Daniel Ward came across the animal struggling to move through the mud in Leysdown just after 10.45am.
He was walking back to his van with three-year-old cane corso American bulldog, called Legend, when he saw the creature.
“I rushed to put my dog away because I knew that would be best,” Daniel explained.
“When I went back it was still there and literally crawled straight up to me.
“It was very small but got within about a foot and I backed off because they can be quite fierce.”
The 63-year-old wasn’t too surprised to find it there, as he has dealt with around three or four seals before especially at this time of year.
He added: “When they get to a certain size and gain independence, the big seals bully them out of the feeding grounds.
“That’s why sometimes they come onto the beach to rest because they get fed-up with being chased.
“There was one once with bites all over its back and that is from them being bullied.”
Daniel called the Kent Wildlife Rescue Service, who told him someone would be sent out shortly.
According to the RSPCA, it isn’t unusual to see a pup by itself, as its mother usually leaves when they’re weaned at three to four weeks old.
If the animal looks fit and healthy – showing no signs of distress – the charity recommends it should be monitored from a safe distance.
The seal then hid in a muddy puddle at the end of a sea groyne after it was spooked by another dog on the beach.
After an hour, it eventually made its way back to sea as the tide came in.
Daniel put a warning on social media, advising other walkers to keep their pets on a lead in the area.
He said: “I will be keeping an eye out as the seal did look a bit ropey.
“It was so muddy, you couldn’t really see if it had any bites.
“There was a little bit of blood on it, so I’d presume it’s been bullied.”
Kent Wildlife Rescue Service has been contacted for a comment.
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