​Dogs going to any UK beach in summer issued urgent 'toxicity' warning

Dogs going to any UK beach in summer issued urgent 'toxicity' warning Pet parents taking their dogs to the beach this summer should be careful around a fairly common 'toxic' hazard with dangerous consequences As temperatures continue to soar, scores of humans — and their furry companions — are looking for respite from the sweltering heat. Every summer, UK beaches see a surge in numbers of both humans and pets visiting the coastline in an attempt to cool off. With 2026 bringing with it record-breaking heatwaves and hot days and this year will be no exception. For pet parents taking their four-legged friends, especially dogs, to the beach this summer — there’s one glaring and common hazard that requires caution. Dog owners are being urged to be wary of one condition your pet can suffer from after what may seem like a harmless visit to the beach — and it’s the ideal scenario for ‘prevention is better than cure’. While there’s nothing better than seeing your beloved pet running freely along the coastline of a beach and frolicking in the cool water, caution must be exercised when it comes to dogs unconsciously consuming too much sea water. Sea water has extremely high salt levels and a leading vet has warned against everything that can go wrong if your pooch consumes too much of this salt water by mistake on a beach day. Dr Anna Foreman, in-house vet at Everypaw Pet Insurance, has urged pet owners to be vigilant and keep a close eye on their dogs this summer during their visits to the UK’s beautiful beaches. The leading vet has also warned against dogs eating sand, which can bring with it another load of serious problems which require veterinary intervention. Research carried out by Everypaw shows that online searches for ‘beaches that allow dogs’ has risen by 181% over the last three months, while searches for ‘dog-friendly beaches’ have skyrocketed by 174% in the same time period. Urging pet owners to exercise serious caution, Dr Anna has highlighted the common hazards involved in taking dogs to the beach. ‘Salt toxicity’ - the beach’s most dangerous dog-hazard Speaking about the health hazard that presents itself when dogs unknowingly drink too much sea water, the vet shares: “The high salt levels [in sea water] can lead to a gastrointestinal upset, or even ‘salt toxicity’ (neurological signs) if consumed in high enough levels.” According to the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists: “Ingestion of large amounts of salt can cause sodium ion poisoning in pets. “Vomiting is most often the first clinical sign of toxicity. Other signs may include diarrhoea, depression, lethargy, tremors, seizures, shortness of breath, and disorientation. These signs have been reported within 3 hours of ingestion. “Toxicosis may occur with 2-3 g/kg of sodium chloride ingestion. Consumption of 4 g/kg can be fatal.” Most common dog-hazards at the beach It’s not just the salt water that can wreak havoc on your pet’s health during a beach visit — eating sand can also pose serious health risks according to Dr Anna. The vet shares: “A dog is at risk of an impaction if they eat sand, which usually requires veterinary intervention, most seriously surgery, to resolve.” Quicksand is another scenario to watch out for, as the vet adds: “Some beaches have quicksand on them which is a massive hazard to both humans and dogs if stepped on. Quicksand is often indistinguishable to normal sand.” It goes without saying, but drowning is of course another thing to watch out for when it comes to your pet’s safety at the beach. As with any water source, especially those with oceanic currents and tides, there is always a risk of dogs drowning in the water, especially if they find themselves caught in a rip tide or aren’t the strongest swimmers. It’s especially important to be vigilant if you take your dog to the beach and it’s advisable to always have a hands-on approach and be constantly aware of your pet’s surroundings when they’re playing near the shoreline. Dr Anna has shared another thing to watch out for when your dog is at the beach: “Much like with pavements, sand can heat up in the sun and be very hot on a dog’s paws, leading to burns.” Top tips for keeping dogs safe at the beach Keep a close watch While it may feel like a doggie haven with its wide-open spaces and seemingly endless stretch of sand and coastline, it’s imperative not to let your dogs roam unattended at the beach. The risk of drowning, quicksand, falling off rocks or ingesting too much salt water and sand means it's crucial to be vigilant when visiting the beach with your pet this summer. If you have a curious dog who loves exploring and eating things they shouldn’t, it’s best to keep your pet on a lead or make them wear a wide-ended muzzle which allows them to pant to cool off yet will keep them safe according to the vet. Plan your beach walk Dr Anna also recommends taking your pooches for a walk “early in the morning or later in the afternoon”. She explains: “Hot temperatures can lead to burned paws if the sand or stones are hot, and can be fatal to dogs if they develop heatstroke.” Research before you go Another small yet powerful action you can take as a pet owner before taking your dog to the beach is to research the place you’re going to in advance. “Make sure a beach is dog friendly before visiting,” advises Dr Anna. Wash dogs off while exiting the beach Washing your dog off while exiting the beach will not only will it make your life easier as you return home, but it's actually important for your dog's health and safety. Dr Anna advises: “Wash dogs off when exiting a beach. Do not let them lick sand or seawater off themselves as both can be dangerous if ingested.”