How did your doggies adjust to living in Hawaii?

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by FallenIntoGreatness

I have not taken them to the beach because they have those signs that say no domesticated animals, are they like the speed limit signs on the highway - locals ignore?

I've never seen a sign like that (but, maybe I've just not paid attention) - here in Kailua - Oahu, dogs are very common on the beach - as in at least 10+ any given day.

[Big Island Cat]

Our two dogs and cat absolutely love the move, they get to spend more time out in the yard eating avocadoes and papayas. I used to worry about them getting into trouble with skunks, bears, coyotes and other wildlife. The cat gets Revolution, while the dogs get Heartguard and Frontline. So far ticks, fleas and Heartworm have been kept at bay, I would recommend getting any animal started on those preventative med, especially for Heartworm. It is not a pleasant experience having a dog succumb to that ailment.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by FallenIntoGreatness

I have not taken them to the beach because they have those signs that say no domesticated animals, are they like the speed limit signs on the highway - locals ignore?

Dogs are allowed on some beaches, not on others.

Here's an Oahu oriented list including details and tips, compiled by the Hawaiian Humane Society. Dog Friendly Beaches | Hawaiian Humane Society

Hawaii State Parks says:

PETS and other animals are prohibited wherever posted, and are not allowed in restaurants, pavilions, swimming areas, campgrounds, lodges, or on beaches. Where permitted, pets are to be crated, caged, on a 6-foot or shorter leash or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times. Horses prohibited unless otherwise posted. Please clean up after your pet.
Hawaii State Parks > Park Rules

Hawai'i County Code:

Hawai'i County Code:
Section 4-18. Places prohibited to animals, including dogs and cats.
(a) Except as otherwise provided, it shall be unlawful for any person to take or permit any dog, cat, or other
domestic animal, whether loose or on a leash or in restraint on or about any County beach park or any
establishment or place of business where food or food products are sold or displayed, including but not
limited to restaurants, grocery stores, meat markets, fruit or vegetable stores.
(b) This section shall not apply to “Seeing Eye” dogs or other dogs necessarily utilized for the benefit of
handicapped persons or to dogs used for purposes of law enforcement by law enforcement agencies of the
Federal, State or County governments.
(c) There shall be a penalty of not more than $50 for each violation of this section.
(1980, Ord. No. 510, sec. 2; Am. 1980, Ord. No. 579, sec. 11; Am. 1986, Ord. No. 86-34, sec. 3.)4
http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/countycode/

[terracore]

Our German Shepherd had pannus (an eye disease) in Alaska. Pannus is normally aggravated by exposure to sunlight and we were worried about bringing her to Hawaii. She also had bad allergies. Since moving to Hawaii her pannus and allergies have disappeared.

You will have to treat your dogs for ticks, fleas, heartworms, and intestinal worms in Hawaii. We use Revolution because it's one drug that treats all of them. We have three dogs so it is EXPENSIVE. Some people resist treating their dogs with chemicals. But it is better than what the parasites would do to them. Fleas aren't just a nuisance, they spread tapeworms and diseases to your animals. Ticks seem to either be a problem, or not. I think it depends on where you are. Obviously if your dog travels with you around the island they risk for exposure will be greater. Since virtually every public space, parks, and beach in Hawaii has a ban on even leashed dogs, you will probably be leaving your dog at home more often since you can't let it bake in the car.