July 31, 2017

With this string of nice summer weather that everyone is enjoying, it’s time to head to those dog-friendly beaches to have some fun with your pet. But you should also be cautious of several things when you take your pet on adventures because as fun as the beach can be, it also has its hazards.

For example, did you know dogs can get sunburnt, just like humans? Dogs, especially with pale noses and ears, are prone to the sun. When you have your pets at the beach you may consider using a touch of sunscreen on their sensitive areas or an umbrella to prevent burning and, in some worse cases, even skin cancer.

Another problem you might encounter at the beach is sand ingestion. As strange as it might sound, often our dogs are having so much fun chasing sticks, Frisbees, or balls that when they scoop them off the beach they tend to get sand in their mouth as well.

Occasionally our beloved pets just decide to eat sand. This can create a big problem as too much sand tends to mix with food and water and can form a thick substance in the digestive tract. As it passes down the intestinal tract it can cause you dog to become very constipated and result in a trip to the veterinarian. Be vigilant when your pet is playing and keep an eye on them.

You should also be careful of swimming hazards. If you have a dog who likes to play fetch in the water, like a lab for example, then you have to be aware of the dangers swimming can cause. If your dog spends too much time in the ocean, your dog can ingest too much salt water. Inhaling salt water can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and in rare cases brain swelling.

Lastly, make sure you pets are rinsed and dried off after each beach day, especially if your dog has a long coat. Moister that remains on the skin can cause a bacterial infection. It can also cause your dog to get itchy and lead to hotspot which can cost you a trip to the vet. Make sure any tangled matts are removed from their coats as well they can cause problems.

While it’s important to have fun in the summer, you should also be aware of the dangers and potential problems that can happen with a day at the beach.

Give us a call if you have any questions or concerns involving your pet. Click HERE to contact us.