file photo by ArtChick
July 30,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, in a recent blog post by Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital reminds readers of a few safety tips for visiting the beach with your dog. ( https://www.ridgewoodvet.com/blog/2016/07/06/beach-safety-tips-for-the-172639 )
First its water safety , “Although some dogs seem to be natural swimmers, flat-nosed and barrel-chested breeds, like Bulldogs, have a hard time staying afloat. When in doubt, make sure that your dog is wearing a life vest, and never leave your pup unsupervised in or even near the water.”
“it’s always best to steer your pet toward calmer waters, away from speedboats and rough surf.” and of course , “try to keep your dog from guzzling too much salt water, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. The water in lakes, ponds and streams can also be problematic and contain microorganisms that can lead to illness. ”
The next issue is the sun , it’s easy for canines to overheat, particularly such flat-nosed breeds as Pugs and Pekingese, which can succumb to the heat faster than others. So be sure to provide a cool place in the shade”
They also mention that , “Canines with pink or light-colored noses or thin, short coats are at a higher risk of developing sunburn and skin cancer. ” And for sun screen , “look for a fragrance-free pet sunscreen or a sunblock with broad spectrum UVA and UVB barriers. Apply the sunscreen to vulnerable areas, such as the nose, ear tips and belly — and try to keep your dog from licking it off before it fully soaks in. For dogs with thin, white coats, a T-shirt can also help further protect sun-vulnerable backs and tummies.”
As for the hot sand , “Chasing Frisbees across the hot sand can burn tender paw pads….So keep your pup’s paws protected with strap-on booties.’
At the end of the day, rinse your dog with clean water to remove any sand or salt from his coat. Use a towel to dry him off”
see more : https://www.ridgewoodvet.com/blog/2016/07/06/beach-safety-tips-for-the-172639
