Thinking about a day at the beach with your dog? As dog lovers, we naturally want our furry friends to enjoy life alongside us, and that includes trips to our favorite places like the beach. Your dog might love it too, especially if it’s a designated dog-friendly beach where they can freely play with other dogs. However, it’s also crucial to consider the various hazards the beach poses to your dog.
These include dehydration from drinking salty seawater, potential injuries from sharp objects hidden in the sand and sand impaction, a serious condition that can be fatal. To ensure your dog’s safety and well-being during your beach visit, it’s essential to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.
In this post, we’ll explore some common and lesser-known beach hazards your dog may encounter at the beach. You will also find a section on preventive measures you can take to help keep your dog safe.
4 Common Beach Hazards to Watch Out For With a Dog
1. Heat and Sun Exposure Risks for Dogs at the Beach
As you’re planning your beach outing, you need to be aware of the risks associated with heat and sun exposure. Dogs, like humans, can suffer from overheating and sunburn.
Overheating
Unlike humans who sweat through their skin to cool off, dogs cool themselves primarily by panting and to a lesser extent, through their paw pads. This cooling method can be less effective in high temperatures, leading to a risk of overheating. This risk increases during active play in the sun, as movement generates more body heat.
Additionally, the color of a dog’s fur affects how quickly they might overheat. Dark fur absorbs more sunlight, which can raise a dog’s body temperature faster. Dogs with light-colored or sparse fur are less prone to absorbing heat but are not immune to overheating. They too can suffer from heat-related issues, especially with prolonged exposure to high temperatures and sun.
Given these factors, it’s vital for dog owners to closely watch their pets for signs of overheating, especially in warm, sunny climates.
Signs of Heatstroke
Heatstroke in dogs can progress rapidly and needs immediate attention. Here are some signs PetMD states to watch for:
- Excessive panting
- Reddened gums/mucous membranes
- Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
- Dehydration
- Elevated temperature (104 F and above)
- Vomiting (with or without blood)
- Diarrhea (with or without blood)
- Disorientation/stumbling
- Weakness/collapse
- Seizures/death
Sunburn
Just like humans, dogs can get sunburned too. Dogs with light, thin, or white fur are more susceptible to sunburn, but those with dark fur are not immune and can also get burned by the sun. The areas most at risk are those with less fur coverage, such as the nose, ears, tail, and belly.
2. Saltwater Ingestion
While your dog enjoys the sand and surf, they may accidentally ingest too much seawater. This can happen in several ways. One common scenario is when your dog jumps into the water to fetch a toy that’s soaked in saltwater or simply ingest seawater while retrieving the toy. Another common scenario is when they drink seawater directly, especially if they’re feeling thirsty and see it as a convenient option.
This can lead to a serious condition known as salt poisoning. This occurs when the high salt concentration in seawater disrupts a dog’s fluid balance, forcing their body to expel the excess salt and potentially leading to dehydration.
In severe cases, this imbalance can cause cells to release their water content to counteract the salt overload, significantly impairing brain function. Such severe effects can include seizures, brain swelling, and, in extreme cases, death.
Natasha Demir, MRCVS, Cert AVP for My Family Vets states, symptoms of salt poisoning include:
- Vomiting, which might include clear liquid, foam, or food
- Diarrhea, which may be severe and watery
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
- Excessive thirst or urination
- In severe cases, neurological symptoms such as seizures, disorientation, or staggering
What to Do If Your Dog Drinks Saltwater
- Provide Fresh Water: Offer small but frequent amounts of fresh water to help dilute the salt in their system.
- Seek Veterinary Care: If you notice any symptoms of salt poisoning, or if your dog consumed a large amount of saltwater, contact your veterinarian immediately. Salt poisoning can escalate quickly and may require medical intervention.
3. Sharp Objects and Debris
These days you can find all sorts of dangerous debris at the beach. Sharp objects like broken glass, shells, or discarded fishing hooks hidden in the sand can pose serious risks to you and your dog’s safety.
As your dog explores the beach, they might unknowingly step on these dangerous items, resulting in cuts, punctures, or more severe injuries. This can not only be painful but can also lead to infections if not properly treated.
4. Strong Currents and Waves
The beach poses significant risks to dogs playing or swimming in the surf due to strong sea currents and powerful waves. These natural forces can quickly overwhelm a dog, pulling them away from shore or causing them to struggle in the water.
This can be particularly challenging for dogs that aren’t strong swimmers, are unfamiliar with the ocean, or have physical traits like shorter legs and heavier bodies that make swimming difficult. Even breeds known for their swimming abilities can face dangers if the currents are strong or the waves are high.
3 Lesser Known Beach Hazards For Your Dog
1. Sand Impaction
Sand impaction is a serious condition that can affect dogs when playing in the sand. It occurs when a dog ingests a significant amount of sand, either accidentally while fetching toys coated in sand or deliberately when they chew on sandy objects.
This ingested sand can accumulate in the stomach and intestines, forming a dense blockage that impairs digestion and causes severe discomfort.
The symptoms of sand impaction include vomiting, restlessness, panting, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, Dehydration and loss of appetite. If the blockage is significant, it can disrupt the normal movement of the digestive tract, resulting in a painful experience that may require surgical intervention if not promptly addressed.
2. Harmful Algae and Pollutants
Harmful Algae Blooms: These are over-growths of algae in the water that produce toxic chemicals harmful to both humans and animals. In severe cases death may occur. Dogs are particularly at risk because they may ingest contaminated water or lick algae off their fur after swimming. To learn more about Algal Bloom and symptoms of algae toxicity read the Dogs and Harmful Algal Blooms, pamphlet from the Sea Grant, NY
Spotting Harmful Algae: The CDC has a page on How to Recognize a Harmful Algal Blooms which features pictures. It is important to note that according to the CDC, not all harmful algal blooms can be seen. Some grow on or near the bottom of water bodies and release toxins into the water.
Pollutants: Beaches can also be contaminated with pollutants such as oil, pesticides, and other chemicals that wash down from roads and industrial areas. These substances can be harmful if your dog ingests them or if they come into contact with your dog’s skin.
3. Wildlife and Plant Hazards
It’s important to be mindful of the various wildlife and plant hazards that could affect your dog’s health and safety. From curious crabs to stinging jellyfish, and even toxic plants, the natural elements found at the beach can pose risks to your dog.
Common Wildlife Hazards:
- Jellyfish: These marine creatures can be washed up on the shore or float near the water’s edge. Contact with jellyfish can result in painful stings that could lead to allergic reactions in dogs.
- Crabs: While generally not dangerous, crabs can pinch if provoked or stepped on, causing discomfort or injury to your dog.
Dangerous Plants:
- Some beach areas might host plants that are toxic to dogs if ingested. Certain berries, seeds, or leaves can cause a range of symptoms from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe poisoning.
- Plants like foxtails, though not toxic, can embed in the skin or paws and are painful and potentially harmful if not removed promptly.
Preventive Measures for Beach Safety with Your Dog
From harsh sun and heat to strong currents and hidden hazards, the beach environment requires special precautions to ensure your dog’s safety and well-being. This section outlines key preventive measures to help you prepare for a safe and enjoyable outing with your furry friend.
General Safety and Comfort:
- Vaccinations: Make sure your dog is up to date on all their required vaccinations and preventives like flea and tick prevention.
- Collar and ID Tags: Your dog should have an identification tag in case they are lost.
- Shade and Shelter: Ensure a shaded area is available for your dog to rest and escape the direct sunlight, such as under a beach umbrella, pop-up tent, or a nearby tree.
- Adequate Hydration: Bring plenty of fresh, cool water and a portable dish to encourage regular drinking throughout the day.
- Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid the beach during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM) when UV radiation is strongest.
- Cooling Products: Use dog-specific cooling vests or mats to help regulate your dog’s body temperature.
- Sunscreen: Apply pet-safe sunscreen to exposed areas of your dog’s skin, especially for those with short or light-colored fur, and reapply as needed.
Water Safety:
- Check for Water Related Warning –
- Before heading to the beach, check local resources like the Environmental Protection Agency’s website or local park advisories for any warnings related to water quality.
- Pay attention to signs posted at the beach. These can inform you about current water conditions and whether it’s safe for swimming.
- Utilize smartphone apps and websites that provide real-time information on water quality to ensure the beach is safe for your visit.
- Close Supervision: Monitor your dog closely while they are in or near the water to prevent them from drinking saltwater.
- Choose the Right Environment: Select dog-friendly swimming areas with mild currents and gradual water entry.
- Use a Life Vest: Equip your dog with a life vest for buoyancy and visibility.
- Keep It Short and Supervised: Limit your dog’s time in the water to prevent fatigue and ensure they don’t swallow too much water.
- Train for Recall: Ensure your dog responds to recall commands to manage their safety effectively.
- Rinse Off After Swimming: Wash your dog with fresh water post-swim to remove salt and prevent skin irritation.
Physical Safety:
- Avoid Hot Sand: Sand can get blisteringly hot during the day.
- Be Vigilant: Inspect the beach for sharp objects like glass or shells that can cause injury.
- Regular Checks: Frequently check your dog’s paws and body for injuries, particularly after they’ve played in areas with dense debris.
- Protective Gear: Consider dog booties to protect their paws from sharp objects.
- First Aid Kit: Carry a well-stocked dog-friendly first aid kit to address any injuries immediately.
Environmental Awareness:
- Monitor Playtime: Watch your dog closely to discourage digging or chewing behaviors that could lead to sand ingestion.
- Clean Toys Frequently: Rinse beach toys regularly to minimize sand ingestion.
- Keep Your Dog Close: Use a leash or keep your dog close by when walking in areas with known hazards. This control helps you prevent your dog from wandering into dangerous spots or disturbing wildlife.
- Provide Clean Eating Areas: Use a raised feeder or clean surface for food and water bowls to prevent sand ingestion.
- Check for Harmful Algae: Look for signs like discolored water or a foul smell, and consult local advisories for water quality updates.
- Stay Informed and Prepared: Before your visit, research local wildlife and plant life to anticipate potential hazards.
- Avoid Touching Wildlife: Teach your dog to avoid touching or playing with marine animals or unknown plants. Training commands like “leave it” can be very effective in managing their interactions with potentially dangerous objects.
Post-Visit Care:
- Ensure your dog’s mouth and coat are free of sand and other residues after leaving the beach.
- Thoroughly clean your dog to remove any remnants of sand, salt, or plants which could cause discomfort or irritation later.
By integrating these preventive measures, you can help ensure a safe, enjoyable beach outing with your dog, protecting them from various environmental risks and hazards.