Is it an Emergency When a Dog Eats Sand?

Is your dog prone to eating sand when you take him to the beach? Have you ever wondered if this is a cause for concern? Do you know what to do if your dog eats too much sand? If you've ever asked yourself these questions, then this article will help!

Many dogs love to go to the beach with their human family members, and it's not uncommon for them to eat a little sand while playing fetch or digging. However, eating too much can be potentially deadly for dogs, so this article is to help owners recognize when it may be an emergency. Below is some important information about sand impaction in dogs.

Things to Know About Sand Impaction in Dogs

If your dog eats sand, the situation becomes an emergency if he develops sand impaction. This condition occurs when a dog eats too much sand, so if you think your pet is suffering from this, seek immediate veterinary care so your pet can get the help he needs.

Dog Sand Impaction Symptoms

Your dog could begin showing symptoms of sand impaction anywhere between a couple of hours to several days later.

Some of the earliest symptoms of sand impaction in dogs are:

*restlessness (panting, pacing and inability to lie down)

*loss of appetite

*vomiting

*abdominal distension

*abdominal pain

*straining to defecate

If your dog eats sand, especially a lot of it, he may become constipated within 1-2 days. If constipation worsens, and the patient is dehydrated, the sand can become compact and has the potential to develop into an intestinal obstruction that could be life threatening.

Ways to Prevent Excessive Consumption of Sand in Dogs While at the Beach

Although it's impossible to stop your dog from eating sand at all on the beach, you can take some steps to reduce the volume consumed by your pet and reduce the likelihood of sand impaction in dogs. Listed below are prevention tips.

Avoid Playing with Sandy Toys or Grooming

Most dogs unintentionally ingest too much sand because of their play and behavior overall at the beach. Grooming at the beach or playing with toys that are coated in the sand can cause dogs to swallow excessive amounts of sand that may add up over time. You should rinse their toys frequently with fresh water during play to prevent accidental sand ingestion.

Avoid Digging Holes or Drinking Ocean Water

Many dogs like to dig holes at the beach, and this is another way excessive sand can be ingested. It is also important to prevent your pet from ingesting salt water, as this can cause gastrointestinal upset and can lead to elevated sodium levels and neurological signs.

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.

Mild to Moderate Cases: Supportive Care

For mild sand impaction in dogs, most respond well to outpatient treatment including anti-nausea, pain medications and subcutaneous fluids. For moderate sand ingestion, most pets who are showing progressive symptoms will require hospitalization for intravenous fluids, anti-vomiting medications and pain control.

Your veterinarian will monitor for resolution of sand impaction by performing serial abdominal radiographs during your pet's hospitalization. Good news, most pets respond quickly to treatment and are discharged from the hospital within 12-24 hours.

Severe Cases: Surgery

Although not as common, severe cases that do not respond to medical management may require surgery to remove the sand from the intestinal tract.

Other Dangers of the Beach that Dog Owners Should be Aware of

It's imperative to provide shade and fresh water for our pets when outdoors. Most dogs love the beach and will continue playing but there is a chance that they could develop heat stroke. This is a potentially deadly condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Specific breeds of dogs that are predisposed include brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, etc.) These breeds have upper airway disease which makes it more difficult for them to dissipate heat. Other pets at risk for heat stroke are those who are overweight and that have a condition called laryngeal paralysis. These conditions also make it difficult for these patients to dissipate heat.

If Your Dog Eats Sand and Develops Sand Impaction, Contact VEG Right Away

As discussed, a small volume of sand ingestion is not harmful but if your pet develops clinical signs, please seek veterinarian care.

If your dog eats sand and you're not sure if the amount is okay, or if you notice any of the symptoms of sand impaction in dogs mentioned above, contact VEG as soon as possible. With locations open 24 hours all over the country, our emergency veterinarians will be able to answer any questions you have and will let you know if it's a good idea to come in. Your pet's health is important to us, so don't hesitate to ask for advice on what's best to do for your furry friend.