Does your family include furbabies of the canine variety? Since Hilton Head stays sunny and warm, you might need to take extra care to keep them safe. A few simple habits can help keep them happy and healthy while you’re living the island life. These pet safety tips are perfect for every pet lover, but especially those here in the Lowcountry, locals and visitors alike!

Watch Out for Local Wildlife

Hilton Head Island’s beauty comes with risks for pets:

  • Alligators thrive here. Always keep dogs leashed around ponds and lagoons. It’s not unheard of for gators to lunge for pets that get too close to the water’s edge.
  • Big birds, big appetites. Osprey and eagles can target small dogs, so don’t let them run loose.
  • Plan ahead for insects. Bites from mosquitoes are mostly annoying for us, but they also play a huge role in the transmission of heartworm in dogs.

Beat the Heat

Hilton Head gets hot and humid, which can quickly lead to heat stroke in pets. Signs include red skin, rapid pulse, and faintness. Call 911 if this happens. Give pets plenty of water, avoid too much midday sun, and keep them in shady spots whenever possible.

Another option is to rent a bike with a kiddie cart attachment. Your dog gets to ride in total comfort, constant shade, and a smooth ride as you breeze along scenic bike trails. This is a fun, safe way to enjoy the outdoors without exposing them to hot pavement or wildlife 

Prevent Paw Injuries

It’s recommended to keep dogs off the pavement once it gets above 85 as it can quickly heat asphalt up over 100 degrees. Another way to tell if it’s too hot is to put the back of your hand on the pavement and see if you can keep it there for seven seconds. If not, then it’s too hot for the pup’s feet, too. 

You’ll also want to be on the lookout for broken glass on the beach and hot sand, both of which can injure delicate paws. Not all beachgoers treat Hilton Head with care.

A Hilton Head vacation with your pet can be unforgettable, especially when you keep safety first. Be mindful of the local wildlife, keep an eye on rising temps, and spoil them with a chauffered bike ride. Your furbaby will thank you for it!