5 tips for taking your dog to the beach (without turning your house into a sandbox) đïžđŸ
Updated 15 October 2026
In short: first check the beach allows dogs (many ban them in summer under local bylaws). Bring fresh water so it doesn't drink seawater, plan some shade, rinse off salt and sand before leaving, and choose a waterproof collar and lead that wipe clean with a sponge. Tip: a little cornflour on damp paws helps the sand fall off.
Before you go: does the beach allow dogs?
In France, each town sets its own rules for dogs on beaches. Many ban them in season, others set aside dog beaches or times. Check with the town hall or tourist office, and follow the signs on site.
Our 5 tips
- Bring fresh waterOffer it water often so it doesn't lap seawater, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and becomes dangerous in large amounts.
- Set up a shady spotUmbrella, towel or mat: a cool dog is calmer and kicks up less sand. Avoid the hottest hours.
- Switch to waterproofA fabric collar or lead holds salt water and sand; a coated one rinses and wipes clean.
- Rinse off the saltBefore leaving, rinse paws, belly and chest with fresh water (beach shower or a can in the boot), then dry.
- The anti-sand trickOn slightly damp paws, a little cornflour absorbs the moisture: a quick brush and the sand drops off. Keep it away from the head (no powder to breathe in) and avoid scented powders.
Gear that stays clean
| Fabric (polyester, nylon) | Waterproof (soft PVC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Salt water | Absorbed, dries slowly | Stays on the surface |
| Sand | Gets between the fibres | Rinses off easily |
| After the beach | Rinse, then wash at 30 °C | Rinse, sponge, wipe dry |
Our waterproof collars and waterproof multi-position lead are made of Hexa, a soft PVC over a thin polyester layer: a wipe with a sponge is enough. Remember to rinse and dry the clip and ring, which are still metal. For fresh water, our 1 L bottles have two built-in bowls.
True or false
All dogs can swim.
FALSESome swim poorly (heavy or flat-faced breeds) or tire quickly. Watch it, stay close to shore, and consider a life jacket for less confident dogs.
Hot sand can burn paw pads.
TRUEIn full sun, yes. Avoid the hottest hours and set up some shade.
A swim in the sea is enough to wash the dog.
FALSESalt dries and irritates the skin. A fresh-water rinse is better after swimming.
See the waterproof multi-position lead
Frequently asked questions
Are dogs allowed on beaches?
It depends on the town. Many ban dogs in season, others have dedicated beaches. Check with the town hall or tourist office.
Can my dog drink seawater?
No. A few mouthfuls can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and a large amount is dangerous. Bring fresh water and offer it often.
How do I get sand out of the coat?
Rinse with fresh water, dry, then brush once dry. A little cornflour on damp paws helps the sand drop off.
Which collar for the beach?
A waterproof collar, which doesn't hold salt water or sand and wipes clean with a sponge.