Dogs at the Beach - August 2025

Dog Days of Summer: Safely Taking Your Dogs to the Beach

Friends of the Riney Canine Health Center,  

Thank you for joining our pack! I’m Brian Collins, an extension associate for the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center, and I’m pleased to share this month’s “From the Vet’s Desk” monthly health tip with our members.

It’s hard to believe it’s already August! A day at the beach is one of the best ways to beat the summer heat. Whether you are planning a trip to the ocean or a freshwater lake or pond, you probably want to bring your canine friend along for the fun. But before you hit the road, it’s important to plan ahead and know how to keep your dog safe from summer hazards like heat, sand, salt water, and even unexpected encounters with sea life.

Stay cool out there

If you’re feeling hot, your dog probably is as well—and they may feel the effects even more than you. Dogs with thick or dark-colored coats, short snouts, or underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable to heat stroke. Once the temperature reaches 85°F (or even lower with high humidity), outdoor time should be limited. The heat index is actually more important than temperature alone, and caution is in order for indices between 85-90°F and if it’s higher than that, it’s best to plan for another day.

Early signs of heat stress in dogs include panting, drooling, and lethargy. If a dog starts acting confused, staggering, or vomiting, the situation has become more serious. Prevention is key: bring lots of cold water (ice cubes are a plus), provide plenty of shade, and take frequent breaks. You may not notice it right away if you’re wearing sandals, but sand can become very hot. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. A blanket or towel will provide a safe place to rest off the sand.

Sea creatures

Dogs love to explore, and at the beach that can mean sniffing or licking things they really shouldn’t—like jellyfish. Even dead jellyfish on the sand can sting and cause mouth irritation, drooling, or even breathing trouble. Sea lice (jellyfish larvae) can also cause itchy rashes on your dog’s skin. If your dog swims in the ocean, rinse them off with fresh water afterward to remove any lingering irritants. If you see jellyfish on the shore or your dog starts showing unusual symptoms after contact with sea life, it’s time to call your vet. Your dog may also find it to be very fun to role on a dead fish which isn’t ideal, but it’s especially concerning if they were to ingest it which could lead to gastrointestinal issues.

Salt water and sand: be aware of the hazards

Your dog may love playing in the surf but ingesting too much salt water can cause problems including vomiting and diarrhea or even seizures. Always bring plenty of fresh water (both for drinking and rinsing) and a non-spill bowl -- and encourage your dog to drink often. On the other hand, drinking too much fresh water at once—known as water intoxication—can also be dangerous. This is more likely to happen when dogs are playing a lot in the water or become too warm or dehydrated and compensate by drinking too much in a short time.

Keep an eye out for sand consumption. Dogs licking themselves to remove sand or picking up tennis balls or other toys on the beach may accidentally swallow more than you'd think. Ingesting too much sand can lead to GI upset or worse, so rinsing them off as needed is a good precaution.

Sunburn prevention and safe swimming

Dogs can get sunburned, too—especially those with short or light-colored coats. Dog-safe sunscreen (avoid human products that contain zinc which is toxic if ingested) can be applied to exposed areas like noses, ears, and bellies. There are also products marketed for dogs and any product should ideally have an SPF of at least 30. Sunscreens should be applied 15-20 minutes before going into the sun and then reapplied every couple hours – or sooner after swimming.

When it comes to swimming, not all dogs are natural-born paddlers. Even strong swimmers can get tired or caught in a current. Older dogs, and dogs with mobility issues or medical conditions will also enjoy some time in the water but require close supervision. A doggy life jacket is a wise investment, and keeping your dog on a leash in the water offers added security.

Packing for the day

Before heading to the beach, make sure you’ve gathered the essentials:

• Fresh water & bowl
• Shade (umbrella or beach tent)
• Dog-safe sunscreen
• Towel or blanket
• First aid kit
• ID tags, collar or harness and a leash
• Dog food and treats
• Your dog’s life jacket

Additionally, it’s best to avoid peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), keep an eye out for sharp objects such as glass, shells and fishhooks, and always supervise your dog—especially around other people, dogs, and food.

With a little extra planning, beach days can be a safe and enjoyable experience for you and your dog. As always, thank you for being a Riney Canine Health Center member. We look forward to catching up with you next month!

Dr. Brian Collins, D.V.M. ‘94

Summer heat safety tips for dogs

Heatstroke: A medical emergency

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