Summer is a joyous season for many reasons, but it can also be one of the most dangerous, with extreme heat topping the list of weather-related deaths across the U.S. every year.
The summer heat is more dangerous than ever, and that applies to pets too.
Do not leave animals in parked carsEven if your car’s engine is running and the air conditioning is running, the temperature inside a parked car can exceed 110° within five to 10 minutes on a typical summer day when temperatures are around 85° to 90°.
Get out early or lateWalk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening. Dogs sweat through their paws, and hot sidewalks or concrete make it hard for them to stay cool. If you’re walking in the hot summer sun, be sure to check the sidewalk or concrete. Hold the back of your hand against the sidewalk for 5-7 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.
Please refrain from strenuous exercise. Humidity has a similar effect on dogs as it does on people: as your dog pant, moisture evaporates from their mouth to their lungs, slowly lowering their body temperature, but on a humid summer day this effect is much less.
Find some shade! Finally, limit sun exposure and provide your dog with plenty of shade. Putting ice in his water bowl can also help.
