S alt poisoning
Anyone who has already drunk a cup in the Mediterranean or in the Atlantic Ocean has not only noticed the importance of seawater salinity. And, for good reason, this water contains on average between 35 and 40 grams of s alt per litre. However, a dog is likely to swallow large quantities when frolicking or swimming in seawater, all to his joy and excitement to have a good time with his family.
In doing so, he may therefore be the victim of s alt poisoning responsible for digestive and/or nervous disorders. Poisoning occurs all the more quickly in a small dog in which toxic doses can be reached more quickly.
When your dog frolics in the water, make sure he doesn't swallow too much water. If so, limit the time he spends in seawater and offer him fresh water after bathing.
Large quantities of water swallowed: be careful!
The salinity of the water is not the only danger in the event of large quantities of water swallowed in dogs. They can also cause stomach dilatation-torsion syndrome in dogs. After swimming, if your dog seems to have a swollen abdomen and is making futile efforts to vomit, take him urgently to the nearest veterinary clinic! It's a matter of life or death for your pet.
Jellyfish stings
Under the surface of the water sometimes hide marine animals likely to sting your dog, like jellyfish. In case of envenomation, the pain is very intense.
The first thing to do to relieve your animal is to rinse its wound with sea water and without rubbing.
Skin irritations
The s alt in seawater is highly irritating to your pet's skin, eyes and ear canals. Your dog can then suffer from skin irritation with itching, conjunctivitis and ear infections. It is therefore useful, after each of his swims, to rinse your dog's coat carefully with fresh water in order to eliminate all traces of s alt water before drying it. Remember to rinse the skin folds well where s alt could easily remain and cause significant irritation.
Your dog's eyes and ear canals can be rinsed with saline or eye or ear solutions suitable for dogs.
Drowning
Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs are excellent swimmers.And, even if they seem comfortable in the water, they can presume their strength, get tired and fail to get back to shore, especially in strong currents. The risk of drowning is therefore always present at sea!
When a dog is bathing, keep an eye on him at all times and never let him get too far away from you. Better yet, equip it with a rescue harness that will keep it afloat in all circumstances!
Also read: 6 tips to prevent the risk of drowning in dogs