OUR Irish beaches have been as good as any Mediterranean holiday spot this last while. For many of us a trip to the beach wouldn’t be the same without our four-legged friends galloping across the shoreline but a dip in the Atlantic may not be as safe as you think.

For dogs, the sea represents an opportunity to splash and swim and more often than not swallow great mouthfuls of salty sea water. However, drinking sea-water can be really dangerous for dogs and can result in harmful side effects including diarrhoea and vomiting. In extreme cases, it can cause seizures and even death.

The high levels of salt in sea water makes it dangerous for your dog who can quickly become dehydrated if they drink too much of it. According to Gem Farrell of Warren House Veterinary Centre: “When a dog ingests too much salt, its body tries to correct the imbalance. Their body cells release water to balance the high salt levels in the blood, which can make your dog feel dizzy, lethargic, and confused. When the levels of salt in the blood get too high, their muscles stiffen up as they lose moisture, which can result in shaking or tremors. It’s important to always bring plenty of fresh drinking water with you every time you visit the beach with your dog.”

If you have been at the beach and your dog seems to be behaving differently, such as looking confused or walking strangely, it could be a sign that they have ingested too much seawater.

Symptoms of salt-water poisoning on dogs

What to do if your dog drinks sea water?

Most dogs will recover after drinking seawater, but you’ll need to monitor your dog to make sure that nothing changes and no symptoms start to develop. Offer them fresh water every 30 minutes or so to rehydrate them. If your dog continues to show symptoms of salt water poisoning or you have any concerns, speak to your vet.