Most people think a trip to the coast is the ultimate treat for a dog, but the British seaside is actually a bit of a minefield if you’re not careful. You’re likely just looking forward to a bit of fresh air and a game of fetch, completely missing the fact that everything from the water to the sand can cause a serious problem.
It’s not just the obvious stuff like big waves; it’s the hidden nasties like toxic palm oil washed up on the shore or the sudden spike in salt intake that can leave your dog in a bad way. You don’t have to stay away from the beach, but you do need to keep a proper eye on what they’re sniffing and where they’re swimming so a grand day out doesn’t end at the vet.
Blue-green algae in coastal waters
Blue-green algae blooms appear in warm, still water and are increasingly common around the British coastline during summer. They look like green paint or foam on the surface and can be difficult to spot in bright conditions. The toxins they produce are fast-acting and potentially fatal, with symptoms including vomiting, seizures, and liver failure developing within minutes of contact or ingestion.
Always check Environment Agency alerts before visiting unfamiliar coastal spots, and download the Bloomin’ Algae app which lets you check for warnings and report sightings. Keep dogs out of any water that looks discoloured or has surface scum.
Weever fish buried in the sand
Weever fish are small, well-camouflaged fish that bury themselves just beneath the surface of wet sand in shallow water and are one of the more overlooked hazards on British beaches. Their dorsal spines deliver a venom that causes immediate and intense pain along with significant swelling, and dogs paddling or digging in shallow water are particularly vulnerable.
The injury is rarely life-threatening, but it is extremely painful and requires prompt treatment, usually immersion in hot water to break down the venom. They’re most common on sandy beaches in southern and western England and Wales.
@petplanuk In most cases, a few mouthfuls of salt water may only cause mild symptoms however it can be extremely dangerous for your dog to consume large amounts 🌊 Find out more on how to keep your dog safe at the beach using the link in our bio 🏖️ #beach #beachsafety #dogsatthebeach #dogbeach #saltwaterpoisoning #saltwater #dogsafety #dogadvice #dog #dogsoftiktok #petplanadvice ♬ original sound – Petplan UK
Dried seaweed causing stomach blockages
Dried seaweed washed up on the strand line is more dangerous than it looks because it absorbs fluid in the stomach and expands significantly after being swallowed, which can cause a serious and sometimes surgical blockage. Seaweed stalks are a particular risk as they can lodge in the intestine.
On top of that, seaweed can be coated in palm oil from damaged ships, which is highly toxic to dogs, and it frequently conceals dead fish and other decomposing matter underneath it. Dogs find the smell irresistible, so it’s worth intercepting them early rather than waiting to see if they swallow anything.
Jellyfish and Portuguese man o’ war
Several species of jellyfish wash up on British beaches and while most cause only mild irritation, the Portuguese man o’ war is considerably more serious. Though frequently mistaken for a jellyfish, its tentacles retain their full stinging capacity long after it has died and washed ashore, and contact causes severe pain along with the risk of an allergic reaction.
Dogs are at particular risk because they’re likely to sniff at or mouth anything unusual on the beach, and a sting to the face or inside the mouth is among the worst outcomes. Check the water and the strand line before letting your dog investigate anything that looks unfamiliar.
Adder bites in sand dunes
Adders are the UK’s only venomous snake, and they live in dune areas on beaches around Britain, particularly on the southern and western coastline. They don’t seek confrontation but will bite in self-defence if a curious dog disturbs them, and the nose and legs are the most common strike points.
Symptoms include a visible bite wound, intense localised pain, swelling, vomiting, and in serious cases collapse. If you suspect your dog has been bitten, carry them rather than letting them walk, as movement speeds up venom circulation, and get to a vet as quickly as possible.
@petlabco♬ Sky Aesthetic – Tollan Kim
Sand impaction from eating and digging
Dogs that dig enthusiastically and then lick their paws, or that eat sand directly, can ingest enough to cause impaction in the digestive tract. This ranges from mild constipation to a serious blockage requiring surgery, and it’s more common than most owners realise. Puppies and dogs that are particularly oral are most at risk. Providing fresh water throughout the day reduces the temptation to drink from the sea and helps dilute any sand that has been swallowed incidentally.
Saltwater ingestion
Dogs that spend extended time in the sea will inevitably swallow some saltwater, and in larger quantities this causes rapid dehydration and in more severe cases salt poisoning, which produces neurological symptoms including tremors and seizures. A dog that’s been in the surf for a long time and then becomes lethargic, vomits repeatedly, or develops severe diarrhoea needs veterinary attention promptly. Fresh water available throughout the visit is the most effective prevention, and limiting time in the sea on hot days reduces the overall volume swallowed.
Heatstroke on exposed beaches
British beaches in summer can be significantly hotter than they feel to a person, particularly on the sand where reflected heat and the absence of shade combine to create surface temperatures well above the air temperature. Dark sand absorbs and retains heat particularly effectively and can also burn paw pads, so if it’s too hot to walk on barefoot it’s too hot for your dog.
Dogs regulate heat poorly after physical exertion and can develop heatstroke rapidly in these conditions. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon, keeping sessions short on hot days, and always having shade and water available are essential precautions.
Limber tail after swimming
Limber tail, also known as swimmer’s tail or rudder tail, is a painful muscle condition that develops when a dog uses its tail to propel and steer itself in water, particularly if it isn’t used to swimming regularly. The tail becomes limp and immobile, hangs down, and causes visible signs of pain, and while it usually resolves with rest it can take several days and is uncomfortable throughout. It’s most likely to affect dogs that have had a long or particularly energetic swim after limited recent water exercise. Keeping initial sea swimming sessions shorter and watching for a sudden loss of tail movement after a beach visit are both worth being aware of.
@petplanuk Did you know, dogs can also get sunburnt? If you’re planning a beach trip in the sunshine, make sure to take a pet-safe sun cream or wipe to protect your pup ☀️ Find out more on how to keep your dog safe at the beach using the link in our bio 🏖️ #beach #beachsafety #dogsatthebeach #dogbeach #sunburn #dogsunburn #dogsafety #dogadvice #dog #dogsoftiktok #petplanadvice ♬ original sound – Petplan UK
Sunburn on exposed skin
Dogs can burn in the sun, particularly on the nose, ear tips, belly, and groin, and light-coloured or thin-coated breeds are most susceptible. The coastal breeze often makes temperatures feel cooler than they are, which leads owners to underestimate the UV exposure their dog is getting. Pet-safe sun cream is available and recommended for vulnerable areas, particularly on long beach days or during peak summer months. Avoiding the beach during the hottest part of the day and providing shade reduces the overall risk considerably.
Ear infections after sea swimming
Excess moisture trapped in the ear canal after swimming is a common trigger for ear infections in dogs, particularly in breeds with floppy ears or those already prone to ear problems. Salt water and the debris it carries create ideal conditions for bacterial growth, and infections can develop quickly after a beach visit.
Gently drying your dog’s ears with a clean cloth after swimming and giving them a proper clean when you get home reduces the risk significantly. If your dog is prone to ear infections, checking in with your vet before beach season about a preventative routine is worthwhile.
Discarded fishing hooks and tackle
Beaches that are regularly used for fishing, which includes a large proportion of the British coastline, frequently have discarded hooks, monofilament line, weights, and bait left on and around the strand line and in rock pools. A swallowed hook is a surgical emergency, and fishing line can cause serious internal injury if ingested.
Lures and bait are attractive to dogs and can contain hooks that aren’t immediately visible. In areas near popular fishing spots, keeping dogs on a lead and away from the areas where tackle is likely to accumulate is the most straightforward form of prevention.