If it's a tick area I like to use two things at once. Like a top spot + tick collar. Or top spot + tick wash. But you MUST make sure the two can be used with each other and the best person to ask is the Vet. Don't use two things together without the Vet's ok. You're going to the beach so a tick collar might not be the best option, but your Vet will let you know. If you can do a tick wash after you get home (as long as the Vet says it's ok to do that with whatever else you're using) it will help because it can get into the areas that are harder to spot ticks. I like to do a tick wash at the Vet's as the hydrobath can get it right into the coat, just be careful around the ears/eyes/face. I carefully use a cloth to get it around the ears.
The other thing you should do is check the dog regularly, at least twice a day in tick areas. They can even get between toes and up noses.
