Vets issues warning over 5 ‘hidden hazards’ on beach walks that can ‘poison’ your pet – how to avoid them

PET owners are being urged by vets to take extra care of their dogs when they go to the beach. According to VetPartners, vets see an increase in the number of pets that become unwell after a day out on the shore. However, a number of things at the beach can cause harm to your beloved pets Credit: Reuters Five hidden hazards can cause your beloved pups to become ill when spending a day at the beach. Heatstroke, seawater poisoning, cliff falls and more are all risks that can impact your dog on a simple summer day out. Sign up for the Fabulous newsletter Thank you! Amy Jennings, a VetPartners vet, said: “Going to the beach with your dog can be a lot of fun for both of you, but plan to take your dog when it’s a comfortable temperature and not too hot. “Take plenty of fresh water with you, ensure your dog has a shaded area to rest in and limit their time in the sea.” Rock injuries Dogs can suffer painful injuries on their toes and paws by playing around on the rocks, or even running into them. These can often happen when dogs are chasing a ball, so it is best to pick an open area of the beach to play on. Sand ingestion When a dog swallows sand, it can cause damage to the intestines, leading to pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Dogs can accidentally consume sand when playing with toys on the beach, or licking their coat. Most read in Fabulous It is important to not let dogs play with any sand-covered toys, and to make sure any water bowls remain clean. Rinsing a dog’s coat after they come back from the beach can also reduce the amount of sand and salt, preventing any illness. Seawater poisoning When a dog drinks seawater, it can cause a host of issues, such as gastroenteritis, leading to vomiting and diarrhoea. Seawater is toxic to dogs due to the level of salt it contains, so it is important to not to let your pups drink sea water or from rock pools. Taking plenty of fresh water to the beach, and looking out for any signs of dehydration, can make sure your dog stays healthy. Heatstroke Dogs increase their risk of over-exertion when playing at the beach, especially if it has minimal shade and hot sand. To prevent heatstroke, take dogs to the beach at a cooler time of day, use an umbrella to provide shade, and make sure they are hydrated. Cliff falls Dogs can find themselves in danger when travelling along coastal paths they are unfamiliar with. They can easily get distracted, whether it is from wildlife or other dogs, leading them to potentially fall from a great height. To prevent this, keep dogs on a short, secure lead at all times when close to a sheer drop. In these circumstances, it is also important to not use a retractable lead. Comment now