Living in South Central Texas, we have access to tons of fabulous dog parks, state parks, and even scenic rivers that we can visit with our dog companions. But, we’re also fortunate to have the beach a mere two and a half hours away! What could be more fun than a visit to the beach with your pooch to play in the waves and lounge in the sand? As fun as the beach can be with your dog in tow, there are a few hazards that can turn a day at the beach into an evening at the emergency vet.
Here are some things to consider before loading Fido up and making the trek to the coast:
1. Salt Water Poisoning Can Be Deadly
Some dogs love the water. They love to splash in it, swim in it, and yes, especially drink it. While a few gulps of fresh water won’t typically hurt your dog, salt water is a very different story. According to the American Kennel Club, consuming large amounts of salt water can be fatal to a dog. The American Kennel Club warns that, “the osmotic properties of salt water disrupt the fluid balance in your dog. This can lead to deadly amounts of fluid around the brain, inflammation, and gastric ulcers and hemorrhages.” Even consuming just a few mouthfuls of the salty stuff can cause diarrhea in your dog, so, make sure to keep your dog from drinking salt water and have plenty of clean, fresh water on hand to quench his thirst.
2. Oh, Yum! Dead Sea Creatures!
Like it or not, a natural part of enjoying the beach is encountering dead sea life that has washed up onto the sand. While it can be interesting to observe (and, ok, maybe even poke with a stick) these dearly departed creatures of the deep, to your dog, these fish might look like a super delicious snack. Unfortunately, dead sea life can carry harmful toxins that will make your dog really sick. So, as appealing as a bloated, putrid, dead jellyfish might seem, please keep your pooch away from it.
3. Watch For Heatstroke
There’s nothing quite like the beach on a hot, sunny day, is there? And, the best part of hanging out on the beach is hopping in the cool water when you begin to get too warm. But for your dog, heatstroke can come on quickly–especially when shade is at a minimum. Make sure to have plenty of fresh water and shade available to get your dog out of the sun quickly. If you see your dog panting and drooling excessively, or if you notice that his gums have gotten more red than normal, your dog could be experiencing heat stroke. In the event of heatstroke, you’ll need to get your dog cooled down and out of the sun quickly.
Also, be mindful of how hot the ground can get and give your dog shady spots to walk so that he doesn’t burn his paw pads on the hot beach or pavement.
4. Can Your Dog Even Swim, Bro?
Not all dogs are born with the ability to swim, so don’t assume that your dog will be ok in the water on his own. And, swimming in the ocean is vastly different from swimming in a pool or lake, so watch your dog carefully and stick closely by him if he chooses to swim.
5.Ouch! Don’t Let Fido Get A Sunburn.
While you’re slathering on your own sunscreen at the beach, don’t forget about your dog’s sun care needs. Dogs with short hair, pink ears, and light-colored coats can get sunburned easily. Luckily, there is sunscreen made specifically for dogs, so give your pooch a quick smear before heading out to the coast. (But DO NOT use zinc oxide, which is toxic for dogs!)
6. Don’t Let Them Eat Sand.
To know dogs is to love them, even when they want to eat really inedible things…like sand. For many dogs, the accidental ingestion of small amounts of sand (while fetching toys on the beach or digging) is common and harmless. But problems occur when your dog eats a lot of sand at the beach. This ingested sand can accumulate in their digestive systems, causing impaction–a condition that requires an urgent visit to the vet.
While we here at Dog Friendly San Antonio would never want to discourage you from taking your beloved dog to the beach, please make sure that both you and your dog are on board for all of the extra care and preparation that a day at the beach with your pet requires. Sometimes it’s just easier for everyone to leave Fido safely at home, rather than running the risk of taking him somewhere that he won’t enjoy (and that YOU won’t enjoy as much, with the added responsibility of caring for Fido during your day at the beach). Here’s to a fun, safe, and stress-free day at the beach, with or without Fido!
Looking for more dog-friendly travel ideas and things to do in San Antonio? Check out the links below:
Dog Friendly San Antonio Events Calendar
Such an informative article! Spot on!!