The Heat Is On!

As you know Arizona’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in the earlier months of the year. In this newsletter we will talk about ways to help your pets stay active while protecting them as the weather gets warmer.

What temperature is too hot to walk your dog?
Generally, at temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, most dogs are at risk of heatstroke and you should avoid exercising your dog in that heat. For many dogs, outdoor activity at temperatures above 82°F can be dangerous.

Walking Dogs in Hot Weather
Check the pavement. Asphalt, concrete, and sand on a sunny day can potentially be 40° - 60° hotter than the air temperature, and 125°F pavement can damage your pup’s paws in as little as 60 seconds.

​A quick way to check if the pavement is too hot is to place your hand on a sunny part of the pavement. If you can’t comfortably keep your hand there for 10 seconds, the pavement is too hot for your dog. We recommend getting our Alcott Adventure Boots for your pet that will help protect the sensitive skin on their paws. These shoes are durable, long lasting, and do not slip off if they are fitted properly. We offer several versions and sizes to best suit your individual pups needs.

Consider more than just the temperature
Humidity, wind, sun, and shade can affect your dog’s ability to handle the heat. Take these factors into account when deciding whether or not to venture out. We offer cooling bandannas to assist in keeping your pet cool as a cucumber. Simply soak the lightweight fabric in cool water, ring out, and tie comfortably around your pets’ neck.

Know how heat affects your dog Older dogs, puppies, and overweight dogs overheat more easily. Breeds with short snouts, like Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Pugs, are more prone to heatstroke in hot weather. Also, be aware of your pup’s coat, as double-coated breeds (like Golden Retrievers) may overheat quicker than short-haired dogs (like Labrador Retrievers).

Signs of heatstroke in dogs
Heat-related illnesses, like heatstroke, are almost always preventable. When the hot weather hits, it’s important to keep your dog cool. If your dog is outside on a hot day, be aware of some of signs of overheating: Fast panting, excessive drooling, bBright red or blue gums, weakness, vomiting.
If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, call or take your dog to the vet as soon as you can and begin to slowly cool your dog down to avoid shock. Heatstroke is an emergency.

How to safely walk your dog on hot days
If you want to get in your daily walk with your dog, but the forecast calls for a hot day, consider some of these ways to protect your dog from the heat:
Walk early… or late - Avoid going for a walk when the day is at its hottest and opt for early morning or evening walks.
Plan and time your route - Take a shorter walks more often along a shady path or street to keep cool. To prevent paw damage, walk your dog on grass instead of hot pavement.
Dress appropriately - Dog boots and cooling vests can help keep your pup safe and cool in hot weather.
Take water with you - Bring a collapsible bowl and a water bottle along on your walk. If your pup is not a big fan of water, you can encourage them to stay hydrated by trying bone broths or goats’ milk.
Walk Alternative Activities - Does your dog like to swim? Swimming is a great summer exercise but can also strip your dog’s coat of natural oils they need for a healthy coat. In that case, we recommend bringing your pups into our self-wash and trying our all-natural shampoos and our gentle remoisturizer conditioner. You can also consider playing a game, like tug-of-war, inside the house and stay cool!

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