Are Seashells Dangerous for Dogs? Vets Explain the Hidden Risks

Exploring different types of pet-friendly beaches is a great way to exercise and bond with your dog. What could be more fun for your canine companion than romping and sniffing in the sand while the ocean waves whoosh against the shore? Naturally, you may come across all sorts of objects on the beach—including seashells. But are seashells safe for dogs?

We spoke with veterinarians to learn more about the potential dangers of seashells, first-aid tips, and more.

Potential Dangers of Seashells

“Seashells can be safe for dogs to sniff or explore, but not to chew, swallow, or play with unsupervised,” says Colleen Lambo, DVM and relief veterinarian with Roo. “Many dogs may try to mouth or ingest shells, which is where problems can start.”

While seashells might seem harmless at first glance, they can pose significant hazards.

“The truth is, no type of shell is truly ‘safe’ for unsupervised exploration because even seemingly robust shells can splinter into sharp shards when a determined dog starts chewing on them," says Sabrina Kong, DVM, staff veterinarian at WeLoveDoodles.

Seashells pose several risks to dogs, including:

• Paw lacerations: These can occur when an energetic pup dashes through tidal zones where shells might be hidden in the sand, Kong says.
• Infections: If a dog chews on a shell and gets cut, this can introduce bacteria or sand into wounds. Because some shells can carry marine bacteria, this poses the risk of infection, Lambo says.
• Mouth and gut injuries: Shell fragments can act like tiny pieces of glass if ingested, which can potentially lead to internal bleeding or perforations in the digestive tract, Kong says.
• Choking hazards: The shape, size, and texture of shells pose a choking hazard if a dog ingests a whole shell or a piece of a shell.
• Intestinal blockages: Swallowed shell pieces are a major concern because they don’t digest or break down, which can lead to potential intestinal blockages when lodged in the gastrointestinal tract, Kong notes.
• Bacteria: Decaying shells can harbor dangerous bacteria, such as Vibrio or Salmonella, and can lead to severe gastroenteritis if ingested, potentially making a dog sick, Kong says. Some shells also have remnants of dead sea creatures, like mussels or crabs, which can upset a dog’s stomach or introduce toxins if a dog accidentally chews on them, Lambo adds.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Shell

If you suspect your dog has eaten a shell, it’s crucial to try to determine the size and type of shell ingested and act quickly. Kong recommends the following steps:

1. Immediately restrict your dog’s access to both food and water while you assess the situation.
2. If you believe they’ve only ingested tiny fragments (less than one centimeter), monitor their behavior closely for 48 hours for signs including vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
3. Offer a small amount of pumpkin puree to potentially help aid passage.

Some instances require immediate veterinary care, such as if:

• Your dog has swallowed a large or sharp piece
• Symptoms develop within a few hours
• Your dog hasn’t had a bowel movement for 24–48 hours
• You notice critical signs, like retching without producing anything, tenderness in the abdomen, or black, tarry stools, that could indicate internal bleeding

It’s important to not induce vomiting since this can cause more damage, Lambo says. It’s always best to consult a veterinary professional if you have any concerns about your dog ingesting something potentially hazardous, like a shell.

What to Do If Your Dog Gets Cut by a Shell

If you’re at the beach and your dog happens to get a cut, Lambo shares this step-by-step on how to best treat a cut from a shell:

1. Restrain your dog gently to inspect the wound.
2. Rinse the area with clean water to remove sand or debris.
3. Use tweezers to remove any shell fragments if visible.
4. Rinse the area again with clean water.
5. Pat dry and disinfect with antiseptic wipes.
6. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment.
7. Bandage the wound if it's on a paw or an area prone to contact. Ensure not to bandage too tightly—circulation is important. 
8. Monitor for infection: swelling, redness, pus, or limping.
9. Seek veterinary care, especially if the wound is deep or does not improve in 24 hours.

Safety and Prevention

Safety is most important when visiting new places, like the beach, with your best furry friend. Here are a few expert-recommended supervision tips on how to make sure your pup has a safe, wag-worthy trip to the beach:

• Try to scout out shell-free zones on beaches. Opt for beaches with wide, sandy high tide lines, and actively avoid rocky coves where shells tend to accumulate, Kong says.
• Protect your dog’s paws. Dog boots provide the ultimate paw protection by preventing most cuts. It’s always best to get your dog acclimated to wearing dog boots before your trip to the beach.
• Train your dog to “leave it.” Practicing the “leave it” command with shells in your yard with high-value rewards can help train your dog to ignore them when it comes time to go to the beach, Kong says.
• Bring fresh water. Some dogs may be tempted to lap up salty ocean water. This can pose a bigger health risk than shells at the beach, Lambo says. Bring fresh water for your pooch to drink to prevent them from ingesting any harmful ocean water.
• Check your pup’s paws. Establish a post-beach ritual of rinsing your dog's paws with fresh water. Carefully check between their pads for any hidden seashell fragments or even foxtail seeds.

“My golden rule is simple: if shells cover more than 30% of the sand, always keep your dog on a leash,” Kong says. “Those ‘just five minutes’ of shell sniffing are what often lead to my busiest emergency room shifts.”

Toys can also be helpful in distracting your dog from playing with or chewing on seashells. A few toys our experts recommend include:

• Floating toys stuffed with frozen bone broth or other dog-friendly frozen treats
• Scented rubber balls
• Waterproof tug ropes
• Dog-safe beach balls
• Frisbees
• Floating fetch toys

Keep Your Beach Day Relaxing

Proactive beach safety and monitorin are key for the ultimate fun in the sun at the beach with your best pal.