What to Pack for a Day at the Beach with Your Dog

What to Pack for a Beach Day with Your Dog

A day at a Devon beach with your dog can be one of the finest experiences British weather allows, but only if you're properly prepared. Dogs need more kit than most owners anticipate, and forgetting even one or two items can ruin the day. Here's the complete packing guide. Once you know what to bring, use our beach search page to find the right beach for your visit.

Water and Food

• Fresh water (bring more than you think you need): Salt water is harmful to dogs if ingested in quantity, and Devon beaches often don't have fresh water points. A standard 2-litre bottle minimum for a full day; 3 litres in summer heat.
• Collapsible water bowl: Lightweight and folding, these fit in any bag. The silicone varieties are virtually indestructible.
• Dog food and treats: A day at the beach is hard work for dogs. Carry their regular food for longer visits, plus high-value treats for recall and keeping their attention.
• Your own food: Many Devon beach cafés welcome dogs on the terrace, but not always inside. Having your own food means you're not dependent on facilities.

Sun and Heat

• Shade: A beach umbrella or pop-up shelter provides essential shade for dogs on hot days. Dogs cannot cool themselves as efficiently as humans and overheat quickly. Read our dog heatstroke guide so you know the warning signs.
• Dog-safe sun cream: Pale-coated and pink-nosed dogs can burn. Dog-specific sun cream (not human SPF) is available at most pet shops. Apply to ears and nose.
• Cooling mat or damp towel: Place in shade for the dog to lie on. A wet cotton towel works almost as well as a proprietary cooling mat.

Safety

• Dog lead: Essential even for the most reliably obedient dog. Many Devon beaches require dogs on leads in certain areas. A long training lead gives freedom while maintaining control. Check the rules for your specific beach on our beach pages.
• ID tags: Dogs are legally required to wear ID tags with the owner's name and address in public spaces. Check tags are secure before the trip, as sand and surf can work tags loose.
• Microchip information updated: If your dog were to run off, an up-to-date microchip is your best chance of getting them back.
• First aid kit: Paw cuts from shells are common. Carry antiseptic wipes, bandage, and saline wash. A tick remover is essential in Devon's countryside around beaches.

Cleaning and Comfort

• Poo bags (twice as many as you think you need): Sea and salt air can stimulate dogs' digestive systems. Running out of poo bags on a beach is a social disaster. Carry 10 minimum per day.
• Towels: At least one dedicated dog towel per dog. Old bath towels are fine. Microfibre dog towels dry faster if storage space is limited.
• Dry clothes for the car: Wet dogs in cars are unpleasant. A car seat cover prevents lasting damage and a dry towel at the car provides the final rinse-down.
• Baby wipes: For quick paw cleans, sandy faces, and general clean-ups.

The Devon Beach Kit Checklist

• Fresh water (2-3 litres minimum)
• Collapsible water bowl
• Dog food and treats
• Poo bags (minimum 10)
• Dog lead and long line
• Dog towels (minimum 2)
• First aid kit (antiseptic, bandage, tick remover, saline)
• Shade (umbrella or shelter)
• Dog sun cream if applicable
• ID tags checked
• Car seat protector

Once you're packed, find your beach using our beach search page or browse our best Devon dog beaches guide for inspiration.