Beach Safety for Pets

Beach Days with Your Pets: Fun, Sun and Safety

There’s nothing better than watching our four-legged friends enjoy a day at the beach. However, while splashing in the waves and playing in the water can be great fun, it’s important to remember that the beach can also present some hidden risks for your pet.

Seawater Aspiration in Dogs

One risk pet owners may not be aware of is seawater aspiration.

Dogs can accidentally inhale seawater while swimming, playing in waves, retrieving toys or drinking from the ocean. When seawater enters the airways and lungs, it can cause irritation and inflammation, potentially leading to aspiration pneumonia and other serious respiratory complications.

Keeping Your Pets Safe at the Beach

How can you help keep your pet safe at the beach?

• Supervise closely: Always keep an eye on your pet when they're in or around the water.
• Be mindful of the waves: Strong waves and currents can overwhelm even confident swimmers.
• Avoid excessive water play: Repeatedly diving, retrieving toys or swallowing seawater can increase the risk of aspiration.
• Offer fresh drinking water: Bring plenty of fresh water to discourage your pet from drinking seawater.
• Take regular breaks: Allow your pet time to rest, recover and stay hydrated.
• Know when to call it a day: If your pet becomes tired, starts coughing or appears uncomfortable, remove them from the water.
• Consider a dog life jacket: A properly fitted dog life jacket can provide an extra layer of safety when enjoying the beach.

Dog Life Jackets

Life jackets help provide buoyancy, supporting your dog's body in the water and helping to keep their head above the surface. This can reduce the effort required to stay afloat, helping to minimise fatigue, particularly during longer swims or when swimming in waves. Even confident and strong swimmers can become tired, overwhelmed by waves or caught in currents. A life jacket can provide additional support and make it easier for your dog to stay afloat if they become fatigued.

When choosing a life jacket, make sure it:

• Fits securely without restricting movement or breathing

• Provides adequate buoyancy and supports your dog's body

• Has a handle on the back to help you lift your dog out of the water if needed

• Includes a visible colour to help you keep track of your dog in the water.

Remember: A life jacket is an additional safety measure, not a substitute for supervision. It also does not prevent seawater aspiration, so it's still important to monitor your dog for coughing, breathing difficulties or signs of fatigue.

Danger Signs After Beach Visits

What warning signs should you look out for in your pet after a beach visit?

If you are concerned about possible seawater aspiration, it is important to watch for:

• Persistent or new coughing
• Rapid or laboured breathing
• Increased respiratory effort
• Lethargy or unusual tiredness
• Reduced appetite
• Vomiting or general signs of feeling unwell

Importantly, respiratory signs may not always be immediately obvious and can develop or worsen after the initial exposure.

If you suspect your pet has inhaled seawater, contact your family veterinarian promptly. If your pet is struggling to breathe, seek emergency veterinary attention immediately. All VSS hospitals at Carrara (Gold Coast), Underwood and Jindalee (both Brisbane) are open 24/7 and emergency cases can be seen promptly without a referral.

Remember: enjoy the beach, embrace the adventures, but always keep a close eye on your furry companions.

A little extra awareness can make a big difference in keeping those beach days happy and safe for all pets.