Keeping your dog safe in the great outdoors

Pawsitively prepared

Story by Bailey Gilliam

Outdoor adventures with your dog are among life’s sweetest moments. Whether you’re strolling through your neighborhood, soaking up the sun at a local beach or tossing a ball in the backyard, these activities are the essence of joy for you and your pup. But hidden hazards can lurk in the Lowcountry’s beautiful landscape. From parasites to poisonous plants, this survival guide will help ensure your dog stays safe, happy and healthy wherever your adventures take you.

Be your dog’s lifeguard

Swimming can be a blast for dogs, but safety comes first. Try to keep them from drinking too much ocean or pool water, as it can cause dehydration, upset stomachs and other issues. Be mindful of sand ingestion, which can also lead to digestive problems. Always supervise their swim time, and if your pup isn’t a strong swimmer, a life jacket is a smart choice. Afterward, rinse off saltwater or chlorine to prevent skin irritation. In marshy areas, watch out for pluff mud — it can trap dogs and turn a fun outing into a dangerous situation.

Beware of poison dangers

Outdoor toxins like stagnant water, ocean water, chlorine, pesticides and certain plants can harm your dog. Always carry fresh water to prevent your dog from drinking contaminated sources, and use pet-safe pest control products. If your dog ingests something poisonous, contact your vet or poison control immediately.

Common toxic plants for dogs

• Flowers & bulbs: Autumn crocus, daffodil, lily of the valley, tulip, amaryllis, foxglove, hyacinth, iris, gladiola, chrysanthemums 
• Shrubs & plants: Azalea, hydrangea, oleander, sago palm (nuts), rhododendron, wisteria, dieffenbachia, pothos, caladium, philodendron
• Trees: Black walnut, chinaberry, fruit trees, Japanese yew, maple, oak (acorns and young leaves)

Consider the weather

The South Carolina sun can be unforgiving. At just 77 degrees, pavement can reach 125 degrees — hot enough to burn your dog’s paws. Protect your pet with paw wax or boots, keep them hydrated, and avoid walks during peak heat. For light-coated dogs, apply pet-safe sunscreen to prevent burns. If your dog shows signs of overheating — excessive panting, drooling or lethargy — cool them with water, and contact your vet immediately.

Protect against parasites

Fleas, ticks and heartworms are common outdoor threats, and diseases like rabies and Lyme disease can be transmitted through bites. Stay proactive with preventatives, and keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date. If your dog gets a tick, remove it promptly with a tick tool, and monitor for symptoms. Treat fleas immediately with medicated shampoo.

Above all, know your dog — changes in behavior often indicate something’s wrong. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.

Dogs get allergies, too

Outdoor environments teeming with pollen and grasses can trigger allergies in dogs. Regularly clean their coat to minimize exposure, and if you notice itchy skin, watery eyes or digestive issues, consult your vet.

Always supervise your pets

Allowing your dog to roam unsupervised can result in injury or getting lost. Keep your yard securely fenced, and use a leash in unfamiliar areas. Train your dog to come when called, but, remember, even the best training can’t compete with a squirrel sighting. A microchip and updated ID tags are lifesavers if your dog gets lost. In the event of an escape, notify local shelters, post on social media, and contact a pet recovery service.

Avoid wildlife and other animals

Wildlife and other pets can pose risks. Keep your dog away from lagoons to avoid encounters with alligators, and watch for snakes, bees and other critters. Never let your dog approach an unknown pet. Supervision is key, especially for small dogs, which may be targeted by predators.

The dangerous dozen

The 12 biggest wildlife threats to dogs in the Lowcountry, ranked by likelihood of encounters and the severity of potential harm. 

1. Alligators: Lurking in freshwater ponds, lagoons and marshes, these apex predators pose a significant threat, especially near water.

2. Copperhead snakes: Found in wooded areas and many local backyards, their venomous bite can be life-threatening to curious pups.

3. Ticks: Common in wooded or grassy areas, ticks can carry diseases like Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis.

4. Fire ants: Their painful bites and aggressive swarms can cause allergic reactions to sniff-happy pups.

5. Raccoons: These nocturnal scavengers rarely attack dogs but will do so if they feel threatened or cornered.

6. Coyotes: These predators rarely attack dogs, but it does happen. The risk is higher during winter’s mating season. 

7. Wild boars: Aggressive and unpredictable, wild boars can cause serious injuries if unsupervised dogs cross their path in rural areas.

8. Great horned owls: Owl attacks on small dogs are rare, but they do happen. The great horned owl is the most likely species to attack, particularly at dawn or dusk.

9. Southern stingrays: Hidden in shallow water along our beaches, their sharp barbs can seriously injure a curious dog. 

10. Black widow spiders: Found in woodpiles, sheds and garages, their venom can cause severe symptoms in dogs.

11. Mosquitoes: More than just an annoyance, these pests transmit deadly heartworms to unprotected dogs.

12. Sea nettle jellyfish: Found in local waters, their stings can cause irritation and discomfort for dogs swimming in the ocean.