GET READY FOR SUMMER!
That HOT Texas Weather Is Coming!
It’s not here yet, but our temperatures have been all over the map, so it could happen any day. Be on the lookout! Here are three things to keep in mind when you take your dog on an outing this summer:
- Is the pavement too hot for his paws? The best way to test is to place your hand on a patch of pavement that has been in the sun for at least an hour. Place your hand palm down (or, in the case of tender puppy paws, place the back of your hand against the pavement) and leave it there for about a minute. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for him. Try a walk across a grassy field, or a dirt path instead, or find a route that is mostly shade. Your dog will thank you for it!
- If you’re taking him on a car ride, ask yourself, “Will I have to leave him in the car alone for any amount of time?” If so, leave him home. It’s already too hot to leave a dog in the car right now. You’ll only be gone a minute? No, you won’t. The risk of you getting distracted or delayed is too high. Leave him home. Here is a table of interior car temps based on outside temperature and time elapsed:
| Estimated Vehicle Interior Air Temperature vs. Elapsed Time | |||||||
| Elapsed Time (minutes) | Outside Air Temperature (°F) | ||||||
| 70 | 75 | 80 | 85 | 90 | 95 | ||
| 0 | 70 | 75 | 80 | 85 | 90 | 95 | |
| 10 | 89 | 94 | 99 | 104 | 109 | 114 | |
| 20 | 99 | 104 | 109 | 114 | 119 | 124 | |
| 30 | 104 | 109 | 114 | 119 | 124 | 129 | |
| 40 | 108 | 113 | 118 | 123 | 128 | 133 | |
| 50 | 111 | 116 | 121 | 126 | 131 | 136 | |
| 60 | 113 | 118 | 123 | 128 | 133 | 138 | |
| >60 | 115 | 120 | 125 | 130 | 135 | 140 | |
You can bring your dog inside with you into most stores if the store doesn’t sell food.
- Bring water for them to drink. It helps them cool off and regulate their body temperature.
Remember – If your dog is brachycephalic, which is a fancy word for having a
Layla loves drinking water on her walks!
Me & Kylo heading home after an adventure.
super short snout (Boxers, Boston Terriers, Pugs, Frenchies, Bulldogs, etc.) they’re going to be even more sensitive to the heat. So treat those pups with extra care, reducing activity in the heat, make sure they have water, keep to the shade as much as you can, and avoid prolonged outdoor midday activities.
Now go have fun this weekend!
