Page 9 - Palm City Spotlight - July '20

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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 the
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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Palm City Spotlight, Page 9
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.
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