Dogs & beaches

[SoberCurious]

Have a puppy. And just realising that we can't go to MOST beaches 😱😱😱 what di you do?!?!?!?

[Finfintytint]

Many beaches have a sectioned off bit for dogs. If they are banned it’s only usually from May to September.

[AvocadosBeforeMortgages]

Around here it's only the most touristy beaches that have dog bans, and even then only May - September.

For instance, one local beach that is very popular with day trippers has a dog ban, but beaches either side are dog friendly (both walking distance). The popular beach has so many daytrippers (and litter - it can be grim) that walking your dog there would be rather stressful. Even mine, who dodges strangers and isn't especially food motivated (we've only had one picnic theft incident, which is a miracle really)

[CallmeAngelina]

We've managed this quite successfully, as long as you do your research. Sometimes it depends on the area. We went to Lyme Regis once, and the only dog-friendly part was tiny and rather depressing, whereas in Bournemouth it's the same setting as all the other beach areas; in fact, it's much better, because there aren't nearly so many people, even on busy days.

[Dragongirl10]

There is a whole section of Camber beach in east sussex open to dogs and quite a long stretch.

[SoberCurious]

Thanks so much for the suggestions!
Shall we keep a list of nice DFB's! 🐾🦀

[jinxpixie]

guide to dog friendly beaches

[billybagpuss]

Also in winter there are more available. Our favourite beaches are in S Wales and in Summer we are limited to the 2 groyned area at the far end whereas from October onwards all of it.

In winter dog walkers own the countryside in summer we have to share 😂

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Also remember when you want to go to the beach it is often too hot for the dog and they are better staying at home.
Winter beaches are the best for dogs.

[vanillandhoney]

Yep, dogs are pretty restrictive. Most tourist beaches ban dogs between May and September, and some beaches are off-limits to dogs all-year-around.

However that's not necessarily a bad thing - the middle of summer on a packed beach is not a great environment for a dog. It's hot, noisy and very over-stimulating and they have nowhere to escape to. There's also very little shade or fresh water. Plus there are loads of temptations - picnics to eat, toys to steal, children to chase - just stressful and not fun for anyone really

In the summer, puppies should really be at home in shaded areas during the day - of course let them play in the garden but taking dogs on day trips in hot weather can be really dangerous. Mine was walked at 7am this morning and by 8am I think he was struggling - it's much hotter for them than it is for us.

I would either go very early in the morning (before 8am) or last thing at night if you're going to take your dog in summer. We're lucky to live near a dog-friendly beach that's open year-round but I'd never expect him to come out and spend a day there in summer. It's far too hot for them.

[Dragongirl10]

I second what Vanilla said, dogs and especially puppies can overheat easily...

[SoberCurious]

Good points about the heat!
My pup LOVES the beach and a swim in the sea with us all to cool down. Always bring her water with us to drink.

[vanillandhoney]

Taking them for a walk along a beach is fine but I really wouldn't take a dog (especially a young pup) on a day out to a beach. It'll be far, far too hot and overwhelming - and likely could be quite scary.

[bluebluezoo]

Mine hates the beach . Hates sand, scared of the waves, the big birds...

Nice quiet park for him...