Friday, June 21, 2019

How Hot is Too Hot for Your Dog?

   It is getting that time of the year again when we hear horror stories of dogs being left in cars or burning their paws on hot concrete. You might be wondering how hot is too hot for your dog when it comes to the summer heat.
Dogs in Cars
   Let’s start with leaving your dog in the car while you run into the store. You only plan on being in there a few minutes and you’ve left the window down. Your best friend should be fine and besides, they hate being left at home. I get it, seriously, I do. How many times have you seen someone from the neighborhood or work and had to chat for a bit on the canned good aisle? Meanwhile, your dog is having a hard time breathing out in your car.

   On an 85°F day, it only takes 10 minutes for the inside of your car to reach 102°F with the window left open 2”. If you are in the store for 30 minutes, the temperature inside your car is now 120°F. Even if it is a lovely 70°F outside, the interior of your car can be 20 degrees hotter. The best decision you can make for your pup is to leave them at home in the air conditioning. 
   Of course, with so much press about dogs in hot cars, there is a good chance that you’ll return to your car and discover a busted window and the police waiting for you. Nobody has time for that!
Standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona
Hot Paws
   The heat here in Texas is intense. We walk our boys in the morning or early evening when it is not too hot. Even though the sun might not be so high in the sky, the sidewalk can still be very hot. It’s important to check the surface before exposing your dog’s paws to concrete or asphalt. You can do this by placing your hand on the ground for 7 seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog’s paws. 
   When the outside temperature is 77°F with a light breeze and low humidity, the asphalt can reach an unbelievable 125°F! That can rise to 143°F when it gets 87°F. Damage can occur in just one minute at 125°F.
   That doesn’t mean that you can’t walk your dog until autumn. You just have to take the necessary precautions. There are a number of shoes that are made for hot temperatures. The Bayou Boys wear Pawz® and they don’t mind wearing them at all. They do sound funny waling though! It’s also a good idea to walk on grass or in shaded areas. 
*Remember to always bring water for your dog on walks.
   Summer is here and we encourage you to spend lots of quality time with your dog outdoors. A little planning is all it takes to make sure this is a summer to remember!
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19 comments :

  1. even with our only one summerish day we saw dogs in cars... why some people will never learn?

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  2. We always walk at nite or early in the morning in the summer. Tonite we got home from our walk at midnight!

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  3. You boys are stylin' in that car! Can I please have a ride?!
    It is so stoopid to put our beloved furfriends at risk.

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  4. More reasons why we are looking forward to the end of summer before it begins. The heat is no fun for anyone at our house. Luckily, we do most of our working out early in the morning. Happy Friday!

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  5. Always, great advice that everyone needs to hear!

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  6. We got some new reflective gear for night walking. We love the peace and quiet. We own the night.

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  7. Oh dear yes indeedy protect the feets. I saw something on local news about a Golden Retriever having burned paws being treated at a vet clinic.
    Boys is was H U M I D here yesterday 84% with 93 degrees. My sweat was sweating
    Hugs Cecilia

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  8. Mom only brings me on drive-through errands in the summer. And then we take a side trip to the park! Yay!

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

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  9. Humans are so stoopey sometimes! Goggies should be treated like royalty...but don't tell my cats that I typed that...

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  10. Thanks for sharing the great tips. We just love your feet booties to help protect your feet from the hot concrete. Have a wonderful upcoming weekend and Happy First Day of Summer to you all.
    World of Animals

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  11. Car rides are pretty much out here in the summer. As in TX, it's just too hot. We only walk on paved areas in the morning...before the sun heats up...or in areas with dirt tracks. With all the information given out, can't understand why people still leave animals (and children) in cars in hot weather.

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  12. I am glad it doesn't get that hot here.

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  13. Thanks for the reminder on how hot it can be for us pets.

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  14. Mom never takes us when she goes to the store or any place we cannot go in with her
    hugs
    Mabel & Hilda

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  15. Very glad you did this postie to remind everyone abouts the friggin' HEAT! The only thing I am glads for is working AC!!! BOL! And, we usually don't gets humid. That Ma is MOST thankful for! She spent a month in Oklahoma visiting relatives, and she almost died from the humidity! BOL!
    Stay cool my furiends
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  16. I've always kind of been in the camp that thinks their dogs are just as happy at home. Luckily we only walk in the woods and on dirt roads, so we don't have to worry about hot paws.
    Great post!
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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