“Pawsome Ways to Beat the Heat”
by Christina Fontaine
The sun this summer has been downright brutal at times. And to quote the famous TikTok sound that’s been stuck in my head for the past several weeks, we’re in the thick of it. With records indicating an average 3° temperature increase compared to previous years ¹ , it’s safe to assume that this August will be a scorcher. And if that wasn’t enough to make you want to lower your AC a few degrees, it’s about to be hurricane season, which inevitably means: prepare for frizzy hair days. That’s right guys, Mug City. With all that heat and humidity in the air, what does that mean for our furry friends/family?
As the air continues to get warmer, so does the ground. Concrete or asphalt walkways retain the heat and may even become too hot to walk on without proper foot/paw protection. To make sure your pup’s paws are properly protected during walks, The Farmer’s Almanac recommends testing the pavement by placing your hand on the ground. If you can’t keep it there for at least five seconds, then it’s likely too hot for your dog too. In these cases, you can either walk your dog in the grass, find a spot with some shade, or pop on a pair of doggie boots to keep those paws from blistering in the sun. ²
It’s always a good idea to keep fresh water on hand during walks, as dogs can overheat much quicker during these months. Note: pups with flat faces are particularly sensitive to heat stroke since they are unable to pant as efficiently. Be sure to keep a closer eye on panting behaviors if you have a pug or bulldog. Frozen blueberries or treats on hand are great ways to reinforce positive training, as well as help, keep them cool. And when it comes to that summer fur cut, The ASPCA recommends trimming a dog’s coat as opposed to outright shaving it. Believe it or not, but your dog’s fur will actually protect their skin against burning and overheating, whereas if they’re fully shaved they lose that protection.
Now, I know what you’re probably thinking. If it’s going to be so hot, how can I make sure my dog enjoys the summer safely? With many beaches and boardwalks across the state banning dogs, it’s becoming increasingly harder to find public spaces that allow our furry companions some time to relax. Luckily, Green Leaf Pet Resort has the solution.
They understand the importance of keeping our dogs active in a secure, supervised environment. With their state-of-the-art indoor aquatic center, your pup will have over 3,000 square feet of temperature-controlled fun. Not only is swimming a recreational activity, but it’s also great for exercise as well! Swimming is known to: improve muscular strength and tone without stressing bones and joints, work cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as improve your pet’s mental wellbeing. Even if your dog isn’t a born swimmer, Green Leaf Pet Resort offers “Doggie Paddle Lessons” from their specially trained professionals.
So give us a howl at (844) LUVDOGS and book your pet’s first swim today! Your dog
will thank you.
¹https://www.njweather.org/monthly-summaries
² https://www.farmersalmanac.com/15-ways-to-keep-your-dog-safe-happy-hydrated-this-summer-21706