Hot temps affect dogs much like their owners

As the summer sun simmers on, it’s important to take a moment to consider how the heat affects everybody’s four-legged friends, Canyon Lake resident Justine Volk said.

“I’ve seen a lot of dogs out in the mid-day sun in and around the lake lately,” Justine said. “And while that’s awesome, there are some important things to keep in mind. Even as a life-long dog lover, I didn’t know some of these things until someone told me, so I thought I’d pass them on.”

Many dog owners enjoy sharing the great outdoors with their canine companions. Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure outdoor activities are enjoyable for both humans and pets, Justine said.

Paws are like feet. Although a dog’s paws are pretty adept at handling uneven terrain like dirt paths, a paw is a lot like a human’s foot. Paws can be burned or scalded by hot asphalt, concrete or fake turf (which can reach temperatures of 170 degrees in summer heat!) Asphalt can reach up to 125 degrees even when the outdoor temperature is only 77 degrees.

“And just because a space is shaded, don’t assume it’s not hot,” she said. “How to check? Take off your sandal and stand on the ground for a minute. If you wouldn’t walk around barefoot because of the heat, then neither should Fido.”

Sweat it out. Dogs’ sweat glands are located in their paws, so when dogs are on a hot surface, they are unable to release the heat from their bodies like their human counterpart. Hence, they become more susceptible to heat stroke.

“So, if you’re feeling hot,” Justine said, “it’s safe to assume your four-legged buddy is even hotter.”

Distance is relative. One more note about hot ground surfaces. The heat rising from that asphalt, concrete, turf, sand or even grass is most intense closer to the surface.

“So, while you may be 5 or 6 feet tall, the average dog stands anywhere from an itty-bitty six inches to 44 inches tall,” she said. “Next time you’re outside with your ball-chasing buddy, consider the heat registering on your shoulders, face and head and double it to get an idea of how your pal is feeling.”

And obviously, never, ever, ever leave a pet in a car. Cracking a window doesn’t actually do much. Temperatures inside a car quickly jump 20 degrees in a matter of minutes, which turns fatal quickly.

“In summary, our pets aren’t all that different from us,” Justine said. “Keeping cool and hydrated is just as important for our canine companions as it is for children and adults. Make sure to keep the health and safety of your furry friend in mind while out and about and you’ll both have a great time!”