How To Tell If It's Too Hot To Walk Your Dog In Arizona

I love my dogs, and as dog owners in Arizona, we face unique challenges keeping them safe in the extremely hot, dry summer weather.

Boop dat nose. Val's dog, Latte requires all the snuggles. Credit Val Davidson/TSM

My dogs, Nilla and Latte, are my top priority when it comes to keeping them safe and comfortable in the heat. Summer can be tough on our pets. Something as simple as going for a walk requires strategy and planning to ensure they’re not exposed to the risks of heat-related illnesses.

A little extra care can go a long way toward protecting our four-legged family members.

Val's dog, Nilla loves to ride in the car. Credit // Val Davidson/TSM

Know When It's Too Hot

The signs of heat exhaustion look different in dogs. They don’t cool themselves the same way humans do, which can lead to heatstroke much more quickly.

Here’s a simple guideline from the American Kennel Club (AKC) to figure out if it’s too hot to take your dog out for activities: add the temperature and humidity together. If the total exceeds 150, it might not be safe to take your dog outside. At this point, keep your dog indoors whenever possible.

A brown dog panting with its tongue out. — Photo by Gennady Zakharin on Unsplash

Watch Your Dog for Signs of Heatstroke

If you do go out, keep a close eye on your dog for signs of heatstroke. Heavy panting, extreme fatigue, and a sudden loss of energy can all be warning signs of heatstroke.

Don’t wait because things can escalate quickly. If your dog starts showing these symptoms, move them to a shaded area, offer her water, and call your veterinarian if the symptoms are severe, Pet Health Network advises.

Husky dog resting in green grass with city background — Photo by Samuell Morgenstern on Unsplash

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Protect Paws and Skin

How do you know if it’s too hot to let your dog step on the sidewalk or on the asphalt? Test the surface to see if you can tolerate the heat.

a walk? Before heading out, test the pavement with your hand. If it’s too hot for your skin, it is too hot for your dog’s paws. Grass is often a safer option.

Also, while it might seem like removing hair from your dog would be cooler, that might not be the best plan. Blue Cross UK says you should avoid shaving dogs completely because their coats typically have an underlayer that can help regulate temperature and protect against sunburn.

A corgi dog wearing a white shirt lies down. — Photo by Alvan Nee on Unsplash

Give Them a Quick Check

Staying active with your pet is great for both of you. If you’ve been on a lot of outdoor adventures, be sure to check your dog’s coat and skin for irritation. Look for signs of bug bites or stings, or the myriad desert “pokey things,” like goat heads and stickers, that can get trapped in their skin and paws.

Be sure to check them regularly, brush them, and inspect them for early signs of problems to keep them safe and comfortable.

gray road path — Photo by Donald Giannatti on Unsplash

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