HEAT EFFECTS ON YOUR DOG
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.
NOT ALL LIVING CREATURES ARE OUR FRIENDS!
There are several poisonous spiders and snakes that make their home on the Outer Banks. Keep your pet away from woodpiles, thick underbrush and swampy areas. If you suspect a snake or spider has bitten your pet, ice the wound, keep your dog warm and seek immediate veterinary assistance.
BEACH TIME
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!
- A dog’s pads are very susceptible to burns. Remember they are walking on their 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, riptides, and fast moving water may be more than even the most athletic dog can handle. Keep a close watch on your companions in the water and consider a Canine Life Jacket (Float Coat) for your four-legged friend.
- Watch what they eat on the beach. Fishhooks, shells, bones and raw fish can be dangerous to a dog.
- If your dog suddenly starts limping, the culprit might be a sandspur, a thorny plant bur. Examine the dog’s pads carefully and remove if possible. Keep dogs out of “wild” grassy areas.
If you have an emergency after hours,
please reference the yellow pages under Veterinary Hospitals
and Clinics. Call any of these facilities and they will provide
you with the Outer Banks Veterinary Cooperative Service on
call for that evening.
Authors: Chris Shea, DVM, Martin’s Point Veterinary Hospital
Kevin and Robin Carey, Outer Barks
LEASH LAWS
In Nags Head dogs are allowed on the beach
all year. They must be restrained at all times with a leash
of six feet or less. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning
up after their pets, so bring a small baggie with you when
walking your dog. Dog waste may not be buried or deposited
in the ocean.
Leash laws for other jurisdictions are as follows:
- Kill Devil Hills – Dogs are not permitted on the beach in the summer. Dogs are permitted from mid-September until mid-May. They must be leashed.
- Kitty Hawk – Dogs are permitted on the beach year-round. They must be under the control of their owner at all times. From June through September, they must be on a leash no longer than six feet.
- Southern Shores – Dogs are permitted on the beach from September to May only. They must be leashed.
- Duck – Dogs are permitted on the beach unrestricted.
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