Who doesn’t love going for a walk with your best doggy pal on a beautiful hot summers’ day (especially when we get one in southland).
However, there are some things to consider ensuring your dogs’ walk is safe and enjoyable. Just like us to be sun smart by doing our slap, slop and wrap there are some rules and tips we can follow. An easy rule to follow is it’s 20 degrees or below, you should be fine to take your dog for a walk. Anything above, and it’s time to enjoy some indoor activities until it cools down.
Brachycephalic breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs and the popular French Bull dog, have challenges in hot weather due to their short nasal passages. These breeds struggle with efficient breathing, making heat dissipation more difficult. As a result, they are more prone to overheating even in moderately warm temperatures. It’s crucial for owners of these breeds to be extra cautious during summer months and avoid prolonged exposure to heat.
Puppies and senior citizen dogs struggle to regulating their body temperature compared to adult dogs. Their underdeveloped or aging bodies can’t cope with extreme temperatures as effectively. Similarly, dogs with underlying health issues, especially those related to breathing or heart problems, are at a higher risk during hot weather. These dogs should be kept cool, and their outdoor activities should be limited on hot days.
A great tip I have found is this:
The 7-Second Rule: A Simple Test for Safe Walking Temperatures
The “7-Second Rule” is an easy and effective way to check if the pavement is too hot for your dog’s paws. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the back of your hand against the pavement and hold it there for 7 seconds. The back of your hand tends to be more sensitive to temperatures than the palm of your hand, so is a good indication of how the surface will feel like for your furry friend’s paws.
- If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. The heat that feels uncomfortable to your skin is likely to be even more intense for your dog’s more sensitive paws.
This test is a quick way to assess the risk before taking your dog out for a walk. It’s especially useful in urban areas where concrete and asphalt can heat up quickly under the sun.
There are different temperatures for different surfaces:
- Grass: Grass tends to be the coolest of all the surfaces on a hot day. So, if the pavements and walkways are too hot, you could try hopping in the car for a trip to the local dog park on Elles road.
- Sand: On hot days, the beach is always a favourite of mine, However, there have been times I’ve run down to the beach on a hot day, only to get to the sand, and it feels like a game of” The floor is lava”. The sand tends to heat up quickly on hot days, so check it before you ask your furry friend to hopscotch all the way down to the sea.
- Concrete Surfaces: While concrete gets hot under the sun, it’s usually cooler than asphalt. If you must walk your dog in hot weather, try to stick to concrete pathways or sidewalks.
- Asphalt and Other Surfaces: Asphalt can get dangerously hot and can even cause burns on your dog’s paws. Always test asphalt with the 7-second rule before allowing your dog to walk on it.
The time of day is another important fact is consider planning when planning a walk with you dog. Avoid the harsh midday heat, the best times are early in the morning or later in the evening. This is when the sun is less intense, and the temperatures are generally cooler. Morning walks can be a refreshing start to the day for both you and your furry companion. Evening walks, as the sun sets, provide a cooler and more comfortable environment, ensuring a pleasant experience for your furry friend.
Holly Fisher: Vet nurse