Can dogs eat seaweed? What to do if your dog ate seaweed on the beach

Key takeaways

• Seaweed washed up on beaches can be very dangerous for dogs.
• Watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and loss of appetite after a beach visit.
• If your dog ate seaweed and is showing symptoms, contact your vet immediately.

Seaweed is often championed as a source of vitamins and minerals and in controlled, commercially prepared forms it can be nutritious for dogs. But seaweed washed up on the beach is a different matter entirely, and dog owners need to be aware of the risks.

Why is beach seaweed dangerous for dogs?

During warm weather, seaweed dries up and shrinks to a fraction of its original size. If a dog swallows it, the seaweed absorbs liquid and starts to expand. It can then become lodged in the dog’s digestive system before eventually rupturing it, releasing dangerous digestive fluids and bacteria into the body.

Dogs are naturally drawn to scavenging, and dried seaweed can be tempting on the shoreline, but its harmless appearance is misleading. Left untreated, the consequences can be severe and in some cases fatal.

What are the symptoms of seaweed ingestion in dogs?

Signs of seaweed ingestion typically begin with vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite. These are often followed by lethargy, depression and weakness. If untreated, these can lead to potentially fatal dehydration and circulatory shock.

If your dog is showing any of these symptoms after a beach visit, contact your vet immediately. Do not wait to see if they improve on their own.