Living in Arizona, we know a thing or two about hot summer days (and even nights). Nobody likes that "blow dryer in your face" feeling when you open the door to go outside. It's too hot to do much of anything and extended periods of time out in the heat can be downright dangerous!
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Unfortunately, these same dangers apply to our furry companions. So what can you do to help keep your dogs cool and safe during the extreme summer heat?
Below, we've put together a helpful list of dog safety tips for the hot temperatures:
Protect Your Dog's Feet and Pads
During the summer, the ground can get extremely hot. On certain days, you can literally fry an egg on the sidewalk! That is certainly hot enough to burn your dogs feet. As a rule of thumb, put your bare hand to the pavement, and if you can't hold it there comfortably for at least 10 seconds, it's too hot for your dog to walk on.
Most of the time, you can avoid hot surfaces by walking your dog early in the morning or late at night when the temperatures are cooler. If you do take your dog for a walk during the day, make sure they are equipped with dog booties to protect their feet!
Image by Good Vibes Dogtography
Keep Dogs Cool in the Pool
Jumping in a pool is a great way to cool off during the summer, so encourage your dogs to do the same! A dip in the pool can drastically reduce your dogs body temperature and prevent them from overheating. Of course, not all dogs take to water naturally, so be sure to introduce your dog to water slowly and follow proper safety precautions.
Don't worry if you don't have a pool at your home. You can get the same effect from plastic kiddie pools, sprinklers, or even the hose! The point is to wet your dog with cool, refreshing water to keep them from getting too hot.
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Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
There is no better feeling than downing an ice cold glass of water on a hot summer day, right? Well, just like humans, dogs need to drink extra water in order to stay hydrated during hotter temperatures. Make sure that your dogs always have access to clean, cool water. Be sure to check that their water dish is full and always bring water with you if out on walks or at the park with your dog. On those extra hot days, you can always give your dogs ice cubes for a cool, refreshing summer treat that helps keep them hydrated!
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Find Indoor Alternatives for Outdoor Activities
Dogs need exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. But what do you do when it's too hot to do your normal activities like walking, going to the park, or playing fetch in the back yard?
Try substituting indoor activities that keep your dog moving and grooving. Some options include going for walks in dog-friendly stores like Home Depot or Pet Planet. For socialization with other dogs, try drop-in doggy daycare at Mak Pack Boarding & Training or another similar facility. If your dog really needs to burn some steam, there are even companies like Run Buddy Mobile that come to your house and run your dogs in an air-conditioned van!
Image by Good Vibes Dogtography
These are just a few tips for keeping your dogs safe and cool during the summer. Obviously, there are many other options as well if you just think creatively and keep your dog's safety in mind. Just be smart about it and pay close attention to your dog. If they appear to be getting too hot, be sure to get them inside and cooled down. If your dog is exhibiting any signs of heat exhaustion, consult your veterinarian immediately!