- Limit walks. Dogs and cats can't perspire like people and only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. So walking outdoors is rough for them when temperatures are above 90 degrees.
If the sidewalk is too hot for you to walk barefoot, it is too hot for them.
Summertime dog walking in Scottsdale is possible, but not advised unless you have time and patience!
If you do walk your dog, outfit them with protective doggy boots, bring water, take lots of breaks and stick to grassy and shady areas.
- Housing dogs indoors.Try to keep your pets inside during the summer. If you are worried they will be destructive inside, crate training is an ideal solution. That way they are safe and cool inside your house! If you feel bad that they will be in a crate all day, hire a pet sitter to let them out mid day for a potty break!
- Provide fresh water. When the dogs are outside during the summer remember that plenty of fresh water is vital. Provide extra bowls and maybe a baby pool for pets that knock over water bowls or step in them to cool their paws.
Ceramic bowls are best for outdoor use as stainless steel bowls heat up fast! Glass bowls are okay as long as they aren't on wooden decks as that combination created a deck fire for a Seattle family! If you have an underground pool, make sure their is a fence around it or that your pets know how to swim and where the pool steps are!
- Provide shade. Make sure that there is shade in your yard at every hour of the day. Remember that as the sun moves, shade moves. There is nothing worse then a pet stuck outside especially in the Arizona sun, with no escape.
- Dogs that should remain indoors during the summer heat no matter what are smooshie faced breeds. Their short snouts make it difficult for them to pant and cool their body temperature. Breeds include, pugs, boxers, shih-tzus, boston terriers, llaso apso, etc.
Overweight dogs, puppies and elderly dogs also have a hard time regulating heat.
If you shave your pet for the summer, make sure there is enough fur left to protect them from sunburn!
- Monitor what your pets eat. Summer is often a time when people fertilize their lawns and work in their gardens. As a Scottsdale dog walker I walk dogs that love to try to eat random items off the ground. Be very careful when walking your dog, never let your dog eat anything off the ground! Be especially cautious around fertilized lawns and gardens as plant food, fertilizer, and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them.
Monitoring what your outdoor cat eats is a more difficult, just keep an eye on them. If they act sick or disoriented, take then to the vet!
Lets keep summertime safe and fun for our pets!
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