Summer is finally here, which means time outside enjoying the beautiful weather. But when is it too hot to walk your dog or take them out on adventures with you? Extra precautions need to be taken during hot weather to keep your animals safe. Here are some tips for keeping your dog cool and safe during warm weather.
How hot is too hot?
Imagine you’re walking on the pavement with bare feet – is it too hot for you? It’s probably too hot for your dog, too. It’s common to think dog’s feet are tough, so they won’t be affected by heat, but this isn’t true. The pads of a dog’s feet can burn easily on hot days and scorching hot asphalt, cement, or other surfaces.
To help protect them from the heat, walk your dog in the morning or evening when the temperature is lower. On especially hot days, you can also reduce outdoor playtime during the day. It’s also helpful to test the pavement on sunny days using the back of your hand or wrist. Pavement can get very hot and burn the pads on your dog’s feet. By testing with your hand, you’ll get a sense for what your dog is feeling while walking next to you.
When your dog is on a leash, they’re relying on you to guide and protect them, so they may not let you know they are in discomfort. Walk them in the shade, or on grass, which will keep things cool. Consider going for longer walks in the early morning or evening when it’s not as hot and choose routes that will keep you close to home in case you need to come in earlier than planned.
Signs of burnt pads can include:
Limping, licking or chewing feet
Refusing to walk
Sores or missing skin on pads
Blisters or redness
If you see any symptoms like this, bring your dog indoors and contact your veterinarian immediately.
We hope you found these tips helpful for recognizing when it’s too hot to walk your dog! For more summer safety tips, visit our blog Hot Weather Pet Safety.
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