July is a difficult time to be a pet. The month that starts with noisy holiday fireworks also brings the hottest temperatures of the year, turning fun outdoor adventures into a steamy slog. This year, it’s even worse. In Phoenix, Arizona, where Tracey Miiller oversees the Arizona Humane Society’s field operations team, the summer’s heat has killed more than twice as many pets as it did in the same time frame last year. The high activity levels of dogs, in particular, make them incredibly vulnerable to the heat.
Here are some tips for keeping your canine companions safe in the sun:
Learn the signs of heat exhaustion. Excessive panting, a dark purple-red tongue, and redness around the eyes are all signs that a dog may need a serious cool-down. Short-nosed dogs like boxers, bulldogs, and French bulldogs are most vulnerable.
Walk earlier and shorter. Go out before and after the peak heat of the day, and avoid too-hot pavement. Stylish booties to protect paws are a great option.
Be generous with water. A pet's drinking water should be supplied in plastic bowls that don’t trap the heat and that are constantly available during outside exercise or play. Consider setting up kiddie pools or sprinklers for dogs to run around in. The easier it is for them to access a way to cool down without your help, the better.
