The 13 Best Beach Accessories for Dogs of 2023
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The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis
Dogs love the beach just as much (if not more!) as we do. Like humans, dogs appreciate fun and functional beach accessories: water bottles for staying hydrated, beach tents for shade, and fun toys to run around with. We researched an array of doggy beach accessories, pulling from thousands of hours of dog product testing and expertise. Whether it's a toy that’s fun to play with in the sand or a sunscreen for protecting sensitive snouts, we’ve assembled all you’ll need for some dog days at the beach.
Best Beach Fetch Toy: Chuckit! Paraflight Frisbee
What We Like
Floats
Extremely durable
Long range throw
What We Don't Like
Even the small, 7-inch size is a little big for tiny dogs
Heavy chewers might dismantle quickly
The Chuckit! Paraflight is our very favorite dog frisbee and it’s especially great for the beach because it floats. Made from nylon with a rubber rim, the Paraflight is flexible, but structured enough for long throws that will satisfy even very athletic dogs. It’s also soft enough that your dog will easily be able to hold it in their mouths to bring it back to you.
The Paraflight comes in bright, easily visible colors, including a glowing green version.
Price at time of publish: $12
Sizes: 7-inch (small), 10-inch (large) | Colors: Blue, glowing green | Materials: Nylon, soft rubber
Best Novelty Beach Toy: Bark Bros Hound Noon Plush Squeaky Dog Toys
What We Like
Gift-worthy design
Includes a squeaker
Comes in a two-pack
What We Don't Like
Sand can stick to fuzzy exterior
If you’ve brought a cooler of beverages to your latest beach party, a Bark Bros Hound Noon Plush lets them be part of the party. A product parodying High Noon Hard Seltzer, this plush toy is 7 by 2.5 inches, making it beefy plush that’s ready to stand up to hard play, even if your dog isn’t in on the joke. It’s got a built-in squeaker too.
The Bark Bros Hound Noon Plush comes in a two-pack. There’s also a “Pup Claw” version
Price at time of publish: $22 (2-pack)
Dimensions: 7 x 2.5 inches | Options: Hound Noon, pup claw
Best Sunscreen: Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen
What We Like
Only FDA-compliant SPF for pets
Safe and effective
Conditions your dog's coat
What We Don't Like
Only available in one size
This sprayable sunscreen is the only canine sunscreen approved by the FDA. It’s SPF 30, for a high degree of sun protection, and it has a non-greasy, long-lasting formula. The spray bottle emulsifies the liquid inside, which helps the sunscreen get through your dog’s fur to the skin beneath. Providing protection against both UVA and UVB rays, Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen can help prevent the onset of dangerous skin conditions. It’s also formulated with Vitamin E, to keep your dog’s coat shiny.
Price at time of publish: $16
Active Ingredients: Ethylhexl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, Homosalate, Benzophenone-3, Alcohol Denaturated, Ethyllhexyl Salicylate, C-12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate | SPF: 30+ | Size: 3.5 ounces
:The 5 Best Dog Sunscreens of 2023
Best Travel Water Bowl: Leashboss Splashless Travel Dog Water Bowl
What We Like
Large capacity
Mostly spill-proof
Dishwasher-safe
What We Don't Like
Not ideal for flat-faced dogs
This travel water bowl is our favorite travel water bowl—and we’ve tested dozens. The Leashboss Splashless Travel Dog Water Bowl has a jumbo capacity—40 ounces—to hold enough water for a couple of hours of play. It’s made from BPA-free silicone and is dishwasher safe.
But what really makes the Leashboss Splashless stand out is its hexagonal design, which creates a stable, non-slip base that’s nearly impossible for your dog to knock over. The top is also narrower than the bottom, with a curtained rim that prevents water from splashing over the side. The only downside is that the design can make it a little tricky for flat-faced breeds or very large dogs to access the water.
Price at time of publish: $20
Volume: 40 ounces | Materials: Silicone | Colors: Gray
:The 10 Best Travel Water Bowls for Dogs, Tested by Our Experts
Best Water Bottle: MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle
What We Like
Designed for easy hydration
Leak-proof
BPA-free
What We Don't Like
Not dishwasher safe
The Malispree Dog Water Bottle combines a BPA-free water reservoir with a ladle-shaped bowl. To dispense water from the leak-proof and travel-friendly bottle, all you do is hold down the button on the bottle, then tip it over to dispense water into the bowl. It’s easy to let water back into the reservoir when your dog is done drinking. To ensure that water doesn’t accidentally spill in your travel bag, there’s a second button next to the dispense button that’s used to “lock” the water bottle from pouring.
The Malispree Dog Water Bottle is available in two sizes—19oz. and 12oz.—and in your choice of teal or pink.
Price at time of publish: $19
Volume: 12 ounces or 19 ounces | Materials: Plastic | Colors: Blue, pink
Best Towel: Thankspaw Microfiber Pet Towel
What We Like
Extra-large size
Absorbent
Super-soft
What We Don't Like
Limited color options
The Thankspaw Microfiber Pet Towel is made specifically for dogs and is made from microfiber for a superior absorbency and drying power compared to your standard cotton beach towel. It’s pretty big too, with a 27.5 x 55 inch design that makes it easy to scrub down your wet dog after they’ve shaken off.
The Thankspaw Microfiber Pet Towel is available in blue and pink.
Price at time of publish: $16
Dimensions: 27.5 x 55.1 inches | Colors: Pink, blue | Materials: Microfiber
Best Life Vest: Outward Hound Granby Dog Life Jacket
What We Like
Broad size range
Two sturdy handles
High visibility color
What We Don't Like
Runs a little small
Our favorite dog life jacket, the Outward Hound Granby Ripstop, is durable, easy to use, highly visible, and comes in five different sizes to fit any dog. It’s got easy-grab handles attached to the top of the vest, which makes it easy to hoist your pup from the water and into a boat. The Granby combines a hook-and-loop cuff across your dog’s neck with buckle straps across the belly, for a secure fit they won’t slip out of while swimming.
Price at time of publish: $25 (large)
Sizes: X-small, small, medium, large, x-large | Materials: Nylon, synthetic fabric
:The 8 Best Dog Life Jackets of 2023
Best Spray Bottle: Impresa Bottle Attachment for Outdoor Water Sprayer
What We Like
Compatible with disposable water bottles
Comes in a two-pack
Easy to use
Great for humans, too
What We Don't Like
No way to close off spout
This handy contraption transforms any 20-ounce or 2-liter bottle—such as a standard soda bottle—into a cool-down shower suitable for dogs or humans. The set comes with two silicone “showerheads.” Simply replace the cap on your bottle with the Impresa Bottle Attachment and squeeze to force water through the silicone spray head. It’s portable, easy to use, and perfect for rinsing sand off your dog’s paws or salt off their face.
Price at time of publish: $14 (2-pack)
Best Inflatable Pool: Pool Buoy Inflatable Pool
What We Like
Exquisite design
Large capacity
Gift-worthy
What We Don't Like
Pump Buoy Air Pump sold separately
No beach? No problem. This inflatable pool is your one-stop solution to creating a mini “beach” in your own backyard, patio, or balcony area. (Alternatively, take it to the actual beach and fill it with water for a stylish watering hole all for your dog). It’s large enough to fit two fully-grown humans, meaning it’d surely suffice for you and Fido to dip your toes (er, paws) into. The key selling point for these pools is the stunning design elements present on each and every version. Choose from a bevy of pretty patterns and poppy colors. Whichever option you choose, you’re in for the most stylish cool-down sesh you and your pup will ever have.
Unfortunately, the air pump is sold separately.
Price at time of publish: $72
Dimensions: 65 x 13.7 inches | Materials: BPA-free plastic
:The 7 Best Dog Swimming Pools of 2023
Best Paw Balm: Natural Dog Company PawTection Dog Paw Balm
What We Like
Safe, nontoxic ingredients
Nourishing formula
Easy application
Available in several different container types
Fragrance free
What We Don't Like
Needs to be reapplied occasionally
If you’ve ever walked along dry sand that’s been baking in the midday sun, you know how uncomfortable the experience can be for your feet. The same can be true for dogs’ paws. This “PawTection” balm protects the sensitive paw pad area from the elements, including super-hot sand. Simply glide balm from the product’s deodorant-like packaging onto the bottom of each paw. The formula, which is entirely nontoxic and dog-safe, creates a soothing, shield-like barrier between paw and sand. A little bit goes a long way, so one stick should last quite a few beach days.
Price at time of publish: $18 (2-ounce stick)
Sizes: 0.15-ounce (trial stick), 2-ounce (stick), 2-ounce (tin) | Ingredients: Mango butter, rice bran oil, lavender oil, rosemary extract
Best Hat: Petall Dog Baseball Cap Sport Hat
What We Like
Accommodates a range of dog sizes
Stylish
Shields dogs' faces from UV rays
What We Don't Like
Not water-resistant
In addition to adorable style, this baseball-style cap shades Fido’s precious face from sun and other harsh elements, thus keeping potential skin irritation and sunburns at bay. This particular hat is adjustable, so it can fit a range of dogs. The design also features ample room for your dog’s ears, thanks to two spacious cutouts that can accommodate even the floppiest of ears.
Price at time of publish: $11
Best Beach "Pup" Tent: Minnidip Tropical Palms Pup-ana Tent
What We Like
Stylish
Portable
UPF 30+
What We Don't Like
Not ideal for windy conditions
This luxury dog cabana is a useful poolside accessory for pups of all breeds—not to mention, an adorable photo op. The exterior of the cabana has a cooling banana leaves pattern, which adds a touch of the tropical, even if your dog is lounging on a lakeside.
The Minnidip Tropical Palms Pup-ana Tent is made from UPF 30 polyester, so it provides not only shade but also protection from sunburns—which can be especially important for short-haired dogs. The cabana is simple to set up or dismantle, with PVC poles and a carrying bag for portability.
The Pup-ana’s main downside is its low wind resistance. It’s much more suitable for calm beaches and poolsides than windy conditions.
Price at time of publish: $55
Dimensions: 40 x 26 x 36 inches Materials: UPF 30+ polyester, PVC poles
Best Beach Dog Bed: K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot & Canopy
What We Like
Platform is breathable mesh
Repels moisture, mold, mildew, bacteria, and odors
Easy to wipe clean or hose down
No tools needed for assembly
What We Don't Like
Carrying case not included
This elevated platform bed with a mesh base and an easy-to-attach canopy will give your dog a breezy and shaded place to rest while listening to the waves. The K&J Original Pet Cot & Canopy is made of water-resistant fabric and the sturdy bed in a size large is built to hold up to 200 pounds. While testing this top-performing cooling dog bed, the hammock-style platform provided ample space for two dogs to unwind. The lightweight cooling combination requires no tools for assembly and breakdown so it's easy to take with you on the go.
The K&H Original Pet Cot & Canopy is available as a bundle or you can purchase the cot and the corresponding sized canopy separately. The cot is seven inches off the ground and with the canopy on the overall height is 35 inches.
Price at time of publish: $83 (large with canopy)
Dimensions: 42 x 30 x 35 inches (large with canopy) | Sizes: Small, medium, large, x-large
What to Look for in Beach Accessories for Dogs
Sun protection
Similar to how excess sun exposure negatively affects humans, too much sun isn’t good for dogs, either. This is especially true for dogs who have sparse fur or fine coats, as their skin below receives little natural UV protection. The FDA has approved sunscreen products for dogs, which can be helpful. But regardless of how much sunscreen your dog has on, it’s crucial that they have access to shade.
Hydration
Staying hydrated under the hot sun is crucial for your dog’s wellbeing. Signs that your dog is dehydrated and not getting enough water include:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Sunken eyes
Too much panting
Thickened saliva
You can also feel dehydration in your dog’s skin, which becomes more inflexible as it dries out. If you tug the skin on your dog’s back and it takes a while to sag back on to their body, then your dog is likely dehydrated.
If your dog shows any of the above symptoms, make sure to get them cool water. Like humans, dogs also absorb water better when they have the necessary nutrients, primarily salty electrolytes. Pair a big bowl of cool water with a few snacks to help their body recover as quickly as possible. Repeated vomiting could be a sign of heatstroke, and should be treated as a medical emergency. Get your dog to their veterinarian immediately if they show multiple warning signs.
Swimming
For pups who lack swimming skills—and even for pups who could make it on an olympic swim team—a life vest is always a good idea. While dogs are often enthusiastic about swimming, it can be tricky for humans to tell when they’re running out of stamina. This is particularly true for ocean swimming, due to unpredictable, sometimes dangerous, currents.
Sand
If you’ve ever stepped barefoot on super-hot sand, you may have experienced an unpleasant burn on the soles of your feet. Give your dog some protection on their (shoeless!) pawpads by way of a paw ointment designed specifically for harsh ground conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs need sunscreen?
Yes! While this may come as a surprise to many people, dogs do in fact need sunscreen, particularly if they have lighter skin or fur that’s relatively sparse. Dogs benefit from sun protection for similar reasons that humans do.
Can dogs get heatstroke?
Sadly, yes. The good news: it can be prevented by taking safety precautions, including keeping your dog hydrated, giving them adequate shade for cooling down, and monitoring them while they play to ensure they’re not overexerting themselves.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
Sophie Wirt is a freelance writer and product reviewer for The Spruce Pets. She is a cat mom to two fantastic felines, and a “dog auntie” to her best friend’s Mini Australian Shepherd. Products on this list were vetted for quality, value, and, most importantly, safety for all pups.
