Temperatures have been on the rise for the past few days so I think this is a good time to remind my readers to be mindful of the comfort of your dog's paws by following these seven simple tips:
1. As a basic ‘rule of paw’, if the pavement feels too hot for your bare feet it is too hot for your dog!
2. Press your bare hands and feet on the pavement for at least 7-8 seconds to assess heat level.
3. If the 7-8 second test yields a comfortable temperature it is still critical to consider other factors (humidity, temperature, your dog's energy level, etc) to assess safety accurately.
4. If you simply must take your dog for a walk during the warmest time of day keep him or her on the grass but only for a BRIEF amount of time.
5. Asphalt and other ground surfaces retain heat which causes the temperatures to rise well past the air temperature!
6. Long walks with your dog are safest either early in the morning or late at night.
7. Instead of walking your dog in the heat, take him or her for a swim. Even non-water dogs like to run along the edge and get their feet wet!
Please pass these post along to anyone who might need to review these safety reminders! Thank you!
Mom is vet tired of finding pets locked in hot cars. I wish everyone would read this!
ReplyDeleteLily & Edward