T
his has been one of the hottest
summers I can remember since
moving to Guam. We are all finding
relief at the beach along with a great day of
fun for our dogs. It is so important to
think about potential safety hazards
when we take our dogs to the beach,
in and out of the water.
Dogs can also get skin cancer from the
sun, just like us. It is important to apply
sunscreen, especially to the ears, top of the
nose, and any white areas of fur. You can
purchase pet friendly sunscreen or
use baby sunscreen. Apply multiple
times if your dog likes to swim.
Most dogs love the water, but not
The first thing to remember is that
all of them can swim. And they are
stray dogs are often on the beach
much smaller than we are, so the
looking for food. They can spread
smallest of currents can be difficult
the parvo virus on the sand — a very
for dogs to navigate. Investing in a
deadly disease that can survive in
good life jacket can help with that.
the ground for many years. If your
It also helps to keep them from
By Dr. Lisa Silk
dog has not been vaccinated, it can
ingesting salt water, which can
be dangerous for them to be at the
cause intense vomiting. Drinking
beach. All puppies should have had two
salt water can also cause bacterial infections
vaccines in their series before being taken
from organisms in the water. Keeping a lot
out of your yard. The stray dogs can also
of fresh water on hand is important during
spread intestinal worms in their feces, so our
beach days, for you and for your dog, to
dogs need to be monitored to make sure they
help prevent sunstroke or heat exhaustion.
are not ingesting anything on the ground.
Dogs get overheated much more quickly
than humans. They have a dense covering of
Dogs are definitely interested in the crabs
fur, as well as minimal sweat glands to help
that burrow under the sand. We want to
disperse heat. I recommend pedialyte at the
watch for pinchers to the face from the crabs.
beach for dogs to help not only with water
The beach also contains a lot of broken
but electrolytes.
glass. It is very easy to get a cut on the paws.
Ask the Vet
Watching for glass is important, as well as
fish hooks, dead fish and garbage. These
can cause wounds to our dogs as well as
vomiting and diarrhea if they ingest items
they find. The sand can also be very hot to
their paws just like it’s hot on our bare feet.
6 I Furry Times I September 2019
The sea contains hazards as well. We do
have dangerous jellyfish on land, and in
the water. Watch for alerts regarding man-
o-war or box jellyfish, which tend to be
blown closer to the shore after a big storm
and about a week after the full moon. If you
or your dog get stung by a jellyfish, do not
believe the old wives tale of urinating on it.
Not only will your dog not appreciate it, but
it doesn’t work. Use fresh water to clean the
area and vinegar to help the pain. Then get
your pet to a vet clinic quickly.
Jellyfish can still sting after they have died
and washed up on shore. If you find one on
the beach, do not touch it. Try to bag it and
throw it away, or bury it deep in the sand,
without touching it with your hands. The
sting of some of these jellyfish causes severe
pain, allergic reactions, blisters, vomiting,
drooling, swelling, shock and possible
organ failure. The best thing to do is to use
fresh water and vinegar on the area and call
your vet immediately. Do not try removing
the stingers, just get to the vet as soon as
possible.
Having a great day at the beach is one of
the perks of living on Guam, but we want
to make it as safe as possible. I recommend
investing in a life jacket for dogs that aren’t
strong swimmers, and having a “beach bag”
for our dogs. It should contain bandage
materials, sunscreen, water bottle/bowl,
Benadryl, vinegar and fresh water. If
interested, you can stop by Isla Vet Clinic.
We have premade kits for sale based on your
dogs weight.
(Dr. Lisa Silk is the primary veterinarian
and owner of Isla Veterinarian Clinic. Send
feedback to islavetguam@gmail.com)