21/01/2025
🌊 Are you heading down to one of the many fantastic dog beaches along our beautiful coastline this summer? Dog owners should be aware of the potential hazards when cooling down with their furry companions during these hot summer months. We have recently posted about the dangers of pufferfish and beached bluebottles, but don’t forget the seawater itself!
Dogs that ingest enough seawater can be at risk of developing salt poisoning. Sea water contains approximately 35 g of salt per litre of water and whilst a couple of licks is not expected to be harmful, dogs that ingest large quantities of seawater can certainly get sick! Signs of salt water poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea and excessive thirst. As the sodium levels continue to rise in the body, neurological signs such as tremor and seizures can even occur. Other than seawater, some other highly concentrated sodium sources include table salt, baking soda, play dough and soy sauce.
When visiting the beach with your dog this summer, be mindful to prevent them from drinking seawater. Always ensure fresh water is provided to your dog during and after your visit to the beach. Keep your dog leashed to prevent the ingestion of seawater if necessary.
The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917 722-5958 (CA). If you are a member of a veterinary team you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends.
