Safe Summer Dog Walking

As the weather starts to heat up and we make our way into the heat of summer, it’s important to plan your walks carefully! The streets of Boston can get quite toasty… often times in ways that may be unnoticeable to humans, so it’s key to monitor your dog to keep him/her safe. Here are a few tips:

• Bring plenty of water, dogs can dehydrate quickly especially with all their fur!
• Seek out shady areas for protection from the sun.
• Be aware of the symptoms of overheating; excessive panting, drooling, mild weakness, increased heart/respiratory rate, and elevated body temp.
• Animals with flat faces, like Pugs, are more susceptible to heat stroke as they cannot pant as effectively as other dog breeds. Always be careful with elderly and overweight dogs in the heat as well!
• The Asphalt Test: test the temperature of asphalt by holding the back of your hand to the asphalt for 11 seconds, if its uncomfortably hot, then you should not walk your dog on it. Not only can it burn your pooches paw pad’s but being so close to the ground, it can also heat up your pooches body!

ASPCA – Hot Weather Safety Tips