Keeping Your Dog Safe During Hot Weather
During summer, the nice weather and longer days often mean we spend more time outdoors. Dogs enjoy all the fun with us, but as dog owners, we should be careful with our pets during hot days. Sometimes, the sun can be too hot to even walk your dog outside. As a responsible owner, you should know ways to check if it's too hot to walk your dog. In this article, we'll share some tips to keep your dog cool and safe during hot weather.
The Danger of Ambient Heat
Ambient heat can be very misleading. If the outside temperature is 77 degrees, the pavement that has been in the sun can easily reach 122 degrees. When the temperature climbs to 86 degrees, the temperature of the asphalt in the sun can skyrocket to 140 degrees. To put it in perspective, asphalt at 122 degrees can fry an egg in 5 minutes.
How to Check if the Ground is Too Hot
The best way to tell if the asphalt is too hot without using a thermometer is to place the palm of your hand on it and wait seven seconds. If the temperature of the ground is so unbearable that you have to remove your hand before the seven seconds pass, it's better to postpone the walk. If you must take your dog out, you will need to find a shaded cool place or an area with grass.
Other Factors to Consider
Also keep in mind that ground temperature is not the only factor. Dogs do not dissipate heat as efficiently as we do, and environmental heat also affects them. A temperature of 85 degrees and over is already dangerous and can be life-threatening, this temperature can vary depending on the age of the dog, its breed or if it has health problems.
Conclusion
When in doubt, it is best to go for a walk first thing in the morning and in the evening when the sun is already setting, avoiding the central hours of the day. This will prevent burning your dog's paw pads.
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