Furry Friends

Summer in the Valley of the Sun can be challenging for our pets, even for those owners who have lived here for some time. Now that June is upon us, we could all use a reminder about how to keep our four-legged companions safe and healthy in the heat of the summer.

Most dog owners know you can’t leave a pet in a hot car. It is illegal in Arizona to leave animals alone and confined in a motor vehicle when physical injury to or death of the animal is likely to result. Temperatures can rise to dangerous levels in just minutes, even if you leave a window open, putting your dog at risk of heatstroke. Studies have shown that a vehicle with windows left open a few inches heats up at almost the same rate as a car with windows rolled up. In 70-degree weather, the inside of a vehicle can reach 100 degrees in just 20 minutes. On scorching days, temperatures inside a parked car can climb to 140 degrees in less than one hour.

Remember to walk your dog in the coolest part of the day and to check the pavement by placing your hand on it. It is too hot to walk your pet if you can’t keep it there for a few seconds. Along with your pet litter pick-up bags, remember to pack water for both you and your furry companion. Even on short walks, dehydration is a threat. Phoenix has banned people from walking dogs on city hiking trails in 100+ heat. It’s an excellent policy for all dog owners to follow.

Many products, such as portable dog water bottles, cooling vests, bandanas, beds, blankets and mats, can keep your dog cool during the summer’s heat. If your dog loves water, consider getting her a kiddie pool to splash around on those hot, lazy summer days.

Let’s try to keep our furry companions safe and healthy this summer.