Beach Tips - Outer Banks?

[Bonne Bouche]

Going to the Outer Banks next week with my family and husband. We'll be bringing Bonne Bouche for the first time. He has been LOVING the water at the pond and creek near our house and I'm pretty sure he's going to have a blast.

 

I'd be happy to take any advice for what to do and be careful of while I'md own there.

 

Things I think I need to take into consideration:

1) BB is black and gets hot easily, we will need to be very conscious of his body temperature

2) He hasn't been on Tick meds since we've moved to a less tick prone area. We have an extra tube, are Ticks bad? We likely won't be taking him into the deep woods.

3) What suggestions do you have for sunscreen? I've seen threads here with conflicting info about the chemicals etc.

4) I'm picking up a 30ft leash for him from amazon. This will be good to have him on while we are on the beach. He is not reliable at recall yet, and we wont be letting him "off leash"

 

Anything I'm missing?

Thanks!!!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I don't know the answer to these questions but there have been a couple of posts where dogs got ill after swallowing salt water which you may wish to add to this list. I live in cool Ireland and unfortunately don't have to worry about such things...more like, get the Aran Jumper, rain coat and Wellies and lets head to the beach!

[Bonne Bouche]

I have read them too, but didn't seem to think there was much of a solution except "dont let them drink". It seems like the talk has been about an electrolyte imbalance. I wonder if it would be beneficial to give the dogs gatoraid or coconut water.... or harmfull?

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Having a black dog myself, I know just how quickly they get hot.  Lucy's hair will be hot to the touch even within just a few minutes of being outside and Sophie's won't even be warm.  Being August at the Beach, you are going to need to be really careful and really keep an eye on this with Bonne Bouche.  We bought a "cooling vest" for Lucy and it makes all the difference in the world with her.  That would be a great thing for playing in the ocean, but for any other outdoor walks or anything that you wanted to take it would really help.  I would also watch his paw pads.  The sand this time of year can be extremely hot.  If you can't walk on it without shoes, he probably shouldn't be walking on it either.  Hopefully Irene hasn't messed up the area you are going to and you have a wonderful trip.  We will of course be looking for pictures when you return.

[Bonne Bouche]

My dad talked with the rental property and they said that aside from some small rain damage (seeping in through the sliding glass doors) it wasn't that bad.

 

We're ocean front for the second time ever, seems like most of the damage was soundside... ;-/ They're the ones least prepared...

 

Your post started to get me very worried because BB is always a pansy, he wilts in the heat. So I impulsively bought this: http://www.ruffwear.com/Swamp-Cooler-Dog-Cooling-Vest-Sun-Protectio...  I've heard some goodt hings about it here and online. It should get here by Friday, just in time. I'll let you know how it works, maybe Lucy would like one? I got a great price with a discount code from AustinKayak.com

 

I will also be careful of the sand heat. I don't anticipate BB to be out on the sand in the heat of the day though...

 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

This is actually the same one that we have for Lucy that I reference above in my post.  It helps her a lot.  I soak it in ice water before I put it on.  She can be a little grumpy out in the heat but if we have this on her she is fine.    Good luck.  I hope it helps BB have a great vacation.

[Bonne Bouche]

lol, somehow I missread your initial post about the vest. Oh well, glad to know it actually works! ;-] and thanks for the recommendation, it was the final instigating factor for it. and I'm glad we got it! It just shipped out a few minutes ago!!!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Someone just posted this information. Hope you have fun!

http://www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/pet-articles/pet-health-toxi...

[Bonne Bouche]

Very informative link! Thanks!

[Leslie, Dexter & Kirby]

We took Dexter to OBX twice.  My best advice is to keep BB inside during the hotest parts of the day.  I would take Dex for a walk/romp on the beach early in the morning and then after 6 pm (no worries about sunburn and he stayed cool in the AC). 

The long leash is a great idea. 

 

You could try taking BB to the sound side to swim.  There are no waves there to scare a doodle.  We've taken Dex swimming at the beach many times and he never has gotten sick, but he also doesn't drink much salt water. 

 

Have a great time.  We go to OBX every year and I hope everying is recovering from the storm and the damage isn't too bad!!