Page 9 - Martin Downs Bulletin - June '21

Martin Downs, Page 9

tip of the tail

Beach Dangers more fun than watching our furry friends scampering around Swimming in the ocean: Not all dogs are good

on the sand and diving into the waves in search of a ball? swimmers. Certain breeds like pugs and basset hounds
Unfortunately, there can be many dangers at the beach for are not good swimmers as they are top-heavy. Before
dogs. This doesn’t mean we can’t take them, but we do need allowing your dog to run into the ocean, make sure they
to be aware of the risks and how to avoid them. can stay afloat! Also strong winds can cause high waves
Heat exhaustion: We know temperatures can soar in and currents. Dogs can get into trouble and even get swept
Florida in the summer. Sometimes the ocean breeze can away just like us humans. Don’t let them in the water
trick us into thinking it is cooler. Be aware that your pet is on rough days and bring a life vest for your dog to help
exerting a lot of energy running on sand and may become prevent drowning.
overheated which can lead to heatstroke and death. Make Sand impaction: Most dogs will not eat sand but
sure to provide a shady place for your dog and make them there is always the exception. If your dog ingests a large
lie down in the shade and rest for a bit every now and then. amount of sand while at the beach it can become stuck in
Salt water poisoning: Dogs get thirsty with all that the small bowel and cause an obstruction. Hospitalization
running around. Do not let them drink the salt water. The salt, and possibly surgery would be needed in this case.
bacteria and parasites in the water can make them very sick. Dog fights: Dog beaches are great places to socialize
Summer is fast approaching which means a lot of time The excess sodium can lead to diarrhea and even to severe with your dog. Most of the time dogs love to interact
spent at the beach. Many of us love taking our dogs with us hypernatremia and seizures. Bring plenty of fresh water to with other dogs. It’s fun to watch the dogs racing around
when soaking up the sun and relaxing at the beach. What is the beach and make sure to offer it to your dog frequently. 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
Stuart 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
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beach. Fish hooks can become stuck in the skin and need
to be removed by your veterinarian. Other foreign objects
At HarborChase 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, than 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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