Dogs do come into the hospital from time to time after a beach mishap,” says Kelly Gavin, doctor of internal medicine at the Veterinary Emergency & Referral Group in Brooklyn. Here, she shares some beach safety tips:
* Tick season goes through December, and beaches can be a haven for the Lyme disease-carrying bloodsuckers. Before you go, consult your vet about tick control.
* Bring your own water so little Fifi isn’t left lapping up salt water.
* Don’t let your dog scarf down sand; it can block the digestive tract, as can the foreign objects lurking on the shore.
* Watch for sharp glass and jagged shells along the water’s edge that could puncture paws. Rinse feet as soon as you leave the beach to ease sandy chafing.
* After the beach, remove your dog’s wet collar to avoid skin infection.
* Watch for excessive post-beach squinting. It could be a sign your dog has sand in its eyes, which can lead to a corneal ulcer. Seek veterinary care immediately.