It’s summertime, and few things are better than a day at the beach with your best canine pal. Packing beach-friendly dog gear is a must. Think canine sunscreen, fresh water, an insulated dog bowl, a dog water bottle, a towel, dog-friendly tennis balls, and even a life jacket. With all that in tow, you’re ready for a fun-filled day in the sun!
Beware of sand impaction
I recently saw an article about this danger posted on our RVing with Dogs Facebook group. Did you know that there’s a hidden danger lurking on the beach for your furry friend: intestinal sand impaction? This condition occurs when dogs ingest too much sand, which can lead to a serious and potentially life-threatening situation requiring emergency veterinary care.
When sand gets wet, it becomes heavy and can form a solid lump. If your dog swallows enough sand, it can block their intestinal tract. While you might not see your dog munching on a pile of sand, they can ingest it through various activities, like grabbing a wet, sandy tennis ball, digging holes, licking sand off their paws, or gulping down sandy water.
Symptoms to watch for
If your dog has swallowed too much sand, you might notice:
- Restlessness
- Panting
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Abdominal pain
- A hard mass in the stomach area
- Constipation
If you spot any of these symptoms after a beach visit, get your dog to a vet right away.
Treatment for sand impaction
Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, says vets will usually start by asking about your dog’s recent activities and conducting an abdominal exam, likely followed by an ultrasound or X-ray. Treatment might involve medication for pain, IV fluids to help pass the sand and, in severe cases, surgery.
Preventing sand ingestion
Here are some tips to prevent your dog from ingesting too much sand:
- Watch your dog closely and tell them to “leave it” if you see them eating sand.
- Bring toys that don’t absorb as much sand as a tennis ball, like a flying disc.
- Provide plenty of fresh water and discourage drinking salt water.
- Rinse off your dog after beach play to remove sand from their coat and paws.
Other beach hazards
While sand impaction is a significant concern, there are other risks to be mindful of:
Heatstroke
Dogs can’t sweat like humans, so their body temperature can rise quickly, putting them at risk for heatstroke. Avoid the hottest parts of the day, and always provide shade and fresh water.
Here are the symptoms of heat stroke in dogs.
Sunburn
Some dogs, especially hairless breeds and those with white coats, are prone to sunburn. Use dog-specific sunscreen and provide shade.
Hot sand
If the sand is too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Hot sand can burn and blister their paw pads. It’s best to avoid the beach during the peak temperatures of the day, but you might also consider purchasing these booties.
Jellyfish
Keep your dog away from jellyfish. Contact with a jellyfish can cause respiratory distress, dry eyes, urinary retention, and even cardiac arrest. If your dog gets stung or eats a jellyfish, head to the vet immediately.
Strong currents
Even strong swimmers can be carried away by currents. Consider using a doggy life vest to keep your dog safe in the water.
Seaweed
Avoid letting your dog eat wild seaweed. It can contain toxins and swell in their stomach, potentially causing a blockage that requires emergency surgery.
Enjoy a safe beach day!
If a beach day with your dog sounds like the perfect summer activity, just take some precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable time. Pack the right gear, keep an eye on your furry friend, and be aware of potential hazards. With a bit of planning, you and your dog can have a fantastic day at the beach!
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If on the Washington, Oregon or Northern California coast watch out for fish ‘guts’ left from irresponsible Salmon cleaning. If a dog ingests these the results can be a slow agonizing death from poisoning. Check with your vet for details.
Bill, thanks for the heads up! Happy travels!
Thank you, Gail! 🙂 Dog #1 went to the beach for a week every year. I suppose he never had problems from ingested sand. Eventually he died from cancer. Dog #2 was at the beach far less and, again, seems to have avoided this problem. He died from old age. Dog #3, however, is diametrically different and, if taken to the beach, could well befall this ailment; he puts everything into his mouth. 🤔😯 Thank you for the specific warning and all the general advice to prevent a dog succumbing to heat-induced distress! Have a great week, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
America: this dog-obsession has to END. Dogs have NO BUSINESS on any public beach! No one ever thinks about the affect a dog may have on people who suffer from pet allergies or how it may affect people that have been traumatized by a dog attack. So selfish. They are not “fur babies”; they are animals; they do not belong in a grocery store, a restaurant, a drug store, a campground or anywhere else in PUBLIC – this is a health issue as well. Sorry, I know this will not be a popular post but that is how I feel. And, yes, I have had numerous dogs in my lifetime; I just didn’t subject other people to MY DOG.
My dog is better mannered than most other people’s kids.
Nuff said.