Ahead of seasonal dog restrictions coming into force on more than 600 UK beaches this summer, many owners will be looking for dog-friendly alternatives for their daily walks and seaside trips.
With local beach bans typically running until September 30th, those who breach the rules could face fines of up to £1,000. As a result, pet parents are being urged to check restrictions before they travel and seek out beaches where dogs are still welcome. But while dog-friendly beaches can be a great way for pets to exercise, cool off and enjoy the outdoors, experts are warning that they can also come with some lesser-known seasonal hazards. In fact, among the top fifty dog friendly beaches with minor or no seasonal restrictions, around 30% are shingle, pebble or rocky beaches — which can pose a particular risk for dogs who are tempted to pick up or swallow stones.
Samantha Booth, Veterinary Technical Advisor at Protexin, says some simple precautions could save your dog’s life, especially on stone or pebble beaches. Sam explains: “Beach trips can be a brilliant form of enrichment for dogs, but they do come with risks that owners may not always think about. From swallowing stones to drinking seawater or scavenging leftover food, there are several things that can quickly turn a fun day out into a vet visit. The key is being prepared, keeping a close eye on your dog, and knowing when to step in. Small actions like bringing fresh water, watching what they pick up, and making sure they have shade and rest can make a big difference.”
Five beach hazards dog owners should watch out for this summer:
- Pebbles, stones and shingle beaches
“If you’re heading to the coast, owners should take extra care on stone or pebble beaches. Some dogs may try to pick up or even swallow stones, which can pose a serious risk. It’s something vets see more often than you might think – I’ve had to operate and remove plenty from dogs’ stomachs over time. Keeping a close eye on your dog and removing any big stones from their mouths can help avoid a blockage in the gut, which can become life-threatening and may require urgent surgery.”
- Drinking seawater
“Dogs can be tempted to drink seawater while playing or swimming, but too much salt water can quickly upset the digestive system. It can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration, and in more serious cases, salt toxicity. - Always bring plenty of fresh drinking water with you and offer it regularly, especially if your dog has been running around or spending time in the sea. If they do drink seawater and later seem unwell, lethargic or unable to keep water down, contact your vet for advice.”
- Scavenging leftover food and beach debris
“Beaches can unfortunately be full of tempting things for dogs to scavenge, from discarded ice creams and fish and chips to dead fish, seaweed or food packaging. While it might seem harmless in the moment, eating unfamiliar or spoiled food can easily trigger digestive upset. - Greasy or salty foods can cause vomiting or diarrhoea, while bones, shells, fish hooks or hard debris can cause tooth damage or internal injury. Owners should be particularly vigilant around busy beaches, picnic areas and bins, where dropped food is more likely.”
- Cold water shock
“Even in warmer weather, the sea can still be very cold, and sudden immersion can be a shock to a dog’s system. This can be especially concerning for older dogs, puppies, smaller breeds, or dogs with joint issues. - Try to introduce your dog to the water gradually rather than letting them charge straight in, and don’t force them to swim if they seem unsure. After swimming, dry them off and watch for signs they’re getting too cold, such as shivering, stiffness or reluctance to move.”
- Heatstroke on hot stones and exposed beaches
“Dogs can’t sweat in the same way humans do, so they can struggle to regulate their body temperature, particularly on hot stones or shingle beaches where heat is reflected back up from the ground. - Warm weather, limited shade and lots of running around can quickly increase the risk of heatstroke, which can be fatal if not treated quickly. Make sure your dog has access to shade, offer water often, avoid the hottest parts of the day, and watch for signs such as excessive panting, drooling, weakness, confusion or collapse.”
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