Sussex is a brilliant county for dogs: miles of chalk downland, woods and heaths, long shingle and sandy beaches, and plenty of pubs with a water bowl by the door. A little planning makes the difference between a great day and a frustrating one, so here’s what to check before you load the car.
Beaches: check the rules for that stretch
Many Sussex beaches welcome dogs all year, but plenty have seasonal restrictions, often covering the busiest summer months, and the rules can change from one stretch of beach to the next. Some areas ban dogs completely in season, some ask for them to be on a lead, and others are open all year.
The rules are set by the local council, and there are several along the Sussex coast, so there is no single county-wide answer. Before you go:
- check the council’s website for current beach dog restrictions for the beach you have in mind
- look for signs at the beach entrances — they show exactly where the restricted zones start and stop
- have a plan B, such as a dog-friendly stretch nearby, in case your first choice is off limits
Wherever you are, bag and bin your dog’s mess. Councils can fine people who don’t.
The South Downs and the countryside: livestock and nesting birds
Much of the South Downs is working farmland, and you’ll often walk through fields of sheep or cattle. The Countryside Code asks you to keep your dog under effective control, and to keep it on a lead around farm animals.
- Sheep can be badly injured, or miscarry their lambs, if they are chased, even by a dog that is “only playing”. Dog owners can be prosecuted if their dog worries livestock.
- Cattle, especially cows with calves, can be protective. If cattle chase you and your dog, the Countryside Code advises letting your dog off the lead so you can both get to safety separately.
- Ground-nesting birds such as skylarks nest on open downland in spring and summer. On open access land the law requires dogs to be on a short lead (no more than two metres) between 1 March and 31 July, and at any time of year near livestock.
- Cliff edges along the Sussex coast are unfenced and can crumble without warning. Keep dogs on a lead near the edge, however well they normally behave.
Follow signs on gates and stiles, leave gates as you find them, and stick to the paths in fields with crops.
Water: drinking, swimming and algae
- Bring fresh water and a bowl. Many walks have no taps, and dogs shouldn’t drink seawater, which can make them unwell.
- Watch for blue-green algae. In warm weather it can build up in ponds, lakes and slow rivers, and it can be very dangerous to dogs. Keep your dog out of water that looks scummy, discoloured or has warning signs, and rinse them off if they do go in.
- Check the tide. On beaches with cliffs or groynes, a rising tide can cut off your route back. Check tide times before you set off.
Heat and cold
Dogs overheat far faster than people. On warm days, walk early or late, choose shady woodland routes, and check the ground — pavements, sand and shingle can be hot enough to burn paws. Never leave a dog in a car on a warm day, even with the windows open. In winter, older and short-coated dogs may appreciate a coat, and paths on the Downs can be very muddy.
Ticks and adders
Ticks live in long grass, bracken and woodland, and are most active from spring to autumn. Check your dog — and yourself — after walks, particularly around the ears, face, legs and belly. Remove ticks promptly with a proper tick-removal tool, and ask your vet about tick prevention.
Adders live on some Sussex heathland. They’re shy and rarely bite unless disturbed, but curious dogs can get too close. Keep dogs on paths on warm days, and if you think your dog has been bitten, keep them calm and get to a vet straight away.
Dog-friendly pubs and cafés: ask before you go
“Dog friendly” can mean different things. Some places welcome dogs anywhere, others only in the bar or garden, and some only at quieter times. Before you set off:
- call ahead or check the business’s listing, particularly if you want to eat inside
- ask whether there’s room for your dog to lie down out of the way, as busy pubs can be cramped
- bring a lead, a towel for muddy paws and something to keep them settled
Assistance dogs are normally welcome even where pets aren’t, so if you have one, the usual dog rules shouldn’t apply.
Attractions, gardens and stays
Many gardens, farms and attractions welcome dogs on leads outdoors but not inside buildings, cafés or play areas, and some don’t allow dogs at all at certain times of year, such as lambing season. Always check the attraction’s own website or call before you go. If you’re staying over, check how many dogs are allowed, whether there’s an extra charge and whether dogs can be left alone in the room.
A quick checklist
- Lead, harness and collar with an ID tag (in England, dogs in public places must wear a tag with the owner’s name and address, as well as being microchipped)
- Water, bowl and poo bags
- Towel, and a first-aid kit including a tick remover
- Beach rules checked for the exact stretch you’re visiting
- Pub or café confirmed as dog friendly
Find dog-friendly pubs and days out across Sussex on Go Sussex, and check each listing’s facilities before you go.