Summer means fun in the sun and trips to the beach for many pets and their families. But while running on sand and splashing in the waves can be a blast, it also comes with hidden risks. One of those risks is sand ingestion or sand toxicity, which can cause serious health problems for your furry friend.
๐ What is Sand Toxicity?
Sand toxicity occurs when a pet swallows enough sand to cause irritation or blockage in their digestive system. This can happen from licking sand off their paws, eating sand while digging, or accidentally ingesting it during play. Unlike dirt, sand is made of tiny abrasive particles that can cause inflammation and discomfort inside the stomach and intestines.
โ ๏ธ Why Is Sand Ingestion Dangerous?
When pets consume large amounts of sand, it can lead to:
- Gastrointestinal irritation: Sand scratches and inflames the stomach and intestinal lining.
- Sand impaction: A blockage where sand builds up and prevents normal digestion and bowel movements.
- Vomiting and diarrhea: As the body tries to expel the irritant.
- Loss of appetite and lethargy: Due to discomfort and digestive upset.
- Serious complications: If untreated, severe impaction may require emergency veterinary surgery.
๐พ Who is Most at Risk?
- Dogs and cats who love to dig and explore sandy areas like beaches or sandboxes.
- Pets that are fast eaters or prone to eating non-food items (a condition called pica).
- Young animals and puppies, who often investigate everything with their mouths.
๐จ Signs Your Pet May Have Ingested Sand
Keep an eye out for:
- ๐ Vomiting or retching
- ๐ฉ Diarrhea or constipation
- ๐ฝ๏ธ Loss of appetite
- ๐ซ Abdominal pain or bloating (may see your pet whimpering or acting restless)
- ๐ค Lethargy or weakness
๐ What To Do If You Suspect Sand Ingestion
If you think your pet has eaten sand and is showing symptoms, donโt wait:
- ๐ Call Unleashed Veterinary Urgent Care immediately for advice.
- ๐ Keep your pet calm and restrict access to more sand.
- ๐ง Provide fresh water to help flush their system.
- ๐ซ Do not try to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian.
- ๐พ Bring your pet in for a thorough examination. Your vet may recommend X-rays or ultrasound to check for sand accumulation and may provide treatment such as fluids, medications, or in severe cases, surgery.
๐ Prevention Tips to Protect Your Pet
- Supervise your pet at the beach or sandy areas and discourage digging or eating sand.
- Provide plenty of fresh water during outings to keep your pet hydrated.
- Bring toys or treats to distract your pet from eating sand.
- Clean your petโs paws and fur after beach visits to reduce sand ingestion at home.
- Avoid letting your pet drink stagnant water near sandy areas, which can also carry bacteria.
โค๏ธ Caring for Your Petโs Health with Unleashed Veterinary Urgent Care
At Unleashed Veterinary Urgent Care, we want your pets to enjoy all the fun of summer safely. If your furry friend has symptoms of sand ingestion or you have any questions about their health, our expert team is ready to help โ no appointment needed.