A day at the beach should be pure joy for you and your dog — the sea breeze, open space, and soft sand make it the perfect playground. But beneath that beauty lies danger. Hidden debris and fishing waste can turn a peaceful walk into a nightmare, as one dog owner recently discovered in Great Yarmouth.
A Puppy’s Beach Walk Turns to Panic
Tozi, an 11-month-old Xoloitzcuintle pup, was enjoying a sunny walk along the beach behind the Pleasure Beach theme park with her owner, Ann Guyton. While Ms Guyton’s Lurcher was paddling in the sea, little Tozi dashed along the shoreline — until a sharp cry of pain stopped everything.
“I heard her squeal and ran straight back,” said Ms Guyton. “It was terrifying — she was shaking, and that’s when I saw the fish hook lodged in her leg.”
The hook had embedded itself dangerously close to Tozi’s femoral artery. A quick trip to the vet revealed that surgery was needed to remove it safely and prevent further injury. The ordeal left Ms Guyton with a vet bill of over £500 — but more importantly, a shaken puppy and a frightening reminder of what careless littering can cause.
An Avoidable Accident
Tozi, the 11-month-old Xoloitzcuintle puppy, is now recovering after a discarded fish hook became embedded in her leg during a walk on Great Yarmouth beach.
Discarded fishing equipment, such as this sharp hook, is one of the most serious hazards to dogs and wildlife on UK beaches. Anglers are urged to dispose of their gear responsibly.
“It was a bad ordeal for her,” Ms Guyton said. “I’m angry that I had to pay a bill of more than £500 just because one person didn’t clean up after themselves.”
Having walked her dogs along local beaches for decades, Ms Guyton said she’s seen plenty of fishing waste, broken bottles, and other debris left behind.
“It’s not every day you come across fish hooks, but I do see rubbish regularly,” she explained. “We dog owners are always asked to clean up after our pets, and rightly so — but everyone needs to play their part in keeping beaches clean.”
The Hidden Dangers of Fishing Waste
According to the RSPCA, discarded fishing equipment, including hooks, lines, and sinkers, poses a serious risk to wildlife and pets. Hooks can easily embed in a dog’s paws, legs, or mouth — and if swallowed, they can cause internal injuries or blockages.
The charity advises anglers and beachgoers to:
- Never leave fishing gear unattended.
- Store hooks and lines safely in a bait box or tackle container.
- Dispose of all rubbish responsibly.
A single forgotten hook can cause hours of pain and hundreds of pounds in vet bills — or worse, endanger an animal’s life.
Can Dogs Get Sick from the Beach?
The terrifying moment the fishhook was discovered in Tozi's leg, lodged dangerously close to a major artery.
The healed scar on 11-month-old Tozi's leg is a permanent reminder of the painful fishhook injury she sustained on the beach.
While most dogs love the sand and surf, beaches can expose them to hidden hazards beyond litter. Saltwater ingestion can cause stomach upset, while sharp shells, glass, or metal fragments can injure their paws.
In some areas, blue-green algae or polluted water can also pose health risks. Always check local beach safety reports and keep fresh drinking water handy for your dog.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe on the Beach
Here are a few quick tips to make seaside walks safer:
- Scan the ground — watch out for litter, hooks, or tangled lines.
- Avoid fishing areas — these are hotspots for discarded equipment.
- Rinse your dog after swimming — salt and sand can irritate their skin.
- Bring a mini first-aid kit, including tweezers, antiseptic wipes, and bandages, to help in emergencies.
- Report dangerous litter — if you see fishing waste or sharp debris, notify local authorities or beach wardens.
A Shared Responsibility
Keeping beaches clean and safe isn’t just about protecting wildlife — it’s about respecting every creature that enjoys these open spaces.
“We dog owners are expected to clean up after our pets,” Ms Guyton said, “but I think everyone should remember that keeping the beach clean is something we all have to do.”
Tozi has now recovered from her frightening ordeal and is back to enjoying gentle walks. However, her story serves as a reminder that a bit of care and awareness can prevent heartbreak for other dog owners — and ensure our beaches remain safe for all.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beach Hazards for Dogs
Yes. Drinking seawater can cause dogs to vomit or experience diarrhoea due to its high salt content. In severe cases, it can lead to dehydration or salt poisoning. Always bring fresh water and encourage your dog to drink it instead.
Rinse the wound with clean water, apply gentle pressure if it’s bleeding, and cover it with a clean cloth. Avoid pulling out deep objects like hooks — go to a vet immediately, as removal can worsen the injury.
Not always. Some beaches have restricted areas during the summer, while others may contain hidden hazards, such as fishing waste, jellyfish, or sharp shells. Always check local dog-friendly beach listings and stay alert.
Keep your dog on a lead near fishing spots, carry a small first-aid kit, and check the sand for litter or debris. After your walk, rinse your dog’s paws to remove salt, sand, or bacteria that could irritate the skin.
Fishing hooks, tangled lines, broken glass, sharp shells, and polluted water are among the top risks. These can cause cuts, infections, or internal injuries if swallowed.
✅ Tip for dog owners: If you notice dangerous debris, report it to local beach authorities — helping to protect not only your pet but all beachgoers.
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