would you still think them big? Measuring properly will save you time and postage costs....
6. First aid kit
It is always a good idea to have a basic first aid kit for humans and dogs.
Carrying a few simple items will make a small incident much easier to deal with. Find out how to put together a basic first with the Blue Cross - What should your dog first aid kit contain? | Blue Cross there are also some good tips on how to deal with certain first aid situations.
7. A long line (long lead)
Keep your dog safe but give them some freedom with the Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch. You can attach this to any tree or post.
Ruffwear KNOT-A-HITCH campsite dog-hitching system – Be More Bob
Or have a handy long-line in the car for those occasions where you need to have on-lead adventures!
Mikki Recall Training Lead – Be More Bob
8. A pack out bag (full poo bag holder)
Gah, there's nothing worse that having a full poo bag hanging around you all day! It's not always easy to find a bin, especially if you are down on the beach.
The Ruffwear Pack Out Bag holds your stash of poo bags and then you can put a full bag inside.
The water-resistant shell fabric and waterproof lining work in tandem with a waterproof zip for easy-to-clean odour containment. It includes an adjustable belt to carry it around the waist. Or, you can attach it directly to a backpack or bag, or your waist with the clip.
Ruffwear Pack Out Bag - Holds Full Dog Poop Bags – Be More Bob
9. Dog Cooling Vest / Gaiter / Coat / Harness
A dog can overheat very quickly. It doesn't even have to be that warm for some breeds to start to suffer.
Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Zip Cooling Vest – Be More Bob
Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Cooling Neck Gaiter – Be More Bob
Having a cooling coat or vest on will greatly improve their day!
Get the vest wet on the front and back (soak it through). Keep the vest wet by topping up as necessary. The clever fabric will evaporate the water over time and keep your dog's temperature down.
The Ruffwear cooling harness is an amazing piece of kit, as the cooling technology is built within the harness - meaning you can wear it all day and keep cooler.
We the harness and top up with water when you feel it drying off.
Ruffwear Swamp Cooler - Dog Cooling Harness – Be More Bob
The Rukka Cooling vest is also a good option.
The vest is quick and easy to put on. It is suitable for all kinds of outdoor activities and dog shows. The vest covers the whole back area.
RUKKA Cooling Vest – Be More Bob
Wearing a cooling vest or harness does not negate the need for shade and water!
10. Soap / brushes / calming spray / freshener
After that long zoom on the beach you may need a quick freshen up before dinner pals! We have a wide range of british made natural shampoo, calming spray (great for car journeys), freshing spray (good for wet dog smell) and brushes.
We also have detangle spray which, combined with a good brush or comb can really help with that sandy, tangly coat!
Tropiclean Oxymed paw pad lotion – Be More Bob
Grooming & Health – Be More Bob
11. Essentials holder
The Ruffwear Hip Pack is perfect for the beach (or any adventure). Hold your bowl, snacks, car keys, poo bags, all with having your pocket and hands free. You could keep a full Hip Pack in the car, so that you never forget your essentials!
Ruffwear have other accessories that are practical and designed for great adventures.
Ruffwear Accessories – Be More Bob
12. Waterproof / stink-proof collar
The Ruffwear Confluence collar is waterproof and stink-proof. Perfect for dogs that like to spend a lot of time in the water.
Ruffwear Waterproof Confluence Collar - Three Colours – Be More Bob
13. Floating lead
The Rukka floating lead is a must-have piece of kit if you are out on the water. Keep safe and connected with this brightly coloured floating lead that comes in three lengths.
RUKKA floating swim lead – Be More Bob
Take a look at our top picks for various activities
What are your top tips for days out, holidays and trips with your dog? Let us know in the comments, we'd love to hear your ideas.
**NEW COMMENTS - Sue mentioned we forgot to add snacks!**
Let's fill a Ruffwear Treat Trader with snacks! The treat trader is water-resistant, so your snacks won't get wet at the beach!
Ruffwear Treat Trader Dog Treat Pouch, Waist-Worn Dog Treat Bag – Be More Bob
Check out all our amazing treats......which ones will you take to the beach?
Bob you forgot to add treats/snacks for that picnic on the beach
Great pieces of advice Bob and family! We love being at the beach but shade and water are so important for our furry pals while we are there. The cooling vest sounds like a really good piece of kit that we don’t have…yet!
Love all of this. The life jacket for you and your pup is so important. Plus something to put on their paws like booties or cream to keep those toe beans happy and healthy.
We used to take an extra dry towel or two so that Tess didn’t have to lie on the sand especially if it was warm and especially as she got older. Also, a lot of our nearest beaches have restrictions for when doggos are allowed on them so may be worth checking before you go – one of my friends was told off for letting her dog paddle in the sea even though she had carried him across the beach!!