Hidden beach dangers dog owners need to know this summer
A trip to the beach might sound like the perfect way to spend a warm and sunny summer’s day. However, a vet has just issued a warning to all dog owners who might be thinking about taking their four-legged friend to the seaside.
Without even realising it, any visit to the beach or the seaside requires quite a bit of planning and preparation. From packing the essentials like SPF and drinks to keeping everyone hydrated, to bringing toys, towels and maybe even a picnic, we should also be just as prepared when it comes to our beloved pooches.
And, just like humans, an especially hot day can leave your dog feeling particularly thirsty – so when they see the glistening seawater in front of them, they won’t think twice about lapping some up.
However, it’s incredibly important that you keep an eye on your dog to ensure that they don’t do this.
Seawater poisoning is a lot more common than you might think and “when a dog ingests saltwater, it can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the body and cause dehydration,” warns vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan. This is partly because of the amount of salt in the water but also because it can contain parasites and bacteria which can cause them to become incredibly unwell.
If you also spot that your dog is eating sand, this can also cause even more issues. Essentially, "too much sand in your pet's digestive tract can cause a painful obstruction, which may require surgery,” vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan told the Daily Mail. So, this is another thing to be wary of.
But it's not just seawater and sand, below are just some of the other hidden dangers that you’ll want to keep in mind as you head to the beach.
Open holes
Playing fetch on the beach can actually be more dangerous than you might think. “Large holes dug in the sand can present a major trip hazard for dogs running or chasing toys on the beach,” warns vet Dr Rebecca.“Your dog may not be expecting a hole as they are running at speed and could fall and injure themselves.”
Both humans and dogs enjoy digging holes in the sand when they visit a UK beach – but if you do create one, it’s important to be mindful of other beachgoers and to fill it back in before you head home.
Heatstroke
Unfortunately heatstroke can also affect our pets. This happens when a dog’s body can’t cope with the internal rise in temperature. Even though any pup can develop heatstroke, “some dogs, like those that are large, energetic, overweight, have a thick coat or flat-faced, are more at risk than others,” according to The Kennel Club.
Some precautions you can take to stop it getting to that stage are avoiding the beach and being outdoors in the hottest hours of the day – try an early morning or evening visit instead. Another is to keep your dog hydrated and seek out some shade, if you can.
Unsupervised digging
It’s only natural that your dog will want to explore and may even start digging but you should always be on hand to make sure that they’re not getting into any mischief.
Keep a watchful eye out for them in case there may be broken glass, tackle hooks, or sharp objects hidden below the sand’s surface.
Barbecues are also common at the beach over the summer months, so it’s important that you don’t let your pet scavenge around any leftovers or litter. “While people should dispose of hot coals responsibly, there are regular stories of people or animals burning themselves on discarded barbecue embers,” Rebecca suggests.
Strong currents and waves
Even the best doggy paddler can get into difficulty if the waves or currents are particularly strong.
Again, you’ll want to keep an eye on them if they head into the water to ensure that they don’t swim out too deep, while older, younger and more debilitated dogs can sadly get into more trouble.
Jellyfish and other marine life
While we know to avoid jellyfish, our inquisitive pups aren’t as aware and a sting can occur on the beach or in the water.
“Stings can range in severity from mild irritations to anaphylactic reactions,” Rebecca explains. So, if you think that your dog has been stung, it is imperative that you seek vet advice as soon as possible.
You also shouldn’t let your dog consume any dead fish or other sea life that you might find on the beach either.
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