keep your dogs away from dead marine mammals

Bacterial infection is killing large numbers of marine mammals, can be fatal to your doggies. Keep you and your doggies away from beached carcasses.


http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2010/11/sea_lion_deaths_on_oregon_coast_prompt_warning_for_beachgoers_dogs.html

Thursday we took the boys to the beach, and were fortunate to not have any sea lion encounters. Onslow loves to roll on dead sea lions, and he can smell them even if they're out of sight way down the beach. Looks like no beach fun for a while!

Dead sea lions a good thing----infected dogs not.  I had a sea lion take a nice king from me right at the net last August.

Now "officials" are saying there doesn't have to be a dead, sick, or infected animal present. The bacteria can live a while on the sand or in the water. So if a sick marine mammal urinates or defecates on the beach or in the surf and your dog picks up a ball, or licks their paws, that have been in contact there is a chance for infection.


We were on the beach Friday, and I didn't see any carcasses, so I thought things were fine. Now my little female has been sick since Saturday night. I collected some samples and have a vet appt. in an hour. I'll post an update when I know more. Knowing what I know now, I wouldn't even have taken my pooches down on the sand.

Hope things turn out ok man.   

Too much $$ to find out exactly what she has, but there was a "higher than normal" bacteria count. Cheaper to pump her full of a couple different meds than run the test to find the one pill that will be effective. She's going to be just fine, she's young, healthy and full of p&v. If she were an older animal or had existing conditions I would be a lot more worried. Thanks Lee!

Glad you pup's gonna be OK LB. I've always worried about the dogs getting into slamon but never thought a dead seal could be that harmful, i knew it was nasty cause i have two of the dead seal rollinest dogs ever!! but they never got sick.