Saltwater and Dogs – Risks, Symptoms, and Solutions
Summer means blue skies and cooling off in the ocean. Many of us share these moments with our beloved dogs. But beneath the surface of that inviting saltwater lies a hidden danger for our furry friends. In this article, we'll explore the potential hazards of saltwater for dogs, symptoms of salt poisoning, and crucial precautions to ensure your canine companion stays safe and healthy during those refreshing ocean dips.
When dogs swim or play in the sea, they can drink the water (intentionally or accidentally) or lick it from their fur. Salt intake can lead to a range of health risks.
Risks to dogs from too much saltwater intake
Excessive salt intake can lead to salt poisoning, also known as hypernatremia. Symptoms may include:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- reduced appetite
- fatigue
- abnormally large urine volume
- significant thirst
In more severe cases, dogs may exhibit:
- tremors
- seizures
- fever
- coma
- deaths
Additionally, saltwater can irritate a dog's coat and skin, leading to dryness, itching, and skin irritation. ㅤKnowing how to take care of your dog's coat during the summer is important; read more in our article on Caring for Your Dog’s Summer Coat.
How to protect your dog from saltwater hazards
Fortunately, there are preventive measures you can take to protect your dog. First and foremost, ensure that your dog always has access to fresh drinking water when you're at the beach. This reduces the risk of your dog drinking saltwater to quench its thirst.
After a dip in the sea, rinse off your dog with fresh water if possible. This helps remove any salt from the fur and skin, minimizing the risk of your dog licking saltwater.
Safe cooling for your dog: Tips for the beach
While a day at the beach can be a fun activity for both you and your dog, it's important to be aware of the potential risks of saltwater. After a dip in the sea, rinse off your dog with fresh water if possible. This helps remove any salt from the fur and skin, minimizing the risk of your dog licking saltwater. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your dog enjoys its time in the blue safely and healthily.
As salty seawater is not the only dangerous thing for bathing dogs, please read Algae Poisoning in Dogs – Risks, Symptoms, and Solutions.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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