Summer is a great time to be a dog owner – walks in the morning light and warm evenings socialising with fellow pet owners makes spending time with your pet even more special.
However, there are also extra considerations that pet owners need to take into account when out and about with their pet. Issues such as how to deal with scorching weather or grass seed infections are things that every pet owner should know.
So, with you and your pet able to enjoy the summer months safely, there is no reason not to get out and enjoy this brilliant time of year – and where better to do so than at the beach?
Here are five of Petplan’s favourite dog-friendly beaches from all across the UK…
Before you take your dog out to a new place – especially somewhere with plenty of potential hazards such as a beach – there are some things that need to be considered…
Make sure you keep your dog on a leash. As all pet owners know, dogs can run off if excited or anxious. Make sure you keep your dog on a leash (especially when walking along cliffs) and only let them off when you are in a safe environment where they can’t come to any harm.
Check the tide times. This is something all people, whether they have a pet or not, should check out before going to the beach. Tides can come in very quickly and trap people and animals on exposed areas. Ensure you know when the tides come in and go out so you can plan your trip safely.
Give your pet a thorough clean after your visit. Everyone knows how dirty they can feel after a day at the beach – so imagine what it’s like for your dog. Give them a thorough clean when you get home and pay special attention to their paws, where any remaining salt and sand can cause damage.
Now here are the beaches...
Penhale Sands Beach, north Cornwall
Located on the north coast of Cornwall, Penhale Sands is the perfect place to take your dog on a warm summer day.
The sandy beach is more than four miles square and can be accessed by car or by talking a stroll along the South West Coast Path that runs through the sand dunes.
As it is one of the few beaches in the area that allow dogs all-year-round, it is always teeming with fellow dog owners and their pets so you and your dog will not be short of company on this beautiful beach.
Rhossili Bay Beach, Gower
Regularly voted amongst the most beautiful beaches in Europe, Rhossili Bay at the far tip of the Gower Peninsular, also has the added benefit of allowing dogs on it throughout the summer.
There is a fairly strenuous set of steps to negotiate to get down to the beach itself, but the expansive beach is well worth the effort, as its isolated location means it’s never crowed despite its reputation.
For those dog walkers who are keen to avoid the steps, a walk along the top of the cliffs along to Worm’s Head provides a gentle stroll that still produces stunning views and a revitalizing hit of fresh sea air.
Kingsgate Bay, Broadstairs
Located between the far more famous and, as a result, far more busy, Margate and Ramsgate, Kingsgate Bay is a beautiful little beach at the very far end of Kent.
Dogs are allowed during the summer months, and the white chalk cliffs with some fine sea caves mean there is plenty to keep you and your pet entertained.
Lunan Bay, Arbroath
Located on the east coast of Scotland, Lunan Bay is amongst the most beautiful beaches in Scotland and the perfect place to take your dog for a day out – regardless of the weather.
The beach is located in beautiful countryside, and provides the perfect focal point for a weekend getaway, thanks to an abundancy of cottages and homes to rent in the Arbroath region.
Flanked by sand dunes and small cliffs, Lunan Bay allows you and your pet to completely get away from the stresses of daily life and spend some quality time enjoying the summer weather.
Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear
The North East has plenty of great beaches and Whitley Bay is amongst the best.
Harking back to the glory days of the British seaside resort, the beach allows dogs all-year-round and provides plenty of activities for families – including an aquarium, lots of places to sit and relax with an ice cream and a lovely promenade to stroll down with your dog.
It’s a Blue Flag award-winning beach and has ample parking, making it a perfect destination for a day trip.
Where are your favourite beaches to take your dog? Let us know your tips and stories below…