What you should know before taking your dog to the beach
- Look up which beaches allow dogs in your area before you set off, and check the specific opening times and local rules to avoid fines and surprises when you arrive
- Always bring plenty of fresh water (at least 2 litres) and offer it every 15 to 20 minutes: seawater causes osmotic diarrhoea and severe dehydration if your dog drinks it
- Avoid the middle of the day (12pm to 5pm) and do the palm test by touching the sand for 7 seconds: if you can't stand the heat, neither can your dog's paw pads
- Don't force your dog into the water if they seem frightened, and keep an eye on them constantly while they swim: waves and currents can disorient or exhaust them within minutes
- Rinse their coat with fresh water after every swim to remove the salt and sand that irritate their skin and cause intense itching
- Check the sand before letting them run off-leash: fish hooks, dead jellyfish and other objects can cause serious injuries that need veterinary attention
How to find out whether a beach allows dogs in Spain
Not every beach in Spain allows dogs. The rules vary by autonomous community, by municipality and even by season. Before you pack, look for specific information about dog beaches in your area or at the destination you're travelling to. Most town halls publish up-to-date lists on their official websites, and there are specialised mobile apps and community-built maps that help you find dog-friendly beaches near you.
Many beaches have restricted hours for dogs: some allow access only early in the morning (before 10am) or in the evening (after 7pm). Others require your dog to be on the leash at all times, while certain areas allow them to run free. Knowing these rules in advance saves you fines and unpleasant surprises, and lets you plan the day properly.
What to prepare before going to the beach with your dog
A successful beach day starts at home with the right preparation. Make sure your dog is wearing visible identification: a tag with your phone number on the collar can make all the difference if they wander off in the crowd or get spooked by the noise of the waves. The microchip is a legal requirement, but a tag means someone can contact you immediately without having to find a vet to scan the chip.
Pack a bag with the essentials: plenty of fresh water (at least 2 litres for a medium-sized dog) and a folding bowl, biodegradable bags for picking up after them, an old towel to dry them off after a swim, and some form of portable shade such as a parasol if the beach has no natural shelter. If your dog is nervous or still learning to walk on the leash, bring a comfortable harness and a long leash (3 to 5 metres) that gives them freedom of movement without losing control. Don't forget food if you're going to be out for several hours: physical activity on the beach increases their energy expenditure considerably, and with it their appetite.
Sun protection and preventing heatstroke
Dogs can get sunburnt too, especially on areas with little fur: the nose, the ears, the belly and the area around the eyes are the most vulnerable. If your dog has a light or short coat or sensitive skin, consider using a sunscreen made specifically for dogs on those exposed areas. Never use human sunscreen: many ingredients, such as zinc oxide, are highly toxic if your dog licks them off.
Heatstroke is one of the biggest risks, and it can be fatal within minutes. Avoid the middle of the day, particularly between 12pm and 5pm, when solar radiation is at its peak. Always find a shaded spot where your dog can rest and regulate their body temperature. If you notice excessive panting, very red or bluish gums, heavy drooling or signs of disorientation, you're dealing with a veterinary emergency: wet them straight away with cool water (never ice-cold, because a sudden change in temperature can cause shock) and get urgent veterinary help.
How to protect your dog's paw pads from hot sand
Sand can reach temperatures of up to 60°C in summer, hot enough to cause serious burns to your dog's paw pads within seconds. Before letting them walk on it, do the palm test: press your palm against the sand for 7 seconds. If you can't stand the heat comfortably, your dog's pads won't be able to either.
If the sand is very hot, look for cooler areas near the shoreline where the water wets the surface, or wait until the sun drops after 6pm or 7pm. You can also bring protective booties made for dogs if you know the beach tends to be very exposed to direct sun. After the walk, check their pads carefully for cracks, redness, blisters or any signs of irritation that need veterinary attention.
Water safety: supervising your dog while they swim
Not all dogs know how to swim instinctively, and not all of them like the sea. Never force your dog into the water if they show fear, back away or actively resist. Let them approach at their own pace, exploring the shoreline. If you decide to encourage them, do it from in the water, calling them in a cheerful voice, never pushing them from the shore or throwing them into the sea.
While they're swimming, don't take your eyes off them for a moment. Waves can be stronger than they look from the shore, and some dogs tire quickly or get disoriented by the movement of the water. If you see them starting to flail, swimming in circles without making progress or keeping their head very low in the water, help them out immediately by holding them by the harness. Sea currents are a real danger too: if the sea is rough with yellow or red flags flying, you're better off staying on the shore, playing in the sand or walking along the wet strip.
Why your dog shouldn't drink seawater or eat sand
Plenty of dogs try to drink seawater while they play, particularly if they're thirsty after running about. The problem is that salt water contains high concentrations of sodium and other minerals, which cause osmotic diarrhoea, vomiting and severe dehydration in dogs. Always bring enough fresh water and offer it every 15 to 20 minutes, especially after running or swimming.
Sand can also cause serious digestive problems if your dog swallows a quantity of it: it irritates the lining of the stomach and intestines and, in severe cases, can cause intestinal blockages that require surgery. If your dog tends to bite sticks, balls or toys on the sand, watch that they don't take in sand accidentally while picking them up. If you notice vomiting, diarrhoea, listlessness or a refusal to eat after a beach day, speak to your vet as soon as possible.
Common beach hazards: fish hooks, jellyfish and other risks
Beaches hide some less obvious dangers that can cause serious injury. Fish hooks, for example, can be buried in the sand, caught in seaweed or hidden among abandoned tackle. If your dog steps on a hook or bites one while exploring, they can suffer deep wounds that need veterinary removal under sedation. Stay away from active fishing areas and give the sand a visual check before letting them run free in a new spot.
Jellyfish are another significant risk, particularly in summer when currents wash them onto the coast. Even when they're dead on the shore, their tentacles can keep releasing stinging toxins for hours. If your dog touches a jellyfish, rinse the affected area immediately with salt water (never fresh water, because it activates more stinging cells) and go to the vet if you see swelling, intense redness, breathing difficulty, or if your dog seems to be in pain or scratches compulsively.
The effects of salt on coat and skin
Although seawater does contain some beneficial minerals, the salt that stays in the coat after a swim can cause dry skin and irritation. This is particularly problematic in dogs with sensitive skin, long coats or existing skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis.
Sea salt also tends to build up in specific spots: between the paw pads, on the belly, around the ears and at the base of the tail. As the salt water evaporates, it leaves crystallised residue behind that causes discomfort, intense itching and, in some cases, small wounds from scratching. Many dogs start scratching compulsively or licking themselves more than usual after several hours at the beach.
Sand can be uncomfortable too
Sand can also become a problem for your dog's skin. The small grains of silica can get trapped in dense fur and cause constant rubbing in sensitive areas such as the armpits, the groin and behind the ears. In some cases, sand that builds up can cause small irritations or abrasions between the toes, especially if your dog has been digging or running for a long time.
Why rinsing the coat with fresh water matters
For this reason, many vets recommend rinsing your dog's coat with fresh water after every trip to the beach. You don't need to use shampoo every time. In most cases, a good rinse with plenty of fresh water is enough to remove the salt and sand that cause the irritation.
Beyond looking after the coat and skin, this small bit of hygiene helps keep your house, your car and your dog's bed much cleaner, and stops sand spreading everywhere over the following days.
A practical solution for beach days
When you're away from home, finding a source of fresh water isn't always easy, particularly on remote or undeveloped beaches. That's where a portable shower can become a real ally on day trips, holidays and beach days with your dog.
At Hola Mila we know the best memories tend to be made by the sea. That's why we've added a practical, easy-to-carry portable shower to our shop, designed specifically to come along on all your adventures. Because enjoying the beach is wonderful, but looking after your dog's coat after a swim is part of the plan too, and part of keeping them healthy and happy.
