Leaving a dog in a car on a hot day can result in heatstroke, but there are also other dangers to consider and avoid.
Walking your dog on hot concrete or surfaces can cause painful and serious burns to the pads of their feet.. Consider walking at either the beginning or end of the day when the temperature is lower OR find grassy areas to walk on with plenty of shade.
Heatstroke factors for pet owners to consider:
- Body weight – Overweight animals overheat faster and have a limited capacity for cooling.
- Brachycephalic Breeds –Dogs with exaggerated physical features that limit their ability to maintain their normal body temperature, especially flat- faced breeds have a reduced capacity to cool themselves down.
- Age – Very young animals have a limited ability to regulate their body temperature, and very old animals are more likely to have health conditions that limit their capacity for cooling.
- Environment – Heatstroke is a greater risk when there is insufficient air flow, lack of shade and water, and in warm/hot, humid environments.
- Exercise – Exercise can result in heatstroke if heat generation exceeds heat loss (e.g., excessive exercise, exercise in hot weather, lack of shade, insufficient rest, insufficient water)
