Five little-known dangers dog owners must know when walking on beach during heatwave

If you’re beach bound, there are things you need to know to ensure it’s a safe, fun day out for your furry friend

Spring is well underway and with a supposed mini-heatwave on the way, Scots dogs owners will be gearing up for all the places they can take their furry friend to make the most of the blazing sun and scorching temperatures.

A walking trail has just been named as Scotland’s best “dog-friendly getaway”. Earlier this month, holidaycottages.co.uk listed the top dog-friendly getaways in the UK based on internal booking data.

Coming in at number one for Scotland, and three for the whole of the UK, is the Fife Coastal Path. If you’re a water baby, although many UK beaches ban dogs during this time of the year, plenty still allow them.

But if you’re lucky enough to live near a beach or are journeying to one, there are some things you need to know.

Most dog owners know the risks of saltwater ingestion, sharp objects, such as broken shells, and heatstroke to dogs, but there are some lesser-known beach dangers to watch out for when you’re next out for a stroll.

To help, the team at Dog Friendly Retreats has shared five things dog owners need to watch out for when heading to the beach at this time of year.

Blue-green algae

Some blue-green algae blooms can be highly toxic to dogs, even if they just paddle through the water they’re in or lick their fur after swimming. They often look like greenish scum on the surface of the water or along shorelines.

They can also be invisible and are most prevalent in the UK in warmer weather conditions.

Check for warning signs when you arrive at the beach before letting your dog take a dip, and keep them away from any water you suspect may contain blue-green algae.

Blue-green algae can be harmful to humans, other animals, and the environment.

To help mitigate the risks, you can report any sightings to your local council’s environmental health department, the Environment Agency’s incident hotline, or via the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology’s Bloomin’ Algae app.

Dry drowning

Most dogs love splashing around in the sea, but not many owners know about the risk of dry drowning.

This can happen when a dog inhales water, leading to breathing difficulties hours later. If your dog starts coughing, seems extra tired, or has trouble breathing after swimming, seek advice from your vet straight away.

It’s a rare condition, but one to be aware of after a day at the coast.

Foxtails and other coastal grasses

While dunes and grassy areas can be fun to explore, they often hide sharp seed heads like foxtails. These barbed seeds can easily get stuck in your dog’s paws, ears, or even their nose, causing discomfort or infection.

After your walk, give your dog a quick once-over, paying special attention to their paws and ears. Brushing them down can help remove any hitchhiking seeds before they cause a problem.

Leftover bait

Some beaches are popular with anglers meaning leftover bait such as fish, squid, or worms left behind. These can be irresistible to dogs but could lead to upset stomachs or worse if the bait contains harmful preservatives or hooks.

Keep your dog close in these areas and teach them to “leave it” in case they sniff out something suspicious.

Beach tar/oil residue

Occasionally, patches of tar or oily residue wash up along the shoreline, particularly after storms. These can stick to your dog’s paws or coat and may cause irritation or illness if licked off later.

If you spot any dark, sticky patches on the beach, steer clear.

After your day, it’s worth wiping your dog down to remove any sand, salt, or residue they might have picked up.

Similarly to blue-green algae, you can report any sightings of tar or oil on UK beaches to your local council.

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