Treatment for Sand Impaction in Dogs
After your veterinarian performs a physical examination on your pet, the diagnostic treatment will likely include bloodwork and radiographs to confirm sand impaction. This will also determine the degree of sand ingested to allow for an appropriate treatment plan for your pet to be made.
Taking our dogs to the beach, lake, or pool is fun for everyone, but it can play havoc with our pups’ skin.
By toweling them off as soon as you leave the water and washing them thoroughly with a dog-safe shampoo once you get home, you can prevent irritation and more serious problems like swimmer’s itch.
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During the summer there are lots of things we humans add to our skin care routine. Spending time in the sun or in the water can make us pretty uncomfortable if we’re not careful! Products like sunscreen, moisturizers, and aloe can help to protect and soothe irritated skin.
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Well, summer activities can be “ruff” on our dogs’ skin too! And if we’re not on top of our doggie skin care routine, a fun romp at the beach can have some pretty itchy aftermath! Whether you’re dealing with chlorine from a swimming pool, sand and salt from a day at the beach, dirt they pick up from playing at the lake, or even swimmer’s itch, treating your dog’s skin the right way can make a huge difference in how they feel after a day at the water.
Here are some important skin care tips for dogs who love the water.
How Do I Treat My Dog’s Sand Fleas?
If you suspect your dog has sand fleas, see your veterinarian. Your vet will need to pluck the tiny crustaceans from your dog’s skin and fur. Your veterinarian may also recommend a dip or bath using a special flea shampoo. Sand fleas are crustaceans, so they look very different than fleas that we normally associate with household pets. These fleas attach their bodies to pets and fabrics and fur, fighting back when we try to remove them. As with any kind of flea, you will want to clean your entire home including breeding grounds such as carpet, fabrics, bedding, and your animals. Salt has been known to dehydrate fleas, and some pet owners sprinkle salt on their fabrics and carpets, allowing it to sit for 24 hours before vacuuming. You may want to talk to your veterinarian about preventive care if your dog frequents areas such as beaches or marshes or if you live in an area where sand fleas are prevalent.
You can read more about regular fleas here.
Dog Beaches Can Be Dangerous For Pets, Experts Warn
It’s summer, and that means it’s time to hit the beach! For many dog parents, Fido comes along for some fun in the sun. But before you start packing your beach bag, it’s important to be aware of the risks that come with visiting sandy beaches and outdoor play areas. While many dog owners know the dangers of overheating, as well as water dangers such as blue-green algae, water intoxication, and other toxic plants and infectious diseases – many often don’t consider this common risk on land: sand impaction, which happens when dogs eat a large amount of sand or rocks.
While playing on the beach, your dog may accidentally (or intentionally) swallow sand. Common sand ingestion scenarios include:
Small amounts of sand will likely pass through the GI tract without issue. However, when dogs swallow a large amount of sand, it can cause an impaction – when the material compresses and forms a blockage in the intestines. Common symptoms of sand impaction include vomiting, seeming constipated, pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, or becoming lethargic after visiting the beach or playground with sand. Signs can develop anywhere from a few hours after exposure to a few days later.
If your pet feels sick after a beach day, they should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible – whether you know they ate sand or if you just suspect they did. Your family veterinarian or your local animal emergency hospital’s veterinarian will start by taking x-rays. Treatment will vary depending on how sick your dog is and how much sand is impacted. Some dogs will only need outpatient care with supportive fluids under the skin and nausea control. Other dogs may require hospitalization for intravenous fluids and more intensive medical interventions. In some cases, surgery will be needed to remove the sand from the pet’s intestines if it is impacted beyond the ability to move with medical management. The good news is that with prompt and appropriate treatment, your dog has an excellent chance of recovering from sand impaction.
The next time you take your pup to the beach, monitor them closely while playing in the sand. The best way to avoid sand impaction is to prevent your pet from swallowing the sand – so if you catch them deliberately eating it, be sure to intervene! Reduce your pet’s sand consumption by helping rinse off toys and by not throwing any treats for your dog directly into the sand – use a dish or clean towel instead. We hope you and your pets have a fun, yet safe, summer, and remember to take a few extra precautions during your next dog-friendly beach day!