Dog Days of Summer
The summer months are made for vacations and outdoor activities, especially with our furry BFFs. Fun in the sun is made even more epic with them in tow but can be dangerous if we aren’t careful! Check out this important information to protect your dogs and cats from overheating!
Dogs and cats should not be left outside when temperatures reach the 80s and higher. A good rule to follow is that if it is too hot for you, it is probably too hot for them. We're going to talk a little bit about how to keep your pet safe when going out for walks, what to do when you see a pet that has been left outside in high heat, and who to call when you see a homeless pet!
If you have a dog, you have to take them for walks, even when it's hot outside! Asphalt temperatures can cause skin damage after just one minute of skin exposure. If it is 77 degrees outside, the asphalt can be as high as 125 degrees. There are some things that you can do to keep your pet safe on those summertime walks.
To ensure that it is safe for your pet to walk:
Place your hand on the pavement or sidewalk and leave it there for 7 seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog.
Avoid mid-day walks when temperatures are at their highest.
Try to always walk in the grass or shaded area.
Invest in some booties for your pup to wear when walking on pavement/asphalt is the only option.
If your pet is going to be outside for any length of time, ensure they have easy access to plenty of cool water and shade. Invest in a cooling mat or elevated bed so that air can circulate around your pet.
NEVER leave your pet in an unattended vehicle. Temperatures can soar to over 100 degrees within minutes, leaving animals inside stranded and facing life-threatening danger. If you see a pet in a hot car, call 911 immediately and try to locate the owners.
What do you do if you see that an outside dog doesn't have adequate shelter, food, or water? If you see something, say something! Contact your local law enforcement, give them the details, and ask for a welfare check for the animal. When you see a homeless or stray pet, contact your local animal control facility and report the details!
What are the details?
Whenever you contact law enforcement or animal control, the details you can give are crucial! Those details are what you saw, when you saw it, where it happened, and who - if you know!
Click here to learn more about how to report suspected animal abuse and neglect.
Click here for educational materials on summer weather tips for pets.
