The short version
It’s summertime, and what could be better than a day at the beach with your best canine pal? For your dog, you should pack beach-friendly dog gear, like canine sunscreen, fresh water, insulated dog bowl, dog water bottle, dog towel, dog-friendly tennis balls, life jacket, and you’re ready to go!
But suppose each time your dog retrieves that tennis ball on the beach, it becomes covered with sand. Before you know it, your outfielder has swallowed a decent amount of those tiny particles. So, what’s the problem?
How and Why Would a Dog Ingest Sand?
You may not see your dog actually chowing down on a pile of sand, but you may notice your pal:
Usually, swallowing just a little bit of sand won’t really hurt your dog. But add all of these activities together, and before you know it, you and your dog may have a big problem.
Symptoms of Sand Impaction
How can you tell when your enthusiastic playmate has swallowed too much sand? If you’ve gone to the beach and you see the following symptoms, you need to get your dog to a veterinarian right away.
Sand Impaction Treatment
According to Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, the veterinarian will ask you questions about your dog’s activities, will examine the dog’s abdominal area, and most likely do an ultrasound or X-ray.
Your dog may need to receive medication for pain and IV fluids to help pass the sand that is lodged in the GI tract. This can require hospitalization. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary.
Sand Impaction Prevention
There are several steps you can take to prevent your dog from ingesting enough sand to be dangerous. These include:
Other Risks for Your Dog at the Beach
Dogs love the beach, and we love having them with us. In order to make sure the experience is a good one, keep the following risks in mind (in addition to sand impaction and saltwater poisoning):
Frequently asked questions
Dog eating sand?
The AKC covers this in the article linked on this page. It’s summertime, and what could be better than a day at the beach with your best canine pal? For your dog, you should pack beach-friendly dog gear, l… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.
Dog eating sandwich?
The AKC covers this in the article linked on this page. It’s summertime, and what could be better than a day at the beach with your best canine pal? For your dog, you should pack beach-friendly dog gear, l… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.
Dog eating sand and dirt?
The AKC covers this in the article linked on this page. It’s summertime, and what could be better than a day at the beach with your best canine pal? For your dog, you should pack beach-friendly dog gear, l… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.