07/30/2025
I have seen too many dog owners out walking with their pets in this extreme heat. Middle of the day and on the hot pavement/asphalt. 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲.... 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 .... 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁! 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱:
Walking your dog in hot weather requires extra precautions to prevent overheating and heatstroke. It's generally recommended to 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝟴𝟬-𝟴𝟱°𝗙, especially for brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed dogs). Opt for early morning or late evening walks when it's cooler, and always provide plenty of fresh water and consider using cooling vests or booties.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗵𝗼𝘁? Temperatures above 85°F (29°C) can be dangerous for dogs, especially if they are young, old, or have health issues.
Short-nosed breeds: Dogs with short snouts (like pugs, bulldogs, and boxers) are more susceptible to heatstroke because they can't pant as effectively to cool down.
𝗣𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: Asphalt and concrete can get much hotter than the air temperature, so test the surface with your hand before walking your dog. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws.
𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: Watch for excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼: If your dog shows signs of overheating, move them to a cool place, offer water, and seek veterinary attention if needed.
𝗔𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀:Consider indoor games, puzzle toys, or playing in water (if appropriate for your dog) as alternatives to walking in the heat.
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱: Always carry water and a bowl for your dog when you go out.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘄 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Use booties to protect your dog's paws from hot pavement.
𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗮𝘆: Walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening when it's cooler.
