Watch-Outs

Heat

Summer, and any hot day

• Heat Advisory in the Charleston area means a heat index of 108 to 112°F. Extreme Heat Warning means 113°F or higher.
• Never leave a pet in a car, even in winter.
• Heat stroke means a body temperature above 103°F. Signs: heavy panting, dry or sticky gums, dark or bright red tongue or gums, staggering, seizures, unresponsiveness.
• Don't leave a pet outdoors unsupervised for more than 10 minutes on hot days.
• Never put a pet in cold water or cool it below 103°F.

Sources: NWS Charleston criteria, NWS heat safety, CVRC Top 5 Summer Emergencies

Salt water

Beach days

• As little as 2 to 3 cups of salt water can be toxic for a large dog, and less than a gallon can be deadly.
• Signs show 30 minutes to several hours later: vomiting, diarrhea, poor coordination, disorientation, seizures.
• Offer fresh water every 15 minutes at the beach.

Sources: CVRC

Snakes

May through October

• South Carolina has 38 snake species, 6 of them venomous: copperhead, coral snake, cottonmouth, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake.
• All snakes are nonaggressive when left alone.
• CVRC sees several pets a week with snakebites from May to October. Signs: puncture marks, bruising, swelling, weakness, tremors, rapid breathing. Most pets stay in the hospital 12 to 48 hours.

Sources: SCDNR, CVRC

Alligators

Year-round near ponds, lagoons, and marsh edges

• Alligators can surge out of the water to catch prey along the bank. Keep a safe distance from the water's edge.
• They can climb chain fences.
• Feeding alligators is illegal, including tossing fish scraps.
• At Laurel Hill County Park: if an alligator is sunning on a trail, take another route.

SCDNR Operation Game Thief (emergencies): 1-800-922-5431

Sources: SCDNR, Charleston County Parks

Toxic plants

Year-round in yards and parks

• Sago palm: vomiting, black stool, jaundice, thirst, bleeding, liver failure, death.
• Azalea: vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure.
• Oleander: drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, depression, death.
• Also toxic to dogs: gardenia, elephant ears, daffodil.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control, 24 hours (a fee may apply): (888) 426-4435

Sources: ASPCA

Ticks

Warm months, wooded trails

• Check your dog, your clothes, and your bags after walks.
• Ticks are common in Francis Marion National Forest.

Sources: CDC, US Forest Service

Algae and unsafe water

Warm months, ponds and lakes

• If your dog drools heavily, seems weak, breathes with effort, or has seizures after swimming, see a vet.
• Sullivan's Island: the pond at Station 28 1/2 is not safe for recreation (high bacteria).
• Check the state DES monitoring map before a lake swim.

Sources: SC Department of Environmental Services, Town of Sullivan's Island

Cold snaps

Winter

• Freeze Warning: 32°F or below during the growing season (Mar 1 to Nov 30).
• Cold Weather Advisory: temperature or wind chill 20 to 11°F. Extreme Cold Warning: 10°F or colder.

Sources: NWS Charleston criteria

Hurricanes and evacuations

Hurricane season

• Most emergency shelters do not accept pets (service animals excepted). Plan a pet-friendly hotel.
• Pack at least 3 days of water and food for your pet, and keep vaccination records current.

Sources: City of Charleston, SC Emergency Management Division

Hunting season

Hunting season, national forest

• In Francis Marion National Forest, put hunter orange or another bright color on your dog (vest, leash, or bandana).

Sources: US Forest Service

Coyotes

Year-round, most active from twilight through the night

• Coyotes live across South Carolina, including Sullivan's Island, and can be a risk to pets.
• Keep your dog leashed and walk in busy areas during the day.
• To scare one off: make loud noises, shout, bang objects, throw small stones, or spray it with a hose.
• If a coyote is aggressive, call 911. Don't turn away or run.

Sullivan's Island Animal Control (sightings): 843-743-7200

Sources: Town of Sullivan's Island

Sea turtle nesting season

May 15 to October 31

• On Sullivan's Island it is unlawful to let a dog roam the dunes or disturb nesting turtles, nests, or hatchlings.
• Other beach towns: not checked yet.

Report an injured or dead turtle (Sullivan's Island): 843-743-7200

Sources: Town of Sullivan's Island

Jellyfish

Beach days, especially after high winds

General guidance, not an official agency. Always see a vet if worried.

• Dead jellyfish on the beach can still sting for weeks. Keep your dog from sniffing or mouthing them.
• Face, feet, belly, and mouth are most at risk.
• Rinse with seawater, not fresh water, and lift off tentacle bits with tape. Don't touch them with bare hands.
• Go to a vet right away for trouble breathing, poor coordination, muscle spasms, several stings, a swollen mouth or tongue, or vomiting.

Sources: Wag! (wagwalking.com), added at Matt's direction

Rules, fines, and no-dog places

Year-round

• Sullivan's Island: town dog license for every dog, $50 for visitors, sold at Town Hall on weekdays only.
• Folly Beach: never off-leash; no dogs on the beach 10am to 6pm May to September; never on the pier; fines up to $1,092.
• Mount Pleasant: leash everywhere except 4 off-leash areas; fines $163.50, then $361.25.
• Kiawah: from Beachwalker Park go left (east); right is critical habitat, no dogs ever; fines up to $500.
• No dogs: Ravenel Bridge walkway, Mount Pleasant Pier, Middleton Place, Caw Caw Interpretive Center, Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, Charles Towne Landing's Animal Forest, Magnolia's tours.
• Rip currents: on high-risk days, stay out of the water and swim only at beaches with lifeguards.

Sources: Approved beach, park, and trail lists, NWS