Hot Dogs! Paws-ing for Thought: Keeping Us Cool When the Sun's a Scorcher!
Woof woof! Cookie here, Head of Happiness at Worth Recruiting, checking in from the garden where I am doing a spot of early morning sunbathing with my BFF, Nessie.
It’s been a bit of a scorcher lately, hasn't it? And while I love basking in a sunbeam as much as the next dog, I wanted to have a serious chat with all you lovely humans about keeping us doggos safe when the temperatures climb.
You see, what feels like a pleasant warm day to you can be really dangerous for us dogs. We're not built for the heat in the same way you are, and we can get into trouble super quickly.
My Fur Coat Isn't Just for Cuddles!
You might look at my gorgeous, fluffy coat and think, "Wow, that must be hot!" And you'd be right! While my fur does offer some protection from the sun, it also acts like a big, warm blanket. Unlike you clever humans who can sweat all over, we mostly cool down by panting. And when the air around us is already hot, that panting isn't nearly as effective.
The Danger Zone: What's Too Hot?
So, what’s the magic number? Well, there isn't one exact temperature that’s universally safe or unsafe, as it depends on things like humidity, our breed, and how active we are. But generally, when the temperature gets to 20 degrees Celsius (68°F) and above, you need to start being really careful. Once it hits 24 degrees Celsius (75°F), the risk of heatstroke becomes much higher, especially for flat-faced breeds like pugs and bulldogs.
Pavements Can Fry Our Paws!
This is a biggie! While your feet might be happy in sandals or shoes, our paw pads are super sensitive. Imagine walking barefoot on a sizzling hot barbecue – that’s what a hot pavement can feel like to us. A good rule of paw (get it?!) is to test the pavement with your own hand. If it’s too hot for you to hold your hand on for five seconds, it’s definitely too hot for our paws. We can get nasty burns that are really painful and take ages to heal.
Early Bird Gets the Walk!
This is my favourite tip!
On hot days, my human knows the best time for my walk is super early in the morning, before the sun has really warmed everything up. The pavement is cool, the air is fresh, and I can sniff all the exciting morning smells without getting overheated.
Evening walks, once the sun has gone down and things have cooled considerably, are also a good option.
During the middle of the day? Absolutely not!
No walks for Cookie then – just lazy naps in a cool spot.
The Scariest Danger: Dogs in Hot Cars!
Okay, this is where I get really serious. Please, please, NEVER, EVER leave a dog in a car on a warm or hot day. Not for "just five minutes." Not with the window cracked. Not even in the shade.
Cars become ovens incredibly quickly. Even on a day that doesn't feel that hot to you, the temperature inside a car can rocket up to deadly levels in a matter of minutes. We can suffer heatstroke, brain damage, and even die. It's truly terrifying. If you see a dog alone in a car on a hot day and you're worried, please alert the authorities. It could save a life.
Staying Happy and Hydrated
So, to recap, the best way to look after your “best friend” is to:
Avoid walks during the hottest parts of the day. Early morning is best!
Check the pavement – if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for our paws.
Always provide fresh, cool water. Lots of it!
Never, ever leave us in a car.
Find us cool, shady spots to relax in.
Dogs like me rely on you to keep them safe and happy, especially when the sun is blazing. Stay cool and keep those tails wagging!
