The heat has arrived. You may love soaking up the sun, but your furry friend needs extra care during the hot months.
As much as your dog likes their daily walk, summer can be brutal.
So, if you want to avoid heat-related illnesses and keep your pup safe, here are five tips for walking your dog.
With simple precautions, your pet can enjoy dog walking in Dallas, even if it’s hot. Just keep a close eye on them and watch for any signs of dehydration.
5 Safety Precautions for Dog Walking in Dallas During Summer
1. Walk Your Dog Early Morning and Late Evening
Get up at the crack of dawn. We know it’s not easy, but taking your dog out for a walk between 6 to 8 am will allow you and your canine to exercise before the temperature starts spiking.
Your puppy will appreciate the moderate weather, and the morning sun will energize you for the day.
In case you’re not an early riser, wait until dusk. Then, you can take your furry buddy on a walk after 8 pm when the sun has set, and the temperature has started dropping again. It’s a great alternative.
The night air will make the walk more pleasant for you both.
Just be sure to stick to a well-lit area for safety.
2. Choose Shady Routes and Take Plenty of Breaks
When the summer sun is beating down in Dallas, keeping your pup safe during the walk is critical. One of the best ways to do that is to choose shady routes and take plenty of breaks.
Stick to tree-lined streets and trails as much as possible. The shade will help prevent heat and keep your dog more comfortable. If there’s no shade, walk during the early morning or evening when the sun is less intense.
And remember, there’s no need to rush, so walk at an easy pace.
3. Bring Water and a Collapsible Bowl
When walking your dog in the summer heat, the most important thing is to keep your pooch hydrated.
Bring plenty of water for your canine in a collapsible bowl that you can easily carry, like the ones made of silicone, nylon, or canvas.
Offer your furry best friend water frequently, especially if they are thirsty or panting heavily. For longer walks, you’ll want to bring water for yourself as well. Dehydration is dangerous for you and your dog, so staying hydrated should be a top priority.
Bring at least 2-3 liters of water for a 30-minute walk. More for longer walks or brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs or pugs.
Look for signs of dehydration in your dog, like lethargy, loss of appetite, dry nose, or dark yellow urine. If they show these symptoms, get them water immediately and cut the walk short.
4. Watch Out for Hot Surfaces That Can Burn Paws
Summer in Dallas means scorching hot temperatures, and that intense heat can be dangerous for your canine companion. Their paws are especially sensitive, so you’ll want to take extra precautions to avoid burns when walking your dog.
Concrete and metal surfaces like manhole covers can get extremely hot in the summer. So, before heading out for a walk, do a quick touch test of the ground with your bare hand to ensure it’s not too hot for your dog’s paws. If it’s uncomfortable for you, it’s too hot for your furry buddy.
Choose walking routes with grassy areas, dirt paths, or shady sidewalks. Avoid direct sunlight when possible.
Consider dog booties or paw protectors, especially if walking on hot surfaces is unavoidable. Look for ones made of breathable, protective materials like nylon or neoprene. Make sure your dog gets accustomed to wearing them before a long walk.
5. Stay Prepared for Emergencies
Lack of hydration and heatstroke are the two most common illnesses that canines can suffer from throughout summer. Therefore, taking the necessary precautions for your pet to avoid adverse weather effects is always preferable.
If you’re not aware of heat stroke and dehydration symptoms, keep an eye on the following signs:
- Excessive panting
- Bright red gums
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Rapid pulse
- Disorientation or dizziness
If your dog shows any of these symptoms after being in hot weather, call your vet immediately. Then, lower your fur companion’s body temperature with cool and wet towels.
The Last Words
Keeping your dog safe in hot weather requires diligence and caution. But with some useful precautions, you can ensure your faithful companion stays happy and healthy all season long.
Apart from these summer safety tips, you can hire a professional dog walker for your furry companion, like DTX Pets. Our team of experts will take care of your best friend while walking them during the summer.