According to a recently released survey on TripAdvisor, the majority of animal owners prefer to travel with their pets when on vacation. Out of those surveyed, 61% traveled with their furry companions last year, 33% frequently brought their pets along on trips and 5% never left them at home. Often described as one of the most pet-friendly vacation destinations in the country, the Outer Banks is a fantastic place to bring Fido along. Just keep in mind that new beach adventures can mean being exposed to special dangers.
Getting Lost: In all the excitement of exploring a new place, dogs can lose their way quickly. Make sure he or she has proper ID on the collar, a microchip is always the best way. If staying in a rental home or hotel, bring a blank tag and write the phone and unit number of the management company or hotel.
Salt water: Make sure to bring lots of fresh water, drinking an excessive amount of seawater can cause serious dehydration, vomiting and diarrhea. Eating lots of sand is also harmful, it can cause a blockage in the digestive tract, requiring immediate veterinary care.
Rip currents: Strong currents and rough seas can be dangerous if a dog isn’t used to swimming. Never walk away when he or she is in the water.
Heat stroke: Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, rapid pulse and fever. The dog must be immediately soaked with cold water and taken to the veterinarian. To avoid heat stroke, provide shade, fresh water and never, ever leave a dog in a car even in just warm weather.
Jelly fish and more: Jelly fish aren’t usually threat to dogs as much they are to us furless humans but grabbing one with the mouth can cause painful injuries.
Snakes such as the Cottonmouth, rattlesnake and copperhead live along the marsh and other grassy, rocky areas. They won’t bite unless provoked so keep an eye on dogs as they nose around a new place.
Brown Recluse and Black Widow spiders are poisonous and sometimes found when moving around old outdoor furniture and landscaping.
Dogs lucky enough to run freely in the grass and brush often bring home sand, burrs and ticks. Always rinse the dog with fresh water and check for ticks before entering the home.
Oleander is a beautiful, flowering landscaping plant often seen in the Outer Banks. However, this plant is very toxic to dogs and cats if eaten so never let them chew on the leaves or branches.
Fish hooks: It’s true dogs investigate with their noses and mouths. They can get sick from eating dead sea creatures or trash. A piece of casted bait can look tempting until they realize there’s hook inside! Keep them away from people surf fishing and be careful when on the piers.
We love to see family pets having a great time on the Outer Banks, please share your photos on our Facebook page! For more information on providing a fun and safe vacation for pets, visit Sun Realty's Pet Club. Sun Realty has many pet friendly vacation homes, browse them all here!