Pets by the water: safety and first aid

Water, sun and unfamiliar surroundings carry small risks , with a little care, the beach day stays safe and happy for your animal. Here are the key dangers by the water and what belongs in the first-aid kit.

Heat & shade

• Heatstroke risk: heavy panting, staggering, a dark-red tongue , get into the shade at once, cool with lukewarm (not ice-cold) water and go to the vet.
• Always shade & water: a spot under the sun sail and a full water bowl are a must, avoid the midday sun.
• Hot sand: burns paws , in the blazing midday heat, take a break.
• Never in the car: a parked car becomes a deadly trap within minutes.

Salt water & blue-green algae

• No drinking salt water: causes diarrhoea and can lead to salt poisoning , offer fresh water.
• Blue-green algae are toxic: with green-blue streaks, cloudy water or warning signs, do not let the dog into the water or drink it. Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can be fatal to dogs , if you suspect them, go to the vet at once.

Mum says: With green streaks in the water, the dog stays on land , no debate. Blue-green algae are no joke, better one notch too careful.

In and by the water

• Current & wind: offshore wind and current are easily underestimated , don’t let your dog go too far out.
• Exhaustion: swimming tires quickly, enforce breaks.
• Beach hazards: shells and broken glass cut paws, fishing hooks and spoiled flotsam are off-limits , let it eat nothing.
• No stick: dangerous when fetched , always a proper toy.

Ticks, parasites & first aid

• Ticks: check the animal after the day, don’t forget tick protection.
• First-aid kit: a tick tool, dressings and paw protection, wound disinfectant, tweezers for splinters and a foil blanket.
• Sort it in advance: note the phone number and address of the nearest vet at your destination, keep chip and registry data up to date.

Mum says: Save the nearest vet at your destination into your phone on day one. In an emergency every minute counts, and searching is the last thing you want to do then.

In short: safe by the water

• Shade, fresh water, avoid midday heat and hot sand, never leave it in the car.
• No drinking salt water, out of the water if you suspect blue-green algae.
• Mind currents, exhaustion, shells and fishing hooks, no stick.
• Check for ticks, carry a first-aid kit.
• Sort out the local vet and chip data in advance.

Note: our own pet food and accessories shop is being built , as soon as it’s live, you’ll find first-aid kits, paw protection and accessories here directly. Until then: the content stands on its own, even without a single click.