Dog facts

Can Dogs Get Saltwater Poisoning at the Beach?

The beach is a vast playground for dogs.

Can Dogs Get Saltwater Poisoning at the Beach?
Mikkel Preisler
By Mikkel Preisler 13. April 2025

The beach is a vast playground for dogs. There is ample opportunity for them to be stimulated both tactilely with different touches from both water and sand, auditorily with sounds and voices, and not least physically with swimming and running.

However, a trip to the beach isn’t just about idyllic relaxation. It can also be associated with dangers such as stomach and intestinal problems and saltwater poisoning.

If you want to know more about how to prevent your dog from drinking seawater or eating harmful beach sand, keep reading.

Why You Should Prevent Your Dog from Drinking Seawater

Seawater is one of the biggest dangers for dogs when walking and playing at the beach, regardless of the season. Your dog risks saltwater poisoning if it drinks too much seawater. Seawater is just as harmful for dogs to consume in excessive amounts as it is for humans.

Small quantities are harmless.

There are various symptoms to watch out for if your dog has drunk too much seawater.

Symptoms of Mild Poisoning:

In cases of mild poisoning, your dog will become extra tired and exhausted. This will typically last a couple of days, after which your pet will slowly have expelled the seawater from its body. Afterward, it is normal for the dog to have a reduced appetite for the following days.

Symptoms of Severe Poisoning:

In severe cases of saltwater poisoning, your dog will become distressed, vomit, whine, and be exhausted. In the worst cases, the poisoning can lead to muscle cramps and seizures.

In these situations, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian so that your pet can receive the right help and treatment.

In the worst cases, the vet may pump the water up from the dog’s stomach and intestinal system or induce vomiting to improve and relieve the condition.

How to Prevent Your Pet from Drinking Saltwater

The best and most effective way to prevent your dog from drinking seawater is to keep it hydrated. It is a good idea to offer your pet plenty of tap water before leaving home and before heading down to the beach. Have a water bottle and a practical water bowl with you. This way, you can continuously offer it fluids, so it doesn’t drink seawater out of thirst instead. When at the beach, instead of throwing sticks and stones for your dog to fetch, bring your own dog toys that can float in water and thus won’t get lost. Sticks and stones can be dangerous for dogs to play with and catch, as the dog can get it stuck in its throat and cause severe injuries in its mouth. Always offer your dog the clean water you brought during play.

However, fluid balance isn’t the only thing you need to consider to prevent your dog from drinking seawater. Dogs are attracted to the sea.

The sea has scents and movements that arouse dogs’ curiosity and natural instincts to explore. Always keep an eye on your dog when you are at the beach.

There may be small and microscopic algae in the sea, which are not immediately visible, but which release a scent that appeals to dogs and makes them want to drink the water.

If you suspect that your dog has eaten algae, contact your veterinarian immediately. These algae are not only found in seawater but also in lakes, ponds, and rivers.

By keeping an eye on your pet, you can prevent it from drinking seawater and risking saltwater poisoning.

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Quick Summary

Is seawater dangerous for a dog?

YES – seawater can potentially be deadly for a dog.

What can I do to prevent my dog from drinking seawater?

First and foremost, make sure to bring water to the beach so your dog can quench its thirst. Furthermore, it is a good idea to bring dog toys or retrieval toys that float in water. This ensures your dog stays hydrated and is also entertained.

What should you do if you are unsure whether the dog has drunk dangerous amounts of seawater?

Call the vet immediately. The vet can advise and guide you on whether a consultation is necessary.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.