Following a long winter, most people around the United States are anxiously looking forward to the long, summer months. From taking weekend trips to the beach to meeting friends at an outdoor venue for fun and games, summertime continues to be one of the most popular seasons in the country. As a result, many Americans will either travel with their pets, or they will allow them to play outside for longer periods. While it is a great way for animals to get their energy out, it is important to understand how the heat can hurt your pet, and how you can protect your animal from elevated temperatures.
Be Mindful Of What Time You Are Walking Your Dogs
Many pet owners will take their dogs on walks throughout the summer, to ensure that the dog gets the exercise that they need. While this is an overall good way to keep your dog healthy, it could ultimately become an issue if the temperatures are high enough. To ensure that your dogs don’t get overheated, it may be beneficial to walk them during cooler hours, either in the morning or evening time. It is especially important for older dogs, or dogs with ongoing health issues to stay out of peak temperatures.
Check The Pavement
In addition to being aware of the overall temperature outside, it is also important to check the pavement that you will be walking on, to ensure that it is not too hot for your pet’s paws. According to Petcure, you should test the pavement using the 5-second rule. If you are unable to keep it on the sidewalk for five full seconds or find that it burned your hand, it is too hot for your pet’s paws to walk on.
Never Leave Your Pet In A Car
This may seem like an obvious tip to follow, but animals are left in cars daily around the country. For destinations that have hotter summers, like Phoenix, Arizona, locking a pet in the car can lead them to have a heat stroke, which is a life-threatening condition. According to the South Boston Animal Hospital, the interior of a car in 85 degrees can increase to nearly 120 degrees in 30 minutes or less. At 120 degrees, your pet will be at immediate risk of a heat stroke, which can be fatal when not properly treated.
When taking the right precautions, summertime can be a great opportunity for your pets to get fresh air and exercise.
About The Author
Anatoly Vanetik is a Businessman and Oil and Gas Expert residing in Orange County, California. He brings over 30 years of professional experience working as an entrepreneur, and remains active as the President and Chairman for his company, Vanetik & Associates. Anatoly Vanetik is also passionate about art history and animal welfare, and has been an active supporter of animal organizations around California. He maintains an active monthly blog on animal welfare, providing helpful tips on giving back, as well as highlighting great animal organizations.