Is Salt Water Safe for Dogs?

Us humans are constantly hearing about the benefits and dangers of salt water. While salt water is beneficial for us in some ways, it can also be harmful in others. Therefore, it’s only reasonable for you to be curious about saltwater safety for dogs as well. Here in Tampa, our dogs want to get all of the saltwater swimming in that they can, so read on to learn more about saltwater safety for your pup.

Side Effects of Drinking Salt Water

Consuming too much salt water can lead to diarrhea and dehydration in your dog. If they drink water too quickly, it may also lead to vomiting, especially if they accidentally ingested sand as well. Your dog could also accidentally swallow some bacteria, algae, or other toxins at the beach, which can be even more harmful for dogs and may even lead to later illnesses. For these reasons, you should limit your dog’s exposure to salt water and try to prevent them from ingesting saltwater when you can.

How to Keep Your Dog From Ingesting Salt Water

The best way to prevent your dog from drinking salt water is to make sure that they have a full supply of fresh water to rehydrate when necessary. All that running, jumping, and swimming may cause dehydration in your dog, so having fresh water stores will ensure that your pup doesn’t resort to salt water instead of fresh water. We recommend bringing a water bottle and portable dog dish for your dog to sip on water when they get thirsty. Some dog beaches have water fountains, but you shouldn’t bank on it.

Salt water can be toxic for dogs, so always exercise caution at the beach and keep an eye on your furry friend. Coming prepared is the best way for you to prevent further illness in your dog. Always remember: fresh water only!