VET’S WARNING OVER BEACH TRIP
ACOUNTY Durham vet has urged owners to watch their pets while at the beach this summer after a much-loved family dog needed emergency treatment following a trip to Seaton Sluice.
Ruby the Cockapoo became seriously ill when she accidentally swallowed sand while playing ball on the beach.
The four-legged companion was rushed to Prince Bishop Veterinary Hospital, Leadgate, near Consett, where an X-ray showed that her stomach was full of sand. Now the veterinary practice is warning that ingesting large quantities of sand could prove fatal for dogs.
Prince Bishop Veterinary Hospital vet Amanda Foo, who treated Ruby, said: “I was shocked how much sand was inside Ruby’s intestines. It was making her very uncomfortable. The sand was very dry, so the fluid therapy moistened it and helped ease it through her intestines so she could pass it naturally.
“There was so much sand inside Ruby it was unlikely to have moved on its own, and if left untreated it would have put her at risk of a ruptured intestine, which can be fatal. Ruby is very lucky that her owner brought her to us so quickly, so she could get the help she needed straight away.”
Amanda gave little Ruby pain relief to make her feel better and administered fluids to encourage the sand to move through her digestive system.
After an overnight stay at the hospital following the fluid therapy, 48 hours later Amanda could see that most of the sand had left Ruby’s system.
Amanda added that while the beach can be a fun place to take your dog, it’s important to be aware of the hazards and to keep a close eye on them for any signs they may be unwell. She said: “Something else to look out for is dogs swallowing seawater, which is dangerous because it contains a lot of salt and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration.
“Dogs can swallow the water by accident when they’re swimming in the sea, while others might be tempted to drink it if they become really thirsty, so always remember to take some freshwater to the beach for your pet, and a bowl to drink out of.
“Also, it’s really important to provide shade for your dog and don’t encourage them to run about too much on hot days, because some dogs can quickly overheat.”
Ruby’s owner, Helen Stokoe is delighted her pet made a full recovery, thanks to the care and treatment she received at Prince Bishop Veterinary Hospital.
Helen from Consett said: “I am so grateful to the team at Prince Bishop for all they did for Ruby. They were very caring and I can’t fault how they looked after her and made her better.
“She was sick in the car on the way home, and again when she got back, and each time she was bringing up sand. I was very worried.
“I had no idea that sand could cause such a problem for dogs, and when Amanda showed me Ruby’s X-ray I was horrified at how much she had swallowed.
“Ruby had been playing fetch, which is her favourite game with a tennis ball on a dry area of the beach, and I imagine the dry, loose sand clung to the ball then went into Ruby’s mouth every time she picked it up. In the future when we take Ruby to the seaside, we will try and find an area away from the beach to play ball or use a smooth ball that the sand won’t stick to so easily.”
Prince Bishop Veterinary Hospital has issued some tips to help dog owners keep pets safe when visiting the beach:
1) Very hot sand can burn your dog’s paws, so try to go at cooler times.
2) Short-haired breeds with pale fur and exposed pink skin are at risk of sunburn, so protect them using a sunblock designed for dogs. Don’t apply it too close to their eyes or nose.
3) Watch out for jellyfish as they can give a nasty sting or cause vomiting. If your dog gets stung, call your vet.
4) If your dog is older, unfit or not used to swimming, be cautious because they could become exhausted, suffer from cramp or struggle with waves.
5) Rubbish, discarded food and dead fish or birds can cause harm if eaten. Take a toy that you can exchange for anything they might pick up.
6) If a fish hook becomes embedded in your dog’s mouth, call your vet and don’t try to remove it yourself as you could cause even more damage.
7) Eating large amounts of seaweed can cause a blockage in the intestines. If your dog vomits or has difficulty going to the toilet, call your vet.
8) The risk of heatstroke increases at 16C, so be careful when exercising your dog in these temperatures. Flat-faced breeds, large breeds and overweight dogs can overheat in temperatures as low as 12-15C.
9) If your pet is stung in the mouth or throat by a bee or wasp, suffers multiple stings, struggles to breathe or collapses after being stung, call your vet.