Pet beach safety

There’s no better time than a warm summer day to take your dog for a trip to the beach.

While your furry friend may love frolicking in the sand and surf, it’s up to you to keep your dog safe from the hidden dangers at the beach.

AWLQ rehoming partner PETstock vet Dr Rachel Chang has revealed what to look out for on your day at the beach.

Jellyfish

“Dogs can be stung by jellyfish by stepping on them or biting them, usually out of curiosity,” Dr Chang said.

“Poisonous jellyfish stings can cause swelling of the head and face, wobbliness, hives, drooling and anaphylactic reactions.

“If you notice these signs, you should take your dog to a veterinarian immediately.”

Snakes

“Pet owners should always be on the lookout for snakes, which like to sunbathe on warm days, particularly on warm rocks,” Dr Chang said.

“An inquisitive dog may get bitten, so keep an eye on your buddy and monitor them for signs of a snake bite – lethargy, wobbliness, drooling and vomiting.”

Paralysis ticks

“The paralysis tick is found along the eastern coast from Cooktown in Queensland to Lakes Entrance in Victoria,” Dr Chang said.

“As the name suggests, this tick causes paralysis starting from the hind legs, then spreading to the front legs.

“If you are travelling to these coastal areas in spring and summer, we strongly recommend that you use appropriate tick protection.

Fishing equipment

“Pet owners also need to be careful of baits and other objects lying around,” Dr Chang said.

“Many dogs are inclined to chew or swallow things like bait or fishhooks because they smell fishy.

“In some cases, this can cause diarrhoea and vomiting. In more severe cases, the object may need to be surgically removed.”

Sun

“Heat stroke is another risk on warm days, particularly with energetic dogs, and happens when the dog’s body temperature gets too high,” Dr Chang said.

“This is caused by a combination of hot weather, high-energy activities such as running and sometimes dehydration.

“Signs of heat stroke include heavy panting, vomiting and lethargy.

“In severe cases, dogs can seem dazed and appear to lose consciousness.

“This can be a life-threatening emergency – if you think your dog has heat stroke, pour water over them and offer them water to drink, then get straight into the car with the air conditioner on maximum and take them straight to the vet.

“Do not wrap your dog in a wet towel as this may make them even warmer.

“To reduce the risk of heat stroke, avoid visiting the beach in the hottest part of the day – mornings or late afternoons are best.”