Even on a hot day, you’re likely to find both pets and people out and about.
“I wanted to raise awareness," dog owner Crystal Benson said about her recent experience with her dog, Mickey, on the Outer Banks.
Watch: Hampton Roads is a heartworm hot spot for our pets
Hampton Roads is a heartworm hot spot for our pets
While vacationing there, Benson had to make a trip to the vet for Mickey.
“He wouldn’t eat, and that’s unusual for him. Then, he drank some water and he threw it up," Benson recalled.
Her dog had a sand impaction. That’s when dogs ingest too much sand and it blocks their intestines, sometimes requiring surgery.
Benson’s dog didn’t require surgery and is doing fine, but Benson posted about the experience on Facebook as a warning of other pet owners.
Watch: Nationwide dropping pet insurance coverage for hundreds of animals
Nationwide dropping pet insurance policies for 100,000
Vet tech Brooke Jerin said sand impactions are not uncommon.
“If they’re playing too much and rolling around they can ingest it," said Jerin.
Keep an eye on your dog when they’re in the water, too.
Watch: Local animal shelters see surge in lost pets after Fourth of July
Local animal shelters see surge in lost pets after Fourth of July
“Sometimes, they will drink the water and that can cause some vomiting and diarrhea," Jerin explained.
Terina and Jayanna Smith were taking a stroll down the boardwalk at the oceanfront in Virginia Beach with their dog, Pepper Jack, Wednesday.
“We keep him safe by keeping him cool," Terina said.
Watch: VB EMS discusses heat safety
Virginia Beach EMS talks safety and heat
Pets can’t sweat, which means staying cool can be harder for them than for humans.
The ground, especially concrete and asphalt, can get hot enough to burn their paws.
According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PeTA), as of July 17, 79 dogs and other companion animals had died from heat-related causes in 2024.
In 2023, according to PeTA's data, there were 163 deaths.
Watch: Planning for your pets in hurricane season with VBSPCA
VBSPCA Charlie Hurricane tips Coast Live
“We rinse him down in the shower. Every time he dries off, we wet him down again," said Terina.
“When he gets tired of walking, we put him in his stroller. He has nice little booties here that keep his feet nice and cool," Jayanna said.
Good information, especially with plenty of summer still to go.
“He is no longer going to beaches anymore," Benson said about Mickey.
Something else to keep in mind, during the summertime many beaches have restrictions about when pets can be on the beach.
More stories from Virginia Beach
First Landing State Park wins travelers' favorite award
Hailey Brown
12:15 PM, Jul 17, 2024
What court documents say about VBPD officer accused of sexual assault
John Hood
6:00 PM, Jul 16, 2024
Norfolk ranked in top 10 most dangerous to drive during rush hour
WTVR CBS 6 Web Staff
4:09 PM, Jul 16, 2024
Atlantic Shores' Dudley eyes spot on Team USA
Marc Davis
9:24 PM, Jul 15, 2024
Trimble, DeMartini, Holobetz go on day two of MLB Draft
Marc Davis
8:54 PM, Jul 15, 2024
Virginia Beach EMS talks safety with excessive heat
John Hood
8:03 PM, Jul 15, 2024
VBPD officer accused of felony abduction, sex assault on duty
Madeline Miller
5:56 PM, Jul 15, 2024
'Grazie a tutti!' VB cafe owner reopens two months after stroke, fundraiser
Anthony Sabella
6:58 PM, Jul 13, 2024
Most Popular
Comments / 0