Outer Banks Vacation Rentals Pet Friendly | Sun Realty, NC

Traveling to the Outer Banks with Your Pet!

• Plot rest stops along the way (every 3-4 hours is a good estimate)
• Make a list of several veterinary hospitals that are easily accessible from your route. Hopefully you won’t need them…but just in case.  
• Pack a goodie bag to keep your dog entertained.  Include a couple of toys, treats and a couple of blankets or dog bed for him/her to lay on
• Don’t forget the essentials: leash, water bowl, medications, his/her medical records and ‘doggie’ bags.
• Fleas and ticks are abundant on the Outer Banks. Don’t forget to apply his/her flea control medication so it has time to take effect.

Outer Banks Beach Safety for Your Treasured Friend

Remember, dogs don’t sweat as humans do making them more susceptible to overheating, heat prostration or other conditions which if left untreated can have serious side effects.

It’s inevitable that your dog will ingest some salt water while playing on the beach and that’s probably OK. However, salt water ingestion in great quantities can be very dangerous to your dog. The most common side effect of ingesting too much salt water is diarrhea and vomiting and symptoms usually subside within the same day. If you’re concerned about the amount of salt water your dog has consumed, contact one of our local veterinarians for more advice. Severe dehydration can cause irrevocable damage to his/her internal organs. Make sure you keep an amble supply of fresh water available to your pooch while frolicking on the beach!

Overheating or Heat Prostration is a potentially life threatening condition which can be easily avoided. Always have a supply of fresh water available for your friend; exercise should be limited during the hottest part of the day and providing them with a shady place to cool off. The main sign of overheating is erratic breathing patterns.

Know the Outer Banks beach report before heading to the beach. Small dogs can actually develop musculoskeletal injuries from the impact of crashing waves or may overwhelm the pooch and cause drowning. Do not allow your family friend to swim too far from land; dogs too are susceptible to the oceans powerful rip currents.

First Aid for Beach Dogs

It’s not uncommon for dogs to suffer from minor injuries or illnesses while playing on the beach. Most common injuries/illnesses such as hot spots, diarrhea, foot injuries and lacerations can be treated at home, but if you’re ever in doubt always consult with one of our Outer Banks vets.  

Hot Spots are typically characterized by itchiness, redness, area sensitivity, hair loss (due to chewing and licking), and sometimes oozing. Often occur on the hind area or on the face. Caring for hot spots: carefully trim the hair over and around the area, clean area with soap and water or hydrogen peroxide. Apply an over the counter cortisone cream 2x a day. If condition worsens, contact one of our OBX veterinarians right away.  

Diarrhea can often occur when your pooch ingests too much salt water, changes in his dog food, the stress of traveling and being in a new place. If diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting, forgo any home care and contact an OBX veterinarian right away. For simple diarrhea, try Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate (suggested dosage is 1 teaspoon per 20-30 pounds body weight).

Over-exertion, whether while running on the beach or jumping up and down stairs can often lead to foot, hip or leg injuries. Rest is usually the answer for this one, however, if sensitivity continues, contact an OBX vet.

Minor abrasions or cuts should be cleaned with soap and water and then coated with a triple antibiotic 2x per day. If redness or bleeding continue or become worse, contact an Outer Banks veterinarian right away.  

The information above was compiled from several different veterinary sites for your convenience. In no way does Sun Realty claim to be an expert on dog safety or health concerns. If you have a concern about the health and safety of your pet, please contact your veterinarian or one of our trusted Outer Banks veterinarians.

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