The hottest days of the summer are here. During this time of year, a lot of people walk their dogs or spend time outside with their pets. I would like to take this time to remind pet owners that the heat can be dangerous.
If you want to go for a walk/run with your best friend, test out the pavement with the back of your hand. If it is hot for your hand, it is hot for their paws.
I know our dogs love to go for car rides and, as soon as we open a car door, one or all four hop in to go for a ride -- and getting them out is nearly impossible. When this happens for a run to the store, one of us sits in the car while the other runs in to get what’s needed. That way, if the car for whatever reason would turn off or act up, someone is there and there’s no danger to the dogs.
If you must have your dogs outside during the day, please make sure they have a water source that is out of the sun and is clean and cool for them to drink within reach. Please make sure to have a shaded area for them to get out of these hot temperatures and direct sunlight.
These tips are extremely important to our pets. Heatstroke or overheating doesn’t just happen to humans, but to our four-legged friends as well.
I have a dog that loves to lay out in the sun even in these hot temperatures. It scares me when I see him lying on the hot cement, but he comes in the house and gets cooled off before going back out. I have no clue why he continues in the hot sun, other than to give me a good scare.
My rule of thumb: If you wouldn’t like it, neither will your pet.
;)
