Published on Thursday, 14 December 2023 at 4:06:22 PM
Fitting in that daily walk with your best friend can be difficult and often takes a bit of planning, especially when the summer months roll around.
As the temperature goes up, so does the risk of burned paws which, contrary to what many of us might think, are very sensitive.
Early morning or evenings are the ticket when it comes to summer walkies, but if you have to push the timing a bit, the general rule is - if you can't hold the back of your hand on the pavement for more than 7 seconds, it's too hot for your pooch!
Even if the ground temperature seems ok, it pays to avoid walking on potentially hot surfaces such as sand, concrete, asphalt or other areas where heat is reflected and there is no access to shade. (Consider parks and other grassed areas, or even give the designated shady dog agility enclosure at G.O. Edwards Park a go while the dog exercise area at Koolbardi Park is closed for maintenance).
Other summer tips for you and your pooch
- Dogs, just like people, can get sunburnt. Consider sun protection, particularly for parts where there is less fur, such as the nose and ears.
- Provide ample and regular time to cool off and rest with fresh drinking water during outings.
- Try to find shady routes for your walks
- Crank the AC during car rides, and don't leave your pal alone in the car, even just for a few minutes. The temperature in a car can quickly rise to 60C and higher.
- Watch out for signs of heat stroke:
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Increased heart rate
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
- Weakness
Back to All News