Responsible pet owners should take every precaution against the potential of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and other health related concerns that summer brings into our lives. In addition to the hot car topic, here are some additional pet issues to consider during the warm weather months:
1. Asphalt: Despite what most people think, the pads on a dog’s feet are very sensitive to hot surfaces. On a 77-degree day, the asphalt on roads and paths is 125 degrees in the sun. At 87 degrees, the sun heated asphalt is 143 degrees. The pavement takes hours to cool down once it is no longer in direct sunlight.
Hold your hand on the asphalt for 10 seconds to check the danger level. At 125 degrees, skin damage can begin in 60 seconds. At 131 degrees, an egg can fry in 5 minutes.
2. Dogs in the yard: If you are miserable in the outdoor heat, then your dog is even more miserable. Make certain he has plenty of fresh water at all times. A small wading pool filled with cool water will really help your dog beat the heat, as well as heavy shade other than a hot doghouse. If you can create a breeze with a ceiling fan or a floor fan, that’s a plus. As much as possible, please let your pet enjoy the indoor comfort of air conditioning. When your dog is indoors, snakes, predators, insects, sharp sticks, chipmunk holes, and running away from home are hazards that can be avoided.
3. Snakes: Snakes love warm weather. Most people do not love snakes, especially the venomous varieties. If we do not pay close attention, these slimy creatures can seriously impact the health of a human or a beloved pet. Unless you can clearly see any potential dangers within a 3-4 foot radius of you and your pet(s), please avoid those areas. If your dog is sniffing around the edge of some thick ground cover, or has his nose near a chipmunk hole, that’s probably a really bad idea.
4. Walking, running, or playing with your dog in hot weather: Provide frequent breaks for cool water. Try to keep your pet out of the sun as much as possible. Avoid the hottest part of the day. If your dog wants to slow down, or is in distress, then the exercise is not worth the risk. Perhaps you can find indoor games that will keep your dog active, but in a much safer range of temperatures. Remember that dogs do not have the ability to cool down nearly as efficiently as humans do.
To understand more about your dog’s capacity to deal with hot weather, please search the Internet for “Dog Talk 101: How Do Dogs Cool Off?” This article should help you understand why summer may not be the favorite season of man’s best friend. However, as we continue to learn more about our own pets, and keep a watchful eye out for other pets who may possibly be trapped in sweltering vehicles, let’s all hope for a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer.
Bob Mooney
Fayetteville, Ga.
