The most dog-friendly beaches in the UK revealed

Best Beach Guide for Dogs 2021 launched

Vets Now, the country’s leading pet emergency service, has unveiled the top 50 dog-friendly beaches to ensure our nation of pet lovers stay safe on days out at the beach. 

There’s beaches from all over the UK’s coastline on the coveted list – from as far north as Waters of Philorth Beach at Fraserburgh in Scotland down to Seagrove beach, Isle of Wight.

With the pandemic forcing more of us to staycation this year, the UK’s sandy getaways have become top destinations to escape to on day trips or short staycation breaks and it’s little surprise that when the sun shines there’s no better place to be with your dog than at the beach.

Vets Now experts have examined the UK’s beaches, creating a 32-page comprehensive digital guide on the best – and safest – beaches for dogs to ensure the country’s pet owners and their beloved pets have a fun and safe experience this summer at the seaside.  The emergency vets took into consideration beaches where water quality is deemed high, dogs are welcomed all year round, parking and access is good and a daytime vet is based nearby.

When dog owners venture off for a day at the seaside though, you should be cautious of dangers like fish hooks, jellyfish, low tides to name just a few.

The past few months have seen a phenomenal rise in two things: people getting new pets and people booking summer ‘staycations’ rather than travelling abroad. So if you are going on holiday with your pet, emergency providers Vets Now are reminding pet owners they are just a tap away with Video Vets Now. You can book your appointment and get chatting to a qualified vet from your campsite, caravan or conservatory.

Experienced emergency vet, Dr Laura Playforth, professional standards director at Vets Now and one of the authors of the Best Beach Guide, said: “Unfortunately, pet emergencies don’t take summer holidays and each summer we witness a significant rise in emergency cases that are related to beaches and the sea.

“We’ve only chosen beaches where: water quality is deemed high, dogs are welcome all year round, parking and access is good and a daytime vet is based nearby. All those featured are within an hour’s drive of a Vets Now pet emergency clinic or hospital so, if you’re at the beach in the evening or weekend and suffer a pet emergency, you know you’re never far from expert help. Remember we also have Video Vets Now where you can speak to an experienced vet from anywhere.

“The team were really impressed with the beaches shortlisted in the guide – we were especially looking for things like pet friendliness and facilities on offer, and we wanted to give our advice on ideal beach destinations for the UK’s dog lovers.”

But even on the safest beaches, it’s always important to stay pet aware to ensure you and your dog have a fun and safe experience in the sun, surf and sand. The team have also revealed 13 Top Tips for keeping man’s best friend safe on whatever sand adventure you choose.

Laura continued: “Don’t be fooled by cool coastal breezes, temperatures on beaches often soar and you can be caught off guard, even at the end of summer. Be sure to provide a shaded area for your dog and give them plenty of fresh water.

“It can take just 15 minutes for a dog to die from a heat-related illness so never leave them in a sun trap or in a car for a nap – even with the windows down, it does little to affect the heat. Sadly this is an all-too common mistake which we see time and time again.

“If your dog is not used to swimming then the sea is not the place to start. Be careful of strong tides and rolling waves and make sure your dog doesn’t venture too far out. Waves and currents can quickly exhaust dogs. Also stop them lapping up sea water — the salt, bacteria and parasites in the water can make them sick. And keep a close eye on your dog if there’s likely to be jellyfish. Often lurking in shallow water or washed up on the beach, these troublesome creatures can cause a nasty sting and we’ve had to treat many an affected dog.”

Vets Now clinics and pet emergency hospitals are open through the night, seven-days-a-week, and day and night on weekends and bank holidays, to treat any pet emergencies that may occur. 

All of Vets Now’s out-of-hours clinics and 24/7 hospitals have a vet and vet nurse on site at all times. 

Vets Now has also launched an online video consultation service where experienced vets are available to discuss any worries or concerns pet owners might have. If a pet needs to be treated at any vet clinic, pet owners are refunded the online consultation fee. 

Vets Now 50 Best & Safest Beaches is available to download at www.vets-now.com/dog-friendly-beaches/