Taking your dog to the beach? The five hidden dangers every owner should know this summer

Veterinarians in Spain are warning dog owners about hidden beach hazards as summer temperatures rise, noting that seemingly harmless outings can turn costly or life-threatening. The guidance highlights heatstroke as the biggest threat because dogs struggle to regulate body temperature, especially when running on hot sand, playing in direct sun, and spending too long outdoors. Experts advise avoiding the hottest hours, ensuring constant access to fresh water, and providing shade, with higher risk for brachycephalic breeds such as pugs and bulldogs, older dogs, overweight pets, and those with existing health problems. Warning signs include excessive panting, weakness, vomiting, confusion, bright red gums, and in severe cases collapse. The article also points to risks from hot sand that can burn paw pads, and from swallowing sand, which can cause gastrointestinal problems up to intestinal blockages requiring urgent treatment.