So, you’re soon to be on you way to the Outer Banks and thinking about bringing one of your pets along with you. Below is an FAQ guide for pet owners who would like to take their pets to the beach and not visit any veterinarians during their stay.
Dear Pet Owners,
Welcome to the wonderful beaches and sound accesses here on the Outer Banks. While vacationing here is usually a wonderful reprieve from the humdrum of daily life, having a sick pet can put a real damper on your visit. Listed below are a few brief examples of common problems that affect visiting pets as well as a checklist of things to do before you leave home.
Before You Leave Home Checklist
*Make sure the place you are renting allows pets. I know this sounds like a ‘no brainer’ but there are plenty of tourists that show up every year to find out their vacation home is not pet friendly. Do not join their numbers! If not make sure you have a place to board them long before you jump in the car. Most boarding kennels and veterinary hospitals are booked weeks in advance during the summer months, especially on holidays. Sorry, but the Outer Banks Veterinary Hospital does not board pets.
*Get your pooch up to date on vaccinations. Even if you don’t plan on boarding your dog, unexpected events may require them to stay at a boarding facilty or veternary hospital. Most boarding facilties require a current Rabies vaccine, Distemper-Parvo combo vaccine, and Kennel Cough (Bordetella) vaccine. Even if you don’t plan on boarding your pet, I would still recommend having them performed as sometimes unexpected events can occur. Also, don’t forget to bring records of these vaccinations. If you have any questions about these, please consult your veterinarian or place where you may be boarding.
*Apply flea and/or tick preventative shortly before you leave. Due to our mild winters, these external parasites are abundant on the Outer Banks. If your pet will be doing a lot of swimming, remember that topical medications rinse off over time so you may have to reapply or switch to a medication such as Comfortis!
*Bring extra leashes, collars, and doggy bags. Our beaches are busy during the summer so having extra gear is always a good idea. Littering on the beach with doggie poo is just not cool and is hazardous to public safety!
Tail Sprains
Many dogs love to jump in the ocean. Waves, however, can topple them and cause them to hurt thier tail. Symptoms of this include, restlessness, holding the tail between their legs, and other signs of pain. If this happens to your pooch, give us a call at (252) 715.1407 and we’ll be glad to help your pet out!
Ocean / Sound Water
Sound water and other areas where the water is stagnant is a host to bacteria and parasites that can cause vomiting, diarrha, and even more serious diseases such as kidney failure. Drinking too much ocean water can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. For your pet’s best interest, keeep their drinking sources limited to bottled water or tap water during your stay.
Leash Laws
It can be very tempting to let Fido have free run of the beach during your stay. Please monitor your pets closely when they are not confined. Our roads are very busy and the last thing you want to happen is to have your four-legged friend wander from the beach and into the path of a moving vehicle. Most communities here require your pet to be on a leash. Some do not allow per on the beach at all during the summer months. Find out if your beach allows dogs before you take your pooch for a walk. For this information, most towns publish it in an easily read format on their websites. There are a few below for your convenience:
If you have any questions about your pet, please feel free to give us a call at (252) 715.1407 and we will be more than happy to answer your questions!
Enjoy your vacation!
Dr. Jay Taylor
3723 N. Croatan Hwy, Unit I
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
Schedule online NOW at : http://outerbanksvet.com/schedule-appointment/
