As we enter what can be almost the hottest part of the year here in Arizona, here are a few simple reminders to ensure the safety of your four-legged friends.
Walks:
- WATER! WATER! WATER! Always take plenty for both you and your pet!
- Walk early in the morning when the temperature is lower and the pavement is not too hot – your pet still needs their routine exercise, with just a slight adjustment to the schedule. Just think…you will have your workout done too!
- If you can’t walk early in the morning, head out in the late evening. Once the sun is nearly set, the pavement may have cooled just enough…but please be sure to check first!
- If early or late aren’t options, be sure to take additional precautions; make sure there is grass for your pet to walk on) and implement some sort of paw protection, as the temperature of the pavement (and even the dirt) can cause both pain and serious burn injuries.
Dog Park:
- WATER! WATER! WATER! Always take plenty for both you and your pet!
- Your vehicle is going to be really hot…and if it is parked outside, SUPER hot! Even in the garage, the temperatures in the car can climb into potentially fatal ranges. So be sure you:
- Turn the A/C on and open the windows to let the hot air start escaping
- Put a sheet or blanket on the seat and back, wherever your pet might be sitting
- Bring a damp towel/cloth with us to the dog park so you can wipe down legs and paws. The summer brings a lot of unwanted bugs, and this can help your pet bringing any home with you.
At Home:
- WATER! WATER! WATER! Always make sure there is plenty for both you and your pet!
- Make sure there is plenty of fresh water inside – including in the kennel.
- Always make sure when your pet goes outside for a bit of exercise that there is lots of fresh (and cool) water.
- Ensure that there are plenty of shaded areas outside, and remember the heat of the sun moves throughout the day…so one area might be shaded in the morning, but in full sun by the afternoon, which means the water is going to be too hot to drink and very dangerous for your pet.
- Keep your pet’s outdoor time and exposure to these extreme heat temperatures to a minimum. It’s important to get your exercise, but know for sure that if you’re uncomfortable outside, so is your pet. Keep walks and outdoor activities shortened during this extreme heat season.