05/07/2025
☀️🐶 Beach Days & Dog Safety 🐾🌊
Warm weather and beach adventures are the highlight of summer—but let’s not forget to keep our furry friends safe in the heat!
Here are a few quick tips to help your dog enjoy the beach safely:
🌡️ Watch the Heat: Sand can get extremely hot and burn paw pads. If it’s too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for theirs.
💧 Hydration is Key: Always bring fresh water and a bowl. Saltwater is not safe for dogs to drink and can make them sick.
🌴 Shade Breaks: Give your pup plenty of time to rest in the shade to prevent overheating. Dogs can suffer from heatstroke much faster than humans.
🚗 NEVER Leave Dogs in a Parked Car: Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a car can soar in minutes—leading to heatstroke or worse. If you're making stops before the beach, leave your dog at home until you're ready to go directly.
🦀 Beach Hazards:
⚠️ Hot Sand & Heatstroke�Sand and pavement can burn paw pads, and dogs can easily overheat, especially brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds. Always provide shade and water, and avoid peak heat hours.
⚠️ Saltwater Ingestion�Drinking seawater can lead to salt poisoning, causing vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, or even seizures. Always bring fresh water and discourage your dog from drinking ocean water.
⚠️ Strong Currents & Waves�Not all dogs are natural swimmers. Even experienced swimmers can get caught in strong currents or riptides. Always supervise your dog near the water and use a doggy life jacket if needed.
⚠️ Sharp Objects & Marine Life�Broken shells, glass, fishing hooks, and jellyfish can injure paws or cause serious internal issues if ingested.
⚠️ Sand Ingestion�Dogs that dig or play with toys in the sand may accidentally swallow large amounts, which can lead to a dangerous condition called sand impaction.
⚠️ Sunburn�Yes, dogs can get sunburned—especially on the nose, ears, and belly. Pet-safe sunscreen is available; check with your vet before use.
⚠️ Lost Dogs�Beaches can be distracting, and even the best-trained dogs may run off. Use a well-fitting harness or leash, and make sure your dog is microchipped and has up-to-date ID tags
🚫 Know the Signs of Overheating: Excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, or confusion can all be signs your dog is too hot. Move them to a cool area and contact your vet immediately.
A beach day with your dog can be fantastic—just remember to keep safety top of mind so everyone can have fun in the sun! 🌞🐕
Top Tip: Know your nearest Out of Hours Veterinary Practice in case of emergencies