Page 13 - Martin Downs Bulletin - July '20

Martin Downs, Page 13
tip oF tHE tail
Beach Dangers For Dogs Salt Water Poisoning
Dogs get thirsty with all that running around. Do not let
Summer is fast approaching which means a lot of time them drink the salt water. The salt, bacteria and parasites in
spent at the beach. Many of us love taking our dogs with us
when soaking up the sun and relaxing at the beach. What is
more fun than watching our furry friends scampering around
on the sand and diving into the waves in search of a ball?
Unfortunately there can be many dangers at the beach for
dogs. This doesn’t mean we can’t take them, but we do need
to be aware of the risks and how to avoid them.
Heat Exhaustion
We know temperatures can soar in Florida in the summer.
Sometimes the ocean breeze can trick us into thinking it is
cooler. Be aware that your pet is exerting a lot of energy
running on sand and may become overheated which can lead
to heat stroke and death. Make sure to provide a shady place
for your dog and make them lie down in the shade and rest
for a bit every now and then.
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the water can make them very sick. The excess sodium can
lead diarrhea and even to severe hypernatremia and seizures.
Bring plenty of fresh water to beach and make sure to offer
it to your dog frequently.
Swimming In The Ocean
Not all dogs are good swimmers. Certain breeds like
pugs and basset hounds are not good swimmers as they are
top heavy. Before allowing your dog to run into the ocean,
make sure they can stay afloat! Also strong winds can cause
high waves and currents. Dogs can get into trouble and even
get swept away just like us humans. Don’t let them in the
water on rough days and bring a life vest for your dog to help
prevent drowning.
Sand Impaction
Most dogs will not eat sand but there is always the
exception. If your dog ingests a large amount of sand it while
at the beach it can become stuck in the small bowel and cause
an obstruction. Hospitalization and possibly surgery would
be needed in this case.
Dog Fights
Dog beaches are great places to socialize with your dog.
Most of the time dogs love to interact with other dogs. It’s fun
to watch the dogs racing around chasing each other, dashing
in and out of the water. Unfortunately problems can come
up when a lot of dogs are together. Dogs have the instinct to
form packs and will try to create a hierarchy to establish a
leader of the pack. This can lead to dog fights and sometimes
severe injuries. Keep an eye on your dog and its interactions
with other dogs. It is not always play. If you feel that your
dog is getting overwhelmed or is in danger, take it out of the
situation immediately.
Jellyfish And Foreign Objects
Dogs can accidentally step on or even pick up and try to
eat jellyfish on the beach. The sting can be very irritating to
the skin and oral mucosa and cause gastrointestinal upset
and allergic reactions. Vinegar can be used to pour directly
on a sting on the skin. If ingested then take your dog to your
veterinarian for treatment. Fish hooks and other discarded
trash from humans is unfortunately something we see
regularly at the beach. Fish hooks can become stuck in the
skin and need to be removed by your veterinarian. Other
foreign objects can cause intestinal obstruction if ingested.
Symptoms would be vomiting, lethargy and anorexia.
Sunburn And Paw Pad Burns
Dogs can get sunburns too. Dogs with short hair and light
coats can be at risk. Make sure to apply sunscreen before
going to the beach. Using a veterinary dog specific sunscreen
is best but you can use a children’s sunscreen that goes on
clear and dries on contact. Avoid zinc oxide and salicylic
acid. As we know the sand can get very hot in the summer.
If the sand is too hot for us to walk on, it is too hot for your
dog. Pets’ paw pads are thick but they can still get burned. On
these days, take your pet to the beach earlier in the morning
or in the evening when the sand temperatures are not so high.
As you can see, there are a lot of things to be considered
to keep your beloved pet safe at the beach. Don’t let the
dangers keep you from enjoying one of our favorite summer
activities here in Florida. Just be aware and cautious so
everyone, including your furry friend, has a good time.
Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center
is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your
pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery,
physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine,
extensive diagnostics and emergency service, Palm City
Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical
care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners.
For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit www.
palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
ALF# pending