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San Diego beaches not that nice to dogs

Bacteria and seawater itself not that great

On November 10–11, a rare bioluminescence event transformed Ocean Beach waves due to harmful algal blooms.
On November 10–11, a rare bioluminescence event transformed Ocean Beach waves due to harmful algal blooms.

As of December 17, Imperial Beach remains closed due to bacteria levels exceeding health standards.

These closures clash with the accolades San Diego’s dog-friendly spots have received. Coronado's Dog Beach made USA Today and iPuppee.com's top 10 beaches in the U.S. list this past July, while Fiesta Island continues to top dog park charts nationwide. But what good are such accolades when closures from contaminated waters, methamphetamine traces, or poison hazards leave pet owners wary and tails wagging at a standstill?

On December 1, San Diego County’s Beach & Bay Water Quality Program issued bacterial exceedance advisories for several coastal spots, including Dog Beach in Ocean Beach. The closure extended 300 feet south to the San Diego River outlet, sending dozens of frustrated pooches and their owners to Fiesta Island for some worry-free playtime.

In March, a dog reportedly died after ingesting rat poison allegedly left on Fiesta island.


Water issues, however, are familiar to San Diego. On November 10–11, a rare bioluminescence event transformed Ocean Beach waves into a neon blue spectacle due to harmful algal blooms. While the glowing waves appeared magical to beachgoers, they posed risks to pets. According to the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, the algae can make dogs sick if they roll in it, swim in discolored water, or ingest the water while playing.

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Just a week earlier, county health officials closed Coronado beaches because of high bacteria levels. Some dogs that visited before the closure became ill. Maura R. said online that her dog got sick after drinking seawater at Coronado Dog Beach. “He started vomiting within a few hours and is still sick today,” she wrote. 

Paula W. added her own experience, saying her Doberman suffered diarrhea so severe that it ended up “on the walls.” Katherine B. echoed these warnings, advising: “If the water isn’t clean for humans, don’t take your dog in.”

In some cases, the danger isn’t contamination but the ocean itself. In August, Mike M. recounted online how his dog suffered “saltwater poisoning” at Cardiff Beach after ingesting too much seawater. The symptoms included vomiting and diarrhea, and the dog did not survive.

Ironically, while contaminated water can harm dogs, their waste can also exacerbate the problem. According to Imperial Beach’s official site, pet waste entering the storm drain system can lead to excessive algae growth, depleting the oxygen aquatic life relies on. 

Even Fiesta Island, a perennial favorite and top-rated dog park in the U.S., hasn’t been without its hazards. In March, a dog reportedly died after ingesting rat poison allegedly left on the island.

Last year, a 4-year-old Weimaraner in Ocean Beach ingested methamphetamines and other substances, as reported by ABC 10 News San Diego.

“She was avoiding me and avoiding being touched. Her pupils were dilating, and she wouldn’t go outside,” the owner, Kelly Wiehe, explained. “She wouldn’t eat. She wasn’t interested in drinking any water.” Tests at the emergency vet revealed marijuana, methamphetamine, and Ritalin in the dog’s system.

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On November 10–11, a rare bioluminescence event transformed Ocean Beach waves due to harmful algal blooms.
On November 10–11, a rare bioluminescence event transformed Ocean Beach waves due to harmful algal blooms.

As of December 17, Imperial Beach remains closed due to bacteria levels exceeding health standards.

These closures clash with the accolades San Diego’s dog-friendly spots have received. Coronado's Dog Beach made USA Today and iPuppee.com's top 10 beaches in the U.S. list this past July, while Fiesta Island continues to top dog park charts nationwide. But what good are such accolades when closures from contaminated waters, methamphetamine traces, or poison hazards leave pet owners wary and tails wagging at a standstill?

On December 1, San Diego County’s Beach & Bay Water Quality Program issued bacterial exceedance advisories for several coastal spots, including Dog Beach in Ocean Beach. The closure extended 300 feet south to the San Diego River outlet, sending dozens of frustrated pooches and their owners to Fiesta Island for some worry-free playtime.

In March, a dog reportedly died after ingesting rat poison allegedly left on Fiesta island.


Water issues, however, are familiar to San Diego. On November 10–11, a rare bioluminescence event transformed Ocean Beach waves into a neon blue spectacle due to harmful algal blooms. While the glowing waves appeared magical to beachgoers, they posed risks to pets. According to the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, the algae can make dogs sick if they roll in it, swim in discolored water, or ingest the water while playing.

Sponsored
Sponsored

Just a week earlier, county health officials closed Coronado beaches because of high bacteria levels. Some dogs that visited before the closure became ill. Maura R. said online that her dog got sick after drinking seawater at Coronado Dog Beach. “He started vomiting within a few hours and is still sick today,” she wrote. 

Paula W. added her own experience, saying her Doberman suffered diarrhea so severe that it ended up “on the walls.” Katherine B. echoed these warnings, advising: “If the water isn’t clean for humans, don’t take your dog in.”

In some cases, the danger isn’t contamination but the ocean itself. In August, Mike M. recounted online how his dog suffered “saltwater poisoning” at Cardiff Beach after ingesting too much seawater. The symptoms included vomiting and diarrhea, and the dog did not survive.

Ironically, while contaminated water can harm dogs, their waste can also exacerbate the problem. According to Imperial Beach’s official site, pet waste entering the storm drain system can lead to excessive algae growth, depleting the oxygen aquatic life relies on. 

Even Fiesta Island, a perennial favorite and top-rated dog park in the U.S., hasn’t been without its hazards. In March, a dog reportedly died after ingesting rat poison allegedly left on the island.

Last year, a 4-year-old Weimaraner in Ocean Beach ingested methamphetamines and other substances, as reported by ABC 10 News San Diego.

“She was avoiding me and avoiding being touched. Her pupils were dilating, and she wouldn’t go outside,” the owner, Kelly Wiehe, explained. “She wouldn’t eat. She wasn’t interested in drinking any water.” Tests at the emergency vet revealed marijuana, methamphetamine, and Ritalin in the dog’s system.

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The latest copy of the Reader

Here's something you might be interested in.
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or view all
Previous article

Big kited bluefin on the Red Rooster III

Lake fishing heating up as the weather cools
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Born & Raised offers a less decadent Holiday Punch

Cognac serves to lighten the mood
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