What’s in Your Dog Beach Bag?

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The dogs and I just got back from a couple of days at the beach. I’m the worst for overpacking when I’ll be away from my things. Forget that the beach was 10 minutes from the lake house; forget that I never use 1/3 of it. I had that wagon packed full of snacks, drinks, towels, and gear. There was barely room for Felix. I even insisted on schlepping a fully inflated unicorn down there BECAUSE PHOTOS. I mean… #WORTHIT

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My dogs love the beach.

Even Kolchak, who hates almost anything that involves sleeping away from home loves the beach and we’re lucky, living in Vancouver that there are several really lovely local, dog-friendly beaches. This one is our favourite though. Nestled in the mountains, cold as the snow-topped mountain that fills it with runoff and rumoured to be bottomless,  this beach is my happy place and the fact that I get to share it with my favourite pooches is one of the best parts of summer. 

Plus? We’re in the middle of a heatwave sent by Satan himself and that freezing water felt like there was hope we’re all going to make it until Mother Nature calms down. 

I have a weird fascination with what in other people’s bags. 

I feel like by knowing what they think is important enough to carry around, I can learn so much about who they are as a person, what their priorities are and what makes them tick.

I also love discovering new products through other people. I mean, if you like it enough to bring it to the beach, it must be good, right?!

What in your dog’s beach bag?

For all that I brought everything except the kitchen sink, there is a weird assortment of dog + human things I hold sacred enough to make the official “CANNOT FORGET OR LOSE IT” beach bag. 

My beach bag contains only my essentials. 

From top Left: 

A S’well Water Bottle

This bad boy is above and beyond, no question, the BEST water bottle I’ve ever had in my life. We love it so much, we have two. First off? It actually works. If you fill it with ice water today, there will still be cubes in it tomorrow. PLUS: you can fit a full bottle of wine in this baby, for the humans. Sangria is a beach essential…right?!

Get it on Amazon.

A Collapsible Water Bowl

OK, so confession: the Kol’s Notes dogs are total divas. If their water is lukewarm, if it has sand in it, or another dog takes a sip? All bets are off. That water is RUINED. So, we carry a small-ish collapsible bowl instead of a big one. This way, we can wash the bowl frequently and keep refilling it will ice cold water from the S’well bottles.

We chose these because they’re BPA free, food grade silicone. Get ’em on Amazon.

Barefoot Venus Coconut Kiss Body Oil Spray

Is there anything grosser than that post-beach day sandy sweat smell mixed with the faint aroma of wet dog? It’s rank. This argan oil-based body oil has the most delicious warm coconutty smell and I can feel good spritzing both myself and my dogs with it. Plus, this fab product is locally made by a team of fierce women. They’re an all-natural, green scale producer committed to choosing suppliers who don’t use animal testing, so they give me the all-around feel goodz.

Get it on their site – and order something in lemon freckle scent while you’re there. It’s SO GOOD.

Dental Floss

I mean, who doesn’t hate having food stuck in their teeth?!

My Wallet

This one happens to be Guess, but it’s not the brand that’s important – it’s what’s inside: cash for junky hot dogs and beach burgers, plus ice cream. (I’ll have a double scoop of tiger tail; the boys will share a cup of vanilla.) My wallet also have a card with contact information in case of emergency and their vet’s info. 

Get the emergency cards on Etsy

A Good Book

So, there’s almost always a book in my bag. I’m a voracious reader and it’s not uncommon for me to devour a good story in a single afternoon at the beach. Current reading: The Power by Naomi Alderman, a story of what the world would be like if we woke up tomorrow and women could physically overpower men and what that would do the balance of power in our society. Fantastic read.

Get it on Amazon.

An Amazing Bag

Ever since my friend Christina at the Every Day Dog Mom gifted me with this gorgeous bag from her shop, I’ve been low key obsessed. It comes in a beagle, westie, dachshund or Newfie and I’m kind of tempted to order them all. I’m tempted to order a lot of things from the Inspired Closet TBH – her new Fall line has so many fun finds and her summer clearance is stuff I’ve been drooling over for weeks. That’s why I’m so excited to be an Inspired Closet brand Ambassador. Stay tuned for more features and details about why this is my go-to shop for dog mom gifts + a giveaway or two. 

Snag your bag on Etsy (but go fast – there are only a few left)

Sunglasses

You gotta protect those lovely peepers of yours! I’ve had these for too many years and I’m super proud of the fact I haven’t lost them, but it’s time for an upgrade. Tell me – who makes your fav sunglasses? I can’t buy flimsy ones because I’m clusy as woof ad will destroy them.

Bacon Ball

Where Piggy goes, a bacon ball can’t be far behind. He has dozens and every single one is his FAVOURITE. He found this one hidden in a bush this week and they’re inseparable. It floats and it’s perfect for fetch at the beach.

Phone & Ear Phones

I’ve recently gotten really into a few podcasts. Why didn’t you guys tell me these were so good? I don’t know why I held out so long. I’m currently binging Aimee Beltran from Irresistible YOUniversity‘s podcast on body positivity and @Cindy Guentert-Baldo’s the Uncurated Life, but I need more suggestions. What are you listening to? 

Get both Podcasts on iTunes or on their blogs linked above.

OK, your turn: what’s in your beach bag? 

Drop a snap in the comments, share it with us on Facebook or Instagram it with the hashtag #InspiredBeachBag