As a veterinarian who frequently visits Avoca Beach, I’ve seen first-hand the many joys and potential dangers our furry friends encounter while enjoying the sand and surf. Avoca Beach is one of the most beautiful spots on the Central Coast, but there are some hidden hazards that can quickly turn a day at the beach into a stressful, costly experience. From sharp objects to toxic fish, our dogs might come across things that could make them sick or cause serious harm.

Common Beach Hazards for Dogs

1. Fish Hooks
   Fishhooks are one of the most common dangers to dogs at the beach. These can become lodged in a dog’s mouth, throat, or even further down the gastrointestinal tract, often requiring a visit to the vet, anaesthesia, and sometimes surgery to remove them. Imagine how scary that would be for both you and your dog! Always be mindful of your dog’s surroundings, especially around areas where people might be fishing.
2. Puffer Fish
   Puffer fish are another threat that could be lurking in the shallow waters or washed up on the beach. If ingested, they release a potent toxin that can cause serious illness or even death. While dogs are curious by nature, they may not realise that the puffer fish they find are dangerous. Keep an eye out for any fish washed up on the shore and prevent your dog from sniffing or eating them.
3. Non-Food Items & Old Food
   Dogs have a tendency to sniff out anything that resembles food, and the beach is no exception. One common danger is discarded plastic packaging that may still have traces of food on it. From wrappers to plastic containers, these items can often smell like food to a dog’s sensitive nose, leading them to mistake the packaging for a treat. The risk is that they could ingest the plastic along with any leftover food, which can cause choking, digestive blockages, or poisoning. Always be vigilant about what your dog is picking up off the ground, especially when they’re playing on the beach.

The Most Common Mistake: Tug-of-War with Dangerous Items

One of the most common mistakes I see at the beach is people getting into a tug-of-war with their dog over something they’ve picked up – whether it’s a puffer fish, fishhook, or any other dangerous item.

When a dog picks up something, their instinct might be to play with it, especially if it’s something new or smells interesting. Unfortunately, this often leads to a tug-of-war situation where the human gets frustrated and tries to wrestle the object out of their dog's mouth. The dog, on the other hand, may enjoy the game and pulls harder, which can escalate into a frustrating cycle. The human can get angry, and the dog might not understand what the fuss is all about, which can create unnecessary tension.

Why Training is Key

This is where proper training really makes a difference. Dogs are naturally positive, harmonious beings, and they respond best to positive reinforcement, rather than conflict. If you haven't trained your dog and find yourself in a situation where they’ve already picked something up, do not engage in a tug-of-war. It might seem like the instinctive thing to do, but it only makes the situation worse and teaches your dog that grabbing and holding onto things is a fun game.

Instead, calmly exchange the item for something more desirable. Offer your dog a special, high-value treat that they love (something they don’t get every day) and wait for them to drop the dangerous object. When they do, remain calm, and reward them with the treat while praising them for their good behaviour – this will reinforce the positive behaviour and teach them that dropping the dangerous item gets them something even better than what they picked up.

Stay safe, and enjoy your time at the beach with your furry friend!