As temps in Nashville keep hitting 100 degrees, it’s essential to keep our pets safe. When the thermometer climbs above 90 degrees, the pavement and sidewalks can become dangerously hot. Did you know that when the air temperature is 77 degrees, asphalt can reach 125 degrees? Imagine how much hotter it gets when it’s over 90 degrees outside!
I checked the surface temps here this afternoon. The sidewalk was 136.5 degrees and the grass was 117.8 degrees. This was 11:30 in the morning, when it was 92 degrees outside. At these temperatures, your dog’s paws can suffer burns in under a minute of contact. A simple test you can do is to place the back of your hand on the pavement—if it’s too hot for you to keep your hand there, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
But it’s not just their feet we need to worry about. Heatstroke is another serious risk during these scorching days. Dogs are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke because they can’t cool down as efficiently as humans. It’s especially dangerous for brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds like french bulldogs, pugs, and many others. Symptoms to watch for include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, confusion, and even collapse. If you notice any of these signs, it’s critical to get your pet to a cool area immediately and seek veterinary care. To learn more about recognizing and preventing heatstroke in dogs check out this blog from Blue Pearl Vet Hospital.
At Home Run Pet Care, we take the safety of your pets and our staff very seriously. During these extreme heat conditions, we adapt our services to ensure everyone stays safe. This includes scheduling walks during the cooler parts of the day, choosing shaded routes, avoiding hot surfaces, shortening outside time, and making sure every pet has access to plenty of water.
For more information on how to keep your pets safe during extreme heat, check out these resources from our friends at WesVet.
If you need pet sitting or dog walking services reach out to us. The Home Run Pet Care team is here to keep your pets safe, happy, and cool!
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