Taking your pooch to the beach can make for a fun day but there are some dangers you’ll need to be aware of.

While you’ll probably know to keep your dog cool in the sun, there are more dangers to the seaside than heat.

TV vet Dr Scott Miller has shared five dangers dog owners should be aware of if they’re heading to the beach with their furry friend.

5 seaside dangers dog owners need to be aware of

Seawater

Dr Scott Miller, vet for vet-approved dog food brand Barking Heads, and regular on ITV’s This Morning, said: “The coast is always a winning summer holiday spot for the whole family, including fur babies, but did you know it harbours some lesser-known dangers for your furry friend?

“One danger pet parents may not consider is the water, but not in the way you think. If the coast you visit has salt water, it can be very dangerous to dogs, especially if they dry to ingest it.

“Although dogs can handle a little salt, an excess can cause acute hypernatremia or salt toxicity.

“So make sure your dog is not lapping up seawater when at the beach. Carry clean drinking water for your furry friend to avoid any seawater mishaps.”

The TV vet has shared the symptoms you should look out for if your dog has ingested saltwater. These are:

  • Extreme thirst
  • Excessive urination
  • Weakness
  • Sleepiness
  • Twitching or trembling muscles
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Seizures
  • Coma

If you notice your dog has any of these symptoms, you must take them to a vet.

Dr Scott Miller added: “Saltwater can also cause irritation to your dog's skin, as it can be quite drying.

“So make sure to give them a good rinse with clean water if they go into the sea so the salt water does not dry on their skin and in their fur, keeping their fur nice and fluffy.”

Rules for taking your dogs to the beach

Discarded food

Dogs like to pick up discarded food on the streets and they like to do the same on the beach except there is an added danger – sand impaction.

Dr Scott Miller explains: “Sand impaction happens when a dog ingests sand; this can cause constipation, which can lead to intestinal obstruction, which could be life-threatening. If you get home from the beach and worry that your dog has ingested a lot of sand, take them to the vet for a checkup.

“You also need to make sure your dog is not ingesting something that may be toxic to them, for example, dropped onion rings, which are dangerous as onions are toxic to dogs and can cause major harm to your pup. So make sure your dog is not taking a nibble of discarded food on the sands of your favourite beach.”

Fish and litter

The same goes for fish – make sure your dog doesn’t pick up or nibble on any dead fish they find on the beach.

Dr Scott Miller adds: “Along this line, you need to make sure your pup doesn’t try to nibble on any fish they see on the sand.

“If your dog finds dead fish on the sand, your pup may try to have a nibble, but these fish may contain deadly toxins or be a bit rotten depending on how long they’ve been washed up, which could result in a trip to the vet.

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“Like on streets, your dog may encounter human debris like littered food or cigarette butts. Suppose your dog ingests a discarded cigarette butt.

“In that case, you will want to take them to a vet, as dogs are susceptible to nicotine poisoning, which can lead to diarrhoea, vomiting and seizures.

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“If your local beach is a popular fishing spot, you need to be extra vigilant as your dog may accidentally bite down on a hook when sniffing out a fishy snack.

“This could lead to a serious trip to the vet as your pooch may end up with a hook lodged in their mouth, or worse, in their stomach.

“They may also suffer skin injuries if they get a hook lodged in their paw or other extremities if they are running around or swimming near a fishing spot.

“So be extra careful when taking your dog to the coast, and be vigilant of what’s on the beach.”