Why Does My Dog Eat Sand?

Oct 8

Last summer, Bernie and Malibu had their first real beach trip, and we were beyond excited! They ran through the sand, splashed in the waves, and had a blast. But when we noticed them nibbling on the sand, we didn’t think much of it. It was just a little nibble, right? We figured it wouldn’t be an issue... until 5:00 AM.

I woke up to find Malibu had thrown up—twice. Then, we noticed it: the entire house was covered in what I can only describe as a sandy mess. Both pups had gotten incredibly sick, and we felt terrible. What we didn’t know at the time is that sand ingestion can cause serious issues for dogs.

Why Do Dogs Eat Sand?

Dogs are naturally curious, and when they’re at the beach, they often get excited and start to explore with their mouths. The texture of the sand, the salty air, and the excitement of the environment can make it tempting for them to munch on the sand. Some dogs even chew on sand as a form of self-soothing when they feel anxious or overstimulated. But the problem is, sand isn’t something their bodies can process, and it can cause some serious health issues.

The Risks of Eating Sand:

When a dog eats too much sand, it can form a heavy mass in their stomach or intestines. This clump can lead to a condition called intestinal blockage, which can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. But that’s not all—ingesting sand can also irritate a dog’s stomach, leading to:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Dehydration (especially if the sand is mixed with saltwater)

And the worst part is, the more they eat, the worse the problem can get, leading to further complications like dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

What I Learned:

Luckily, Bernie and Malibu bounced back fairly quickly, but their experience taught me a few things that I now follow to keep them safe on the beach. Here’s what I learned so you can help prevent sand-eating disasters with your dog:

Keep an eye on sneaky sand snacks! – Watch your dog closely while they’re playing, especially near the water and sand, where they might be tempted to nibble.
Hydration is key. – Always bring fresh water to the beach. Keeping your dog hydrated helps prevent them from turning to the salty ocean water or sand for hydration.
Use toys that won’t collect sand. – Frisbees and soft, rubber toys are great options because they don’t scoop up sand like balls or other toys can.
Rinse them off after the beach. – When you’re done with your beach trip, rinse your dog off, especially their mouth and paws. This can help prevent them from licking sand off themselves later.
Watch for signs of distress. – If your dog is vomiting, showing signs of belly pain, acting lethargic, or having diarrhea, contact your vet immediately. It’s always better to be safe and get them checked out right away.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can help your dog have a safe and fun time at the beach without worrying about the dangers of sand-eating!