Pet Information

Local Veterinary Hospitals, Clinics and Boarding

Pets on the Beach

The beach can be fun and rewarding for both pets and their owners. Each of the town's have their own restrictions pertaining to pets. Please be courteous and clean up after your pet. All pet waste must be collected immediately and deposited in appropriate containers.

Duck- Dogs are allowed on the beach unleashed, but as a matter of public safety and courtesy, they should be under the watchful eye and contact of their owner.

Southern Shores- Dogs are not allowed on the beach from May 15 - September 15. Year-round leash law. All pet waste must be collected immediately and deposited in appropriate containers.

Kitty Hawk- Dogs are permitted on public beaches.  The owner/handler is responsible for and must remove feces and possess a bag/container for waste removal at all times.  From the Friday before Memorial Day until the day after Labor Day between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. dogs must be on a leash not exceeding 6 feet. At all other times during the year, dogs must be restrained on a leash retractable to 12 feet.  Dogs may be taken off the leash only if they will not disturb other people on the beach.  Unleashed dogs must be controlled by the handler, who must remain within 30 feet of the dog at all times.  A leash must be with owner/handler at all times. Violation of any of these rules shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $50.00

Kill Devil Hills- Between May 15, and September 15, of each year. No dogs shall be permitted on the public beach between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. unless being used to aid a handicapped person. At all other times no dogs shall be permitted on the public beaches except upon a leash and under control of owner. All pet waste must be gathered in appropriate containers. Year-round leash law.

Nags Head- Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round as long as they are restrained by a leash not exceeding 10 feet. All pet waste must be properly disposed of by owners.

Currituck County- Leashes are required but there are no length requirements.

Taking Your Dog To The Beach

The information below is provided by:

Heat Prostration

Every summer we see several animals that become seriously overheated. This is a potentially life threatening condition which can be easily avoided. It is important to remember that our canine friends cannot perspire as we do, so they rely on panting as the chief way to dissipate heat experienced by their bodies. In order to compensate for this one should always have fresh water available. Exercise should be limited to short intervals with close attention paid to their breathing patterns. When staying at the beach for extended amounts of time give them a place to lay in the shade. Breeds of dogs with shorter snouts or those with a history of respiratory or cardiac problems are even more sensitive to the effects of heat. And remember that even on overcast days it is possible for
dogs to overheat in short periods of time. Lastly, never leave you pet unattended in parked vehicles.

Salt Water Ingestion

While romping at the waters edge some dogs will drink saltwater as if it were fresh water and in large amounts this can be dangerous. The most common effect of this is vomiting and diarrhea. Most time symptoms last a short while, but if they do not subside in a short time it is important they be evaluated by a veterinarian for dehydration. Severe dehydration has the potential to severely damage their internal organs, so be mindful of their drinking habits and make fresh water available at all times when at the water.

Surf Dangers

Waves breaking in the surf can be dangerous to our smaller companions. Cresting waves can pack quite a punch and cause your pet to develop musculoskeletal injury or worse, drown. It is important to watch them closely at all times when they are in the water and do not allow them to swim too far from land. Rip currents, which are powerful underwater currents going out to sea are dangerous to humans and dogs. Make it a habit to know the current beach report before heading down to have some sandy fun.

Stephen M. Samson DVM
Coastal Animal Hospital
Kitty Hawk, NC

Lost Pet Tips

This List Of Tips Will Help You & Your Lost Pet Find Each Other.

1. Don’t hesitate. The minute you realize your pet is missing, start looking.
2. Call the local animal shelters and animal control centers
3. Walk and drive through your neighborhood.
4. If after several hours of trying the first three steps you’ve had no luck, move on to the following tips.
5. Call local veterinarians.
6. Call local radio stations.
7. Make lost pet flyers and distribute.
8. Use the local newspapers.
9. Call area animal shelters daily and visit in person every 3 days.
10. Don’t give up.

On the happy day you find your pet, be sure to notify everyone who helped in your search.

Prevention

You never know what might happen. No matter how careful you are, there are things you can’t control.
1. Have a proper identification tag affixed to your pet’s collar.
2. Stick a piece of adhesive tape to your pet’s collar with your name, local address and phone number written in ballpoint pen.
3. Keep a current photograph of your pet with you.
4. Ask your local veterinarian for a copy of your pet’s health and shot records, before traveling.

Lauri Brazell, Executive Director,
Outer Banks SPCA & Dare County
Animal Shelter

First Aid for Dogs

Dogs on the Outer Banks, like anywhere else, suffer from minor injuries and illnesses.
Some can be treated by you, the dog owner, but, when in doubt, contact a veterinarian. Some of these injuries/illnesses include:

Open Wounds

Small lacerations and abrasions should be cleaned with soap and water or hydrogen peroxide. A triple antibiotic ointment can be applied twice daily until the wound heals. Deep wounds, lacerations longer than an inch, and wounds that bleed profusely (apply direct pressure to control bleeding), should be seen by a vet.

“Hot Spots”

Any moist dermatitis caused by self-trauma from scratching or chewing, especially on a dog’s face or hindquarters, can be classified as a “hot spot”. Golden Retrievers are especially prone to these. Trim the hair over the lesion and clean with soap and water or peroxide. Apply any over-the-counter cortisone cream twice daily. See a vet if the condition worsens – often an injection of cortisone or a course of cortisone pills and antibiotics are required for complete relief.

Diarrhea

Simple diarrhea in dogs can be treated with Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol (approximately 1 tsp per 20 – 30 lbs body weight) 3 or 4 times a day. You can also feed chicken and rice to help firm up the stool. If the diarrhea persists, or if it is accompanied by vomiting, see a vet. Drinking salt water is a common cause of both diarrhea and vomiting in dogs; please bring along fresh drinking water if you take your dog to the beach.

Limping

Running on the beach, climbing stairs, or over-exertion by dogs on vacation can cause all kinds of muscle or joint problems. If your dog is limping, rest him/her for several days. Aspirin can usually be given safely (check with a vet for dosage). If the lameness persists, or if there is obvious pain when the leg is touched, see a veterinarian.

Please use common sense when on vacation with your dog, and you will all enjoy your stay on the Outer Banks. However, if any injury or illness occurs with your dog during your vacation, there are several veterinarians here to help.

Chris Shea DVM
Martin’s Point Veterinary Hospital

Helpful Reminders

** 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.

**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.