Summer Heat Can Burn Dogs Feet

Excessive, extreme, and extra may describe this relentless summer heat. You aren't alone if you don't ever remember summers being so hot. This year is the 5th warmest year on record. Our pets feel it, too, and this heat is burning their feet. Today, we'll discuss safe times and temps to walk your dog, what surfaces to avoid, and how you can protect your pet's paw pads.

1) What temperature places our dog's paw pads at risk of burning?

Around 76-77F is the temperature that places your dog's paw pads at risk for burning. It only takes 60 seconds to burn a dog's paw pads.

Ground heat is hotter than the air temperature.

Before you walk, always check the heat index on your phone's weather app. It will show you the temperature, yet, scroll down and view "what it feels like." That is the heat index. This guide gives you an idea of how long you can walk your dog and where you can go to walk them safely. Keep in mind that heat exhaustion and heat stroke are additional dangers to your pet's health when walking them.

Paw pads aren't just cute; they provide balance, stability, traction, and shock absorption for joints and bones. They have sweat glands that help to regulate body temperature. As unique as paw pads are, they are not

burn-resistant.

2) We know that asphalt and concrete surfaces can be too hot; what other surfaces heat up quickly?

Sandy beaches, sunny docks, decks, piers, artificial grass, a truck bed or boat floor, tennis courts, and brick or metal walkways are surfaces that can retain extreme heat from the sun and burn your dog's feet.

3) What are some safe options we can do to protect our dog's feet from the heat?

Do you know that phrase, "got it made in the shade"? Make it your mantra when the heat is extreme. You may have to rethink your walking route according to the time of day and where you live. Early morning walks are best. If your pet needs a potty break during the day's heat, take the 7-second test. Place your hand on the concrete or asphalt for 7 seconds. If it is too hot, take your dog for a walk on natural grass or choose a shaded route.

Booties or socks are a great option to protect your dog's paw pads. Our husky, Special Agent Gibbs, is trained to walk with socks on sidewalks and hiking booties when we walk or hike nature trails. The only thing to pay attention to is the dewclaw on their front leg. It must be inside the bootie or sock to avoid getting injured or irritated.

Paw protection balm or wax is another way to help keep paw pads healthy. Easy to place on the paw pad and rub in and can help prevent cracking or dryness.

Summer days may be longer, yet our dogs' walks must be shorter. Walking early and late definitely helps to beat the heat.

Prevention is the solution to keep your dog healthy, happy, and safe. This summer, it's time for pet parents to be on paw patrol!

Best Dog Mom Day Gift Ideas 2022

On the second Saturday of May, the pet community celebrates "Dog Mom Day." Wave your paws in the air and give us something to bark about! Caring for our furry besties means meeting their basic needs such as shelter, good nutrition, healthcare, grooming, affection, and exercise.

To celebrate this unique motherhood, here are a few paw-some gift ideas!

Let's think about safety first!

Hydration. Hydration. Hydration.

Exercising our pets means making sure they are healthy, especially in the humid and hot weather approaching us. Make sure to offer them a drink every 20 minutes to prevent overheating. Get a dog water-dispensed water bottle. It may be more accessible when going for a walk or run.

An LED dog leash or collar is a safety game-changer for walking in the early morning or late evening.

It provides better visibility to drivers. Did you know that an estimated 1 million dogs are killed by cars each year in the United States alone?

LED leash lights your walking path, which is helpful when your path may be uneven sidewalks.

Finally, it also alerts passersby, fellow dog walkers, cyclists, e-scooters, etc., that your dog is an extension of you.

Here are a few practical gift ideas.

A gift certificate for your dog to get professionally groomed. Grooming isn't just looking good! Groomers can help identify skin or health problems on your dog, such as lumps or bumps, bites from insects, fleas or ticks, etc. It helps to keep shedding and ear infections down too.

A dog's coat can become matted, a painful and unhealthy condition. Routine grooming will help prevent this. Finally, nail trimming reduces the risk of bad posture or bone deformation.

Gift a package of dog training sessions.

Not all dogs walk nicely on a leash with their owners or play well with others. Some dogs bark excessively, jump on people, chase a cat or squirrel, or do not follow through on basic commands for good behavior.

Dog trainers help nurture the relationship with your pack by giving you skill sets for success. Yes, it will take a daily commitment from you.

And you know what? Training doesn't stop. Gibbs is six years old, and we still have mini-training sessions with him. Repetition and rewards for good behavior create a powerful and loving pack.

Finally, here are some fun gift ideas.

You can find many dog-friendly healthy activities and eateries, whether close to your home or on a weekend getaway. Here are a few examples, take a kayaking tour, a golf cart guided mural tour, or find a dog paw painting event. Afterward, refuel with your pack at dog-friendly restaurants. Many have healthy dog menus too! Gibbs chose the peanut butter carrot muffins.

How to Help Ukraine People & Pets

Every day we see the courageous stories of the people in Ukraine. Millions are either fleeing or fighting for their freedom. Many of us want to do something, yet uncertain where to start or who to trust. Here are some unique ways to give with confidence to help provide shelter, food, medicine for the Ukrainian people and their pets.

Top four questions to ask a charity before you donate.

1) How much of your donation will go to provide relief?

2) What is the charity's experience with disaster relief?

3) Is that charity established in Ukraine? Are they working with "Partners," and who are they?

4) Are they transparent with their financial health? Are they accountable and sustainable?

Once you decide which nonprofit has your heart, be smart with your money and avoid scam artists.

Here are four ways to avoid scams;

1) Independently go to that nonprofit website to donate to confirm your money went to the right place. I like to follow them on social media to get a sense of who they are and how they are working to help both people and animals.

2) No gift cards.

3) No wire transfers

4) Use a credit card as they have protective services.

Now that you have a strategy to help, what are some unique ways that you can help?

To provide shelter or temporary housing, you may consider checking out Airbnb.

To help pet shelters and zoos, you may want to check out IFAW or UAnimals.

My hu-mom created a FREE PDF with these resources and more.

Finally, did you know that giving has health benefits? Giving fosters our social connection reduces our stress, and releases endorphins that promote tranquility and peace.

Peace is the ultimate goal for everyone.