Whether it’s enjoying an early morning walk on the beach or a beautiful sunset, sharing the Outer Banks with your canine companion can make a great vacation even more memorable. While the Outer Banks is a beautiful, natural environment, it is not without certain hazards. To keep your memories positive and carefree, here are some important tips:
Dog Days of Summer
Dogs don’t sweat and they don’t have an efficient way to cool themselves down. Of particular concern are pets that are left in cars even if the windows are left open. Regardless of the season, the inside of a car heats up very quickly and poses an immediate threat to your pet’s health. Signs of heat exhaustion/heat stroke are:
• Excessive panting
• Gums are purple
• Vomiting, diarrhea and/or lack of urine production
• Weakness, disorientation or collapse
If your dog exhibits these symptoms, hose the dog down with cool water and seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
Beach Time
• A dog’s pads are very susceptible to burns. Remember they are walking on their bare feet and sand or pavement can reach dangerous temperatures during the day. If their pads become burned, clean them and apply an antibiotic cream.
• Especially while at the beach, your dog needs plenty of fresh, cool water, ingestion of salt water can result in diarrhea, vomiting, and eventual dehydration. If symptoms continue for 24 hours or if there is blood present seek immediate veterinary care.
• Waves, rip tides and fast moving water may be more than even the most athletic dog can handle. Keep a close watch on your companion in the water.
• Watch what they eat on the beach. Fish hooks, shells, bones and raw fish can be dangerous to a dog.
• If your dog suddenly starts limping, the culprit might be a sand spur, a thorny plant bur. Examine the dog’s pads carefully and remove if possible. Keep dogs out of “wild” grassy areas.
The Outer Banks can be a great place to visit with your dog. Just remember that your dog is depending on you to keep it that way for many vacations to come!
Authors: Chris Shea, DVM, Martin’s Point Veterinary Hospital and Kevin & Robin Carey, Outer Barks
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