06/17/2024
Let’s talk Dogs and Heat! ☀️🐾
After more than two years of the same old walk around the neighborhood and forced staycations, you and your dog are probably ready for some summer fun. To help, keep your dog safe this season so you can enjoy all the best parts of summer and avoid the worst parts.
Just like people, dogs are at risk for heatstroke and dehydration when temperatures rise. But, how hot is too hot for your four-legged friend? If you’re uncomfortable outside, your dog probably is too. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water and shade when outside. You can also give them ice-filled Kongs or a frozen water bottle to keep them entertained and cool.
It’s not just the air temperature you need to worry about. Hot surfaces can cause painful blisters on your dog’s paws. This is especially an issue in urban areas where you’re more likely to be walking your dog on asphalt than grass or dirt. If you can’t hold your hand to the ground comfortably for more than a few seconds, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on. Try to taking them out in the early morning or late evening when the temperatures are cooler. If that’s not an option, you can put booties on them to protect their paws or even find a nice grassy area to walk around. Remember to constantly offer some form of hydration during the walk as well. I often recommend a collapsible travel bowl attached to a flask-type water bottle that will keep water cool during your time outside.
Some dog breeds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and other flat-faced breeds, have a particularly tough time in hot weather. Their restricted airways put them at greater risk for heatstroke and make them less tolerant of exercise. Keep an extra close eye on them during warm days and there’s no shame in letting them be a couch potato if it gets too hot.