Sea Hares

Black Sea Hares, Aplysia dactylomela, are large black slug/squid-like creatures that are often washed up on our beaches. They live in sea-grass beds, rock pools and other intertidal environments where there is a decent amount of algae. They die after laying their eggs, usually in late summer. They are often seen washed up on Perth beaches between January and April.

These marine creatures can be fatal to dogs if ingested, but even a single lick or rubbing their fur on sea hares can lead to poisoning. The toxin is thought to be present in the secretions on the surface of the sea hare. Toxicity varies dependent on what the individual sea hare ingests – the toxin they secrete is absorbed from the algae they eat.

Symptoms from contact can include vomiting, drool and trouble walking and can progress to tremors of the body, muscle twitching, neurological seizures and, in severe cases, can even cause death. The toxicity can start to take effect within a couple of hours, but it can also take up to 12 to 18 hours for symptoms to be apparent as well, so it is a very variable onset.

If you suspect your dog has come into contact with a sea hare, seek veterinary attention as soon as possible for treatment. It may save their lives.

#SeaHareSafety #PetPoisoningPrevention #NotAPetFriendlySpecies #ToxicSeaHareInk #AvoidSeaHareContact #PoisonousToPets #SeaHareHealthHazards #bicton #bictonvet #bictonvets #bictonveterinaryclinic