Going to a dog-friendly beach with your dog can be a lot of fun during the summer, but it comes with its own set of risks. One major concern is that your dog might swallow sand. You may not realize that sand can be very dangerous for dogs if ingested. While you might think that your pet isn’t in danger of it because they don’t eat sand intentionally, the truth is that most incidences of sand ingestion are accidental.
So, if you plan on going to the beach this summer, keep a watchful eye on your pet!
Has your dog eaten sand?
Ingesting a little bit of sand is unlikely to harm your dog. However, if your dog spends a day at the beach playing fetch, digging holes, and running around, they are likely to ingest a lot of it accidentally. Ingesting large amounts of sand can lead to sand impaction, where the sand compacts and stays stuck inside your dog’s intestinal tract, stopping food and water from passing through and causing painful stomach cramps.
What are the symptoms of a blockage in a dog?
Symptoms of sand impaction in dogs include lethargy, pale gums, excessive panting, shaking or trembling, dehydration (check for a dry nose and/or gums), loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea (sometimes with blood), and a hardened abdomen. Fortunately, dogs tend to recover quickly with proper care from a veterinarian. However, sand impaction can be fatal in more severe cases, especially if left untreated. It is vital to seek emergency veterinary services as soon as your dog starts showing any signs.
What will a vet do if my dog has ingested sand?
A vet will examine your dog to assess how serious the condition is. In some instances, if your dog has already been sick and isn’t showing other severe symptoms, your vet may just advise you to keep a close eye on them without prescribing any particular veterinary treatment.
However, if the situation is serious, the vet will likely start by giving your dog something to encourage vomiting to help expel the sand from the gut. If your dog is severely dehydrated, they may administer intravenous fluids, which can also help move the sand through the intestinal tract. In severe cases, surgery might be required to remove the compacted sand.
Is there a home remedy for sand impaction in dogs?
You should always take your dog to the vet if you start noticing signs of sand impaction. Only your vet can determine the severity of your dog’s condition. If they believe no special veterinary treatment is needed, then just keep a careful watch on your pet's health and ensure it doesn’t deteriorate. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water. You can also help them pass the sand through their gut by feeding them one or two teaspoons of pumpkin purée along with their kibble.
How to stop a dog from eating sand
Dogs don't typically eat sand deliberately. Most incidences of sand ingestion are accidental, so it can be challenging to prevent. However, here are a few tips to minimise the risk:
Avoid playing fetch on the beach
When your dog uses their mouth to pick up toys from the ground, they are likely to inadvertently ingest sand. In fact, most sand impaction cases result from a game of fetch on the beach. If possible, avoid taking dog toys to the beach. However, if you do want to bring some with you, then choose ones that have a flat and smooth surface, such as a frisbee. These will pick up less sand than a tennis ball would.
Don’t let your dog dig holes
Digging in the sand is fun but can be a very dangerous activity for your pet. If your dog has its nose close to the ground, it is likely to ingest sand. If you see your dog trying to dig, try to distract it with another activity.
Don’t let your dog drink sea water
Sea water is dangerous for dogs (and humans) to ingest because of its high salinity. But it also contains lots of sand! Make sure you bring lots of fresh water to the beach so you can keep your dog hydrated and avoid them getting so thirsty they’ll be tempted to drink sea water. Also, avoid throwing toys into the water for your dog to fetch, as this will inevitably lead to sea water ingestion.
Don’t stay at the beach too long
The longer your dog is at the beach, the more sand will likely get into your dog's system. Enjoy your time at the beach, but be mindful of how long you stay. Afterwards, a bath and nap can help your dog recover from their beach adventure.
Put an open-basket muzzle on your dog
If your dog is a compulsive eater, going on walks can pose a serious risk to them. However, by putting an open-basket muzzle on your dog, you’re allowing them to breathe properly and protecting them from ingesting things that are hazardous to their health, including sand.
Ask your vet for advice
If your dog loves eating sand and other unusual things, they could suffer from a nutritional deficiency. Speak to your veterinarian about this to see whether you should change your dog’s diet. Also, ensure you’re regularly giving your dog worming tablets.
As long as you keep these tips in mind, you’ll have a blast at the beach with your dog!
