Avoid peak daytime heat
While mid-day potty breaks are necessary, extended walks should take place during the earlier morning hours or late evening hours. By avoiding the really hot mid-day heat, you can prevent overheating and sunburn for both you and your dog.
Avoid walking on concrete or pavement
On a low-humidity 90° day in direct sun, asphalt can reach temperatures over 140°. An egg will fry in 5 minutes at 131°. If you can’t comfortably press the back of your hand against the pavement for 10 seconds then your dog can’t walk on it without burns! Stay in shady and grassy areas as often as possible to prevent burns. The pavement also holds heat so it can still be too hot in the evening when the air temperature has gone down.
Always carry water on walks
Unless you’re walking in a park that has doggy water fountains, make sure you have a bottle of cool water and something for your dog to drink it out of. Dogs suffer dehydration just like people and need regular water breaks. Since dogs can’t sweat, they pant and panting causes the mouth to dry out and the dog to get thirsty faster than humans do.
Know the signs of heat exhaustion
Loud or labored panting, drooling, increased heart rate, red tongue with pale gums, walking like they’re drunk. These are all signs of heat exhaustion and possibly heat stroke. If you witness any of these symptoms take action immediately!
- Get the dog inside or to a shady spot
- Pour cool (not cold) water over the dog’s head. NEVER immerse an overheated dog in water or use cold water for cooling as this can cause blood vessel constriction and make the overheating worse.
- Rubbing alcohol on the foot pads will kick-start the cooling process
- A little bit of honey rubbed on the dog’s gums can counteract the onset of hypoglycemia brought on by overheating.
- Get to a veterinarian ASAP!