Many owners love to share the experience of a beach trip with their dogs and dogs can have a lot of fun at the beach. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help make sure your dog stays safe.
Dogs will ingest sand at the beach while they dig or play with sandy toys. Try to limit the amount they eat as sand can be very painful as it passes through the intestine. It can also make them ill, cause dehydration and if they eat enough block the guts completely.
Your dog will show signs of abdominal pain and lethargy, they may vomit and be off their normal food. This can be very serious so if you are worried about your dog get in contact with a vet as soon as possible. It is advisable to look up a vet clinic near the beach you are visiting before you go.
Many dogs love to swim and play in the sea. However be mindful of large waves and rip currents. Even strong swimmers caught in these will easily tire. If your dog has not been swimming before or is a beginner then the sea is not the best place for them to learn. Make sure they stay in the shallows with you and do not go out of their depth. It is also possible to buy life jackets for dogs and this is something to consider if they love to swim.
When playing in the sea with your dog do not let them drink the water. Too much salt water will cause salt poisoning and make your dog very sick. It is also a good idea to rinse the salt off their fur with fresh water when you leave the beach.
There are many tempting inappropriate objects which your dog may try to eat at the beach: rubbish, toys, washed up objects, sea life and seaweed. These may also cause salt poisoning, inflammation of the intestines or blockages. They may also end up swallowing a fish hook or getting a nasty sting from a jellyfish. Therefore please keep a watchful eye on your dogs.
It is also very easy for dogs to overexert themselves or overheat at the beach. It is important to provide plenty of water, a shady spot and enforce some restful relaxation time into your beach day.
There is no doubt that most dogs love to visit the beach and I hope you keep having fun with them and don’t need a vet. But, just in case, please remember to look up a nearby vet before you head off to the sun, sea and sand.
Claire Turner is a Veterinary Surgeon at St Vincents Veterinary Surgery, a family-owned practice providing personal care for all your pets in and around Wokingham. Find out more at www.stvincentsvets.co.uk
