Page 13 - Stuart Exposure - June '21

Stuart Exposure, Page 13

tip oF the tail

Beach Dangers allowing your dog to run into the ocean, make sure they As we know the sand can get very hot in the summer.

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