Your Pets Daily - dog beach day

Expert offers tips on keeping your dog safe at the beach this summer

Your Pets Daily Editor — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 15:19:55 +0000

Eight tips on keeping your dog safe at the beach this summer

Beware of hot sand

"Sand can become extremely hot and reach dangerous temperatures during the summer months. Your dog's sensitive paw pads could easily burn when playing in the sand. Wherever possible, keep your dog from walking on sand that's exposed to the direct sun, and monitor your pet's paw pads for signs of burning, such as redness, blisters and swelling.

The beach is no place for your four-legged friend when the temperature is high. Try to beat the heat and visit before 9 am or after 6 pm - and always check the sand and ground temperature before allowing your dog to run, walk or play."

Stop your pup from eating sand

"Sand is unavoidable when visiting the beach, and believe it or not, some dogs are known to eat sand, mostly by accident, but some pups do it purposefully. Swallowing sand is extremely dangerous for dogs as it can cause a blockage in the intestine, which is called sand impaction.

If your dog is vomiting, showing signs of constipation, has abdominal pain, reduced appetite, or is lethargic after a trip to the beach, this may indicate that a large amount of sand has been ingested. If you notice that your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, consult a veterinarian immediately. When at the beach, keep a close eye on your pup and prevent them from eating any sand and bring water to clear toys of large clumps of sand."

Provide shade

"A fun day at the beach can turn into a disaster if you don't take the correct precautions. For your dog, heatstroke can develop quickly, especially when shade isn't provided. Our furry friends can't handle the hot temperatures like us humans because they only have sweat glands in their feet and nose, which are less efficient at cooling themselves down.

Make sure you provide shade to get your dog out of the sun quickly. We recommend a pop-up beach tent, beach umbrella or a small beach canopy. If you see your dog panting and drooling excessively, and their gums have become more red than normal, they could be experiencing heatstroke. In this case, you'll need to get out of the sun and cool your dog down."

Bring plenty of fresh water

"Dogs love the beach, but playing fetch, jumping the waves, and swimming can all lead to a very thirsty dog. When our furry friends are thirty, they will almost drink anything - and this includes seawater.

Saltwater consumed in small quantities is usually not harmful and may only cause diarrhoea, but drinking larger amounts can disrupt the fluid balance in your dog's body, and high levels of salt can be fatal for your dog. It's essential when heading to the beach to bring a dog bowl and fresh water for your pup to drink."

Pack dog-friendly sunscreen

"Just like us, dogs can quickly get burned from sun exposure. This is particularly common on parts of the body that are sparsely covered with hair. Sunburn can not only cause pain for your four-legged friend but can lead to more severe health problems, such as skin cancer.

Dogs that typically have thin hair or light coloured coats are more vulnerable to sunburn, for example; Dalmatians, Boxers, Greyhounds, Beagles, Whippets and Bulldogs. But all dog breeds are at risk of sun damage because they all have areas on their body where there is little to no fur, including the belly, ears, the tip of the tail and nose.

Before heading to the beach, find a sunscreen that is designed to protect your pup. It's vital that you only use formulas that have been produced for dogs - they should not contain zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid."

Protect Your Pups From Parasites

"A day at the beach is the perfect way to get some fresh air and relax. But as you search for the ideal location to lay down your towel, you should know you're not just sharing the beach with fellow ocean lovers - you'll be sharing it with some creepy parasites too.

Ticks are prevalent near beaches. They can be found in the dunes or in the grass nearby, and when our canine companions walk by and brush up against these, the ticks dislodge. Before heading on your journey, remember to pack a tick remover tool."

Keep them safe in the water

"Your dog may be a confident swimmer, but big waves and strong tides can be hazardous. Bring along an extended leash so your pup can take a dip in the sea without going too far, and purchase a dog-friendly life jacket to ensure their safety at all times.

The sea is full of hidden dangers, from sharp shells and rocks to broken glass and washed-up rubbish. All of these items can be dangerous to your dog's paw pads. Not only can some of the items be sharp and cut your pup, but they can also be dangerous if eaten. They can cause bacterial infections, cracked teeth or intestinal obstructions. Protect your pooch by investing in some dog-friendly beach boots and never leave them unattended in the water or on dry land."

Keep clear of seaweed and sea creatures

"Natural objects found in the sea that wash up on the beach, such as seaweed, dead or alive creatures, might be fun to play with but could cause serious health issues for your dog. When consumed, seaweed can be dangerous as it can cause a blockage in your dog's intestine.

Keep a close eye on your pup and prevent them from rolling in or eating anything that could make them ill. Some beaches have high levels of sea creatures, such as jellyfish and crabs, so be sure to keep them on a tight watch around the water area.

It's really important as dog owners that we don't allow our dogs to chase or disturb marine wildlife, for example, seal pups and marine birds can be prone to be disturbed by dogs. Our wild animals are just as important as our pets so it's important to be responsible around wildlife."

The most dog-friendly beaches in the UK revealed

Your Pets Daily Editor — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 07:52:30 +0000

Best Beach Guide for Dogs 2021 launched

Vets Now, the country’s leading pet emergency service, has unveiled the top 50 dog-friendly beaches to ensure our nation of pet lovers stay safe on days out at the beach.

There’s beaches from all over the UK’s coastline on the coveted list – from as far north as Waters of Philorth Beach at Fraserburgh in Scotland down to Seagrove beach, Isle of Wight.

With the pandemic forcing more of us to staycation this year, the UK’s sandy getaways have become top destinations to escape to on day trips or short staycation breaks and it’s little surprise that when the sun shines there’s no better place to be with your dog than at the beach.

Vets Now experts have examined the UK’s beaches, creating a 32-page comprehensive digital guide on the best – and safest – beaches for dogs to ensure the country’s pet owners and their beloved pets have a fun and safe experience this summer at the seaside. The emergency vets took into consideration beaches where water quality is deemed high, dogs are welcomed all year round, parking and access is good and a daytime vet is based nearby.

When dog owners venture off for a day at the seaside though, you should be cautious of dangers like fish hooks, jellyfish, low tides to name just a few.

The past few months have seen a phenomenal rise in two things: people getting new pets and people booking summer ‘staycations’ rather than travelling abroad. So if you are going on holiday with your pet, emergency providers Vets Now are reminding pet owners they are just a tap away with Video Vets Now. You can book your appointment and get chatting to a qualified vet from your campsite, caravan or conservatory.

Experienced emergency vet, Dr Laura Playforth, professional standards director at Vets Now and one of the authors of the Best Beach Guide, said: “Unfortunately, pet emergencies don’t take summer holidays and each summer we witness a significant rise in emergency cases that are related to beaches and the sea.

“We’ve only chosen beaches where: water quality is deemed high, dogs are welcome all year round, parking and access is good and a daytime vet is based nearby. All those featured are within an hour’s drive of a Vets Now pet emergency clinic or hospital so, if you’re at the beach in the evening or weekend and suffer a pet emergency, you know you’re never far from expert help. Remember we also have Video Vets Now where you can speak to an experienced vet from anywhere.

“The team were really impressed with the beaches shortlisted in the guide – we were especially looking for things like pet friendliness and facilities on offer, and we wanted to give our advice on ideal beach destinations for the UK’s dog lovers.”

But even on the safest beaches, it’s always important to stay pet aware to ensure you and your dog have a fun and safe experience in the sun, surf and sand. The team have also revealed 13 Top Tips for keeping man’s best friend safe on whatever sand adventure you choose.

Laura continued: “Don’t be fooled by cool coastal breezes, temperatures on beaches often soar and you can be caught off guard, even at the end of summer. Be sure to provide a shaded area for your dog and give them plenty of fresh water.

“It can take just 15 minutes for a dog to die from a heat-related illness so never leave them in a sun trap or in a car for a nap – even with the windows down, it does little to affect the heat. Sadly this is an all-too common mistake which we see time and time again.

“If your dog is not used to swimming then the sea is not the place to start. Be careful of strong tides and rolling waves and make sure your dog doesn’t venture too far out. Waves and currents can quickly exhaust dogs. Also stop them lapping up sea water — the salt, bacteria and parasites in the water can make them sick. And keep a close eye on your dog if there’s likely to be jellyfish. Often lurking in shallow water or washed up on the beach, these troublesome creatures can cause a nasty sting and we’ve had to treat many an affected dog.”

Vets Now clinics and pet emergency hospitals are open through the night, seven-days-a-week, and day and night on weekends and bank holidays, to treat any pet emergencies that may occur.

All of Vets Now’s out-of-hours clinics and 24/7 hospitals have a vet and vet nurse on site at all times.

Vets Now has also launched an online video consultation service where experienced vets are available to discuss any worries or concerns pet owners might have. If a pet needs to be treated at any vet clinic, pet owners are refunded the online consultation fee.

Vets Now 50 Best & Safest Beaches is available to download at www.vets-now.com/dog-friendly-beaches/