Is Saltwater Bad for Dogs’ Skin?

Many pet owners love bringing their dogs along to the beach or pool, especially in warmer climates. Whether your dog enjoys swimming in the ocean or cooling off in a saltwater pool, it’s important to understand how saltwater affects your dog’s skin and coat.

While swimming offers excellent exercise and mental enrichment, repeated saltwater exposure can cause dryness, irritation, or dullness of the coat, especially in dogs that aren’t adapted to aquatic environments. This guide explains what you need to know before your next beach trip.

Is Saltwater Bad for My Dog’s Skin?

The short answer: not necessarily, but moderation and aftercare are key.

Saltwater has natural cleansing and antibacterial properties, which may help remove dirt and reduce certain bacteria on the skin. However, the salt concentration in ocean water is high enough to draw moisture out of the skin and coat, leading to dryness or irritation with frequent exposure.

Dogs that swim often or spend long hours at the beach are more likely to experience:

• Dry, flaky skin after repeated ocean swims
• Itchiness or irritation from salt buildup on the skin
• Dull, coarse, or brittle fur due to oil loss
• Hot spots or mild inflammation, especially under dense fur

In most cases, these effects are temporary and reversible with proper grooming. However, for dogs with sensitive skin or preexisting allergies, saltwater exposure can make irritation worse if not managed properly.

Dog Breeds and Coat Types That React Differently

Some dogs are built for the water, while others are more sensitive to it.

Water breeds—such as Labrador Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and Portuguese Water Dogs—have water-adapted coats that help repel water and protect the skin while swimming. Many also have dense undercoats, but their outer coat sheds water efficiently.

In contrast, thick double-coated dogs, including Akitas, Huskies, and Shiba Inus, can have issues when saltwater gets trapped deep in the coat. This creates a warm, humid environment that can encourage bacterial or yeast growth, so thorough rinsing and drying are essential.

Fine- or short-coated breeds, such as Greyhounds, Boxers, and Yorkshire Terriers, have less protection against the sun and abrasive salt. These dogs may develop sunburn or flaky skin after long exposure, and pet-safe sunscreen can help reduce that risk.

How to Protect Your Dog’s Skin From Saltwater

Before your next beach or pool outing, take steps to reduce the risk of dryness or irritation.

1. Avoid bathing your dog right before swimming.

Frequent shampooing removes protective natural oils from the coat and skin. These oils act as a barrier against moisture loss and UV damage. Wait several days after your dog’s last bath before going swimming.

2. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after swimming.

After each swim, rinse your dog completely with clean, fresh water to remove salt, sand, and other debris. For thick-coated dogs, gently part the hair and ensure water reaches all the way to the skin. Residual salt can crystallize on the coat, causing itchiness and a rough texture.

3. Provide shade and drinking water during beach time.

Dogs can become dehydrated quickly in direct sunlight. Make sure your dog always has access to shade and fresh water. Hydration supports overall skin health and helps replenish moisture lost during swimming. Avoid letting your dog drink saltwater; it can cause stomach upset or dehydration.

4. Use sunscreen for sensitive or light-colored dogs.

Dogs with thin or light coats, such as Terriers or Whippets, are more prone to sunburn and skin irritation. Ask your veterinarian about a broad-spectrum, dog-safe sunscreen and apply it to areas where the skin is visible, such as the nose, ears, and belly.

5. Use mild shampoo and moisturizing conditioner after swimming days.

If your dog develops redness, dryness, or itchiness after swimming, bathe them with a soothing oatmeal or antihistamine shampoo. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to restore the coat’s softness and shine. Avoid harsh products or human shampoos, which can further strip the natural oils.

Signs of Saltwater Irritation in Dogs

Keep an eye on your dog’s skin and coat after each beach or pool visit. Common signs of irritation include:

• Persistent scratching or licking
• Redness, especially on the belly, ears, or between the toes
• Dandruff-like flakes or dry patches
• A dull or rough coat texture
• A “salty” residue you can feel when petting the fur

If you notice ongoing irritation, schedule a veterinary appointment. Your vet may recommend a medicated cleanser or topical treatment to restore the skin barrier. 

Saltwater and Dogs With Atopic Dermatitis

Dogs with chronic skin conditions, such as allergies or atopic dermatitis, require particular caution around saltwater. 

Atopic dermatitis (also called canine atopic dermatitis, or CAD) is one of the most common chronic skin diseases in dogs. It is characterized by itching, redness, and recurrent inflammation, often worsened by allergens, bacteria, or environmental triggers—including saltwater and sun exposure.

Gallant is evaluating mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells (MSCs) derived from uterine tissue to investigate new ways to help dogs with chronic, itchy skin. Early research suggests that regenerative cell therapy may help support normal immune responses and skin health in dogs with atopic dermatitis. While these early findings are encouraging, additional studies are underway to demonstrate safety and effectiveness in a larger group of dogs living with CAD.