What Happens if My Dog Eats Sand?
When the weather gets warm, there is no better way to spend an afternoon outside than by heading to the sandy beaches with your dog, but it’s important to be aware of the tiny danger all around you: sand.
Sand, in small doses, is usually nothing to worry about. However, if your dog consumes too many of these tiny particles, this could mean big problems. Read on for the information Sit Means Sit has on this topic:
The Dangers of Sand
If your dog accidentally consumes a little bit of sand while they dig holes, picking up a stick, tennis ball, or a toy, you probably have nothing to worry about. However, if your dog eats too much, they can have some issues.
Particles of sand are super tiny. However, when they get wet, they clump together and become heavy and solid. This can happen in your dog’s intestines causing a blockage in their intestinal tract.
Potential Health Risks of Sand Ingestion
Gastrointestinal Distress
If your dog eats sand, it can irritate their digestive tract. Severe cases of sand ingestion include symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. If not promptly addressed, Issues with the GI tract can cause discomfort and dehydration.
Intestinal Blockages or Sand Impaction
One of the most serious risks pet owners must be aware of if their dog ate sand is an intestinal blockage. Sand can accumulate in your dog’s intestines, creating sand impaction that blocks and prevents food and liquids from passing through. This condition is life-threatening and could require hospitalization and immediate veterinary care.
Dehydration
Sand ingestion can lead to dehydration. This is very serious, especially if dogs are experiencing clinical signs such as vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration can worsen your dog’s condition and they might require medical management and intravenous fluids.
Electrolyte Imbalance
Severe vomiting and diarrhea can result in an electrolyte imbalance, even if your dog is drinking water. This can affect your dog’s overall health and lead to complications such as tremors or heart issues in severe cases.
Is My Dog Eating Sand?
While you may not notice your dog going to town licking up as much sand as they can get into their mouths, you may notice them doing other things like:
- Drinking sandy water
- Licking the sand off of their paws or body
- Licking the sand off of you
- Digging a hole with sand flying into their face
- Picking up toys or sticks out of the sand over and over
They probably aren’t intentionally eating sand, but over time, they may consume enough sand in small doses to cause a problem.
Steps to Take if Your Dog Ate Sand
Monitor your dog closely for any signs of distress or discomfort. Take note of any symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
Encourage your dog to drink plenty of fresh water. Hydration is essential, especially if your dog is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.
Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian. Inducing vomiting can sometimes cause more harm than good.
Avoid feeding your dog a large meal. Instead, offer small amounts of bland food like boiled chicken and rice to see if they can keep it down without further vomiting.
Reach out to your veterinarian for advice. Explain the situation and provide details about your dog’s symptoms. Your veterinarian can guide you on the next steps and whether an immediate visit is necessary.
Signs My Dog Is Experiencing Sand Impaction
There are certain signs you can look for in order to determine if they have swallowed too much sand. They include:
- Constipation
- Hard mass in the stomach area
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration
- Vomiting
- Panting
- Restlessness
How to Treat Sand Impaction
The best thing to do if you notice your dog is not feeling well is to get your dog in to see the veterinarian. The vet will most likely examine your dog’s abdomen, take some x-rays or an ultrasound, and make recommendations from there.
Treatments may include pain medicine, and IV fluids to help pass the sand, or in extreme cases, they may need surgery to remove the blockage.
How to Prevent My Dog From Eating Sand and Sand Impaction
There are a few different ways you can prevent your dog from ingesting too much sand.
First, keep a close eye on your dog at the beach and redirect them if they seem to be ingesting sand. Also, if you are bringing toys to the beach, bring ones that won’t absorb or attract sand such as a plastic frisbee or ball.
Bring fresh water and a clean container to drink out of – don’t allow your dog to drink salt water.
Hose off or bathe your dog as soon as you leave the beach to prevent your dog from licking the sand off of themselves.
Taking your dog to the beach can be an amazing and fun way to spend a day as long as you are always keeping your pup’s health and safety at the front of your mind. If you are thinking about taking your dog to the beach for the first time, here are some of our top tips for having the most fun possible.
Other Dangers at the Beach That Dog Owners Should Be Aware Of
It’s imperative to provide shade and fresh drinking water (no ingesting salt water!) for our dogs when outdoors. Most dogs love the beach and will continue playing. However, there is always a risk they could develop heatstroke. This can turn deadly and require immediate veterinary care.
Some dogs are at a greater risk for sunburn than others, even if outside at the beach for only a few hours. Hairless breeds and dogs with white coats are more susceptible.
If the sand is too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Dogs can burn and blister their paw pads on hot sand, causing pain and blisters.
If dogs come into contact with a jellyfish, bring them to the vet immediately. If they ingest a dead jellyfish, they might vomit. Exposure to jellyfish “can cause acute respiratory distress, dry eyes, urinary retention, and cardiac arrest.” Medical management or pain medications might be needed for your pet.
Finally, aside from not letting your dog eat sand, also do not let them ingest wild seaweed! Dry seaweed can contain toxins, absorbing water and swelling inside the stomach. Like sand impaction, this can cause a blockage and result in emergency surgery.