As Australian families head to the coast to beat the summer heat, a leading pet insurer has issued a stark warning: January is a peak month for costly veterinary emergencies, with unsuspecting beach trips posing serious risks to dogs.
Common Coastal Dangers for Canines
Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) spokeswoman Nadia Crighton cautions that the fun of a seaside outing can quickly turn dangerous. "We see a mix of fun and risk at beaches," Ms Crighton said. "A great day out can take a turn quickly, whether it's a stung paw, dehydration, or sand ingestion."
One of the most prevalent threats is dehydration and saltwater sickness. Dogs panting heavily in the heat may ingest seawater, leading to vomiting, dehydration, and dangerous electrolyte imbalances. "If you notice your pet behaving strangely or showing any symptoms after a swim, it is imperative to seek veterinary advice and treatment quickly," Ms Crighton emphasised.
Another serious and surprisingly frequent issue is sand ingestion. Dogs chasing balls along the shore can swallow significant amounts of sand, which can build up in their digestive tract causing a potentially life-threatening blockage known as sand impaction. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and abdominal pain.
Hidden Hazards: From Paws to Parasites
The summer sun heats beach sand to scorching temperatures, capable of causing painful burns and blisters on sensitive paw pads. A simple test is recommended: if the sand is too hot for the back of your hand, it is far too hot for your dog's paws.
Coastal environments also hide physical dangers like blue-bottle jellyfish, razor shells, and sea urchins, whose stings and cuts are among the more common insurance claims. PIA advises owners to rinse their dogs thoroughly after swimming and to monitor pets around fishing equipment, as ingested fish hooks can result in surgeries costing thousands of dollars.
Even freshwater swimming spots in lakes and slow-moving waterways are not without peril, as they can harbour parasites such as Giardia and leptospirosis.
The Silent Threat of Secondary Drowning
One of the lesser-known but very real risks is secondary drowning, sometimes called 'dry drowning'. This can occur when dogs inhale or swallow water while swimming or playing in waves, with symptoms potentially developing hours later.
"Signs can include persistent coughing, difficulty or rapid breathing, extreme fatigue, pale or blue gums, restlessness, anxiety and vomiting," Ms Crighton explained. She noted that ball-obsessed breeds chasing toys into the surf are particularly at risk, and any change in breathing after water play should be treated as an emergency.
With veterinary costs rising across Australia, the financial impact of these incidents can be significant. Ensuring microchip and registration details are current is also crucial, as busy beaches increase the risk of even well-trained dogs becoming lost while chasing distractions.
Ms Crighton's final advice for a safe summer is clear: "Being vigilant, understanding the risks and symptoms is paramount for all pet owners." By planning ahead and recognising the hazards, dog owners can ensure a fun and safe beach season for their entire family.
