Keep your dog safe at the beach this summer
Essential tips for all dog owners
Summer beach days with dogs can be fun but pose hidden risks. Dr Natashia Evans, Criticalist at Animal Referral Hospital (ARH) Gosford, offers key advice to keep pets safe.
Sand:
Dogs can ingest sand while playing, leading to intestinal blockages. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain and defecation issues. In severe cases, surgery may be needed. Use smooth toys and rinse them often to prevent sand ingestion.
Salt Water:
Drinking salt water raises sodium levels in dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhea and seizures. Extreme cases can lead to coma. Keep fresh water available and bathe your dog to remove salt from their fur.
Sticks:
Avoid beach sticks, as splinters can cause mouth ulcers and infections. Use waterproof toys to distract your dog from sticks.
Beach Debris:
Fishing hooks, lines and pufferfish pose serious dangers. Pufferfish contain poison that can cause rapid paralysis and death if ingested. Always supervise your dog closely and train them to avoid eating debris.
If your pet ingests something harmful, visit ARH Gosford immediately. Symptoms may not appear right away.
Animal Referral Hospital Gosford
P: +61 (0) 2 4323 3886 / 0418 687 314
E: m.mozley@arhvets.com
Unit 3 / 401 Manns Road, West Gosford 2250
