Summers in Phoenix can be unbearable. If you’re not used to the heat, it can be dangerous. Temperatures above 100 degrees can cause numerous heat injuries, including heat exhaustion, sunburn, heat stroke, dizziness, and dehydration. If you’re visiting from out of town, you may not be used to Arizona’s hot temperatures. And our pets definitely aren’t.
If you’ve got a fur baby to care for, make sure you follow these tips from our Phoenix personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys to help keep pets cool!
Keep Pets Off the Hot Pavement
We wouldn’t walk barefoot on hot asphalt or cement, so why should our pets? If you can’t keep your palm on the ground for more than 10 seconds, it’s too hot for your pup. Paw pads are extremely sensitive and can burn and scab easily, so don’t let them spend too long on the hot pavement. If you live in a city, it’s almost impossible to avoid walking your dog on the pavement.
To protect your pup’s paws from the hot pavement, here are a few things you can do.
- Keep them on the grass as much as possible
- If you have a smaller dog, carry them when walking on pavement
- Get a pair of dog booties
- Slather on some paw protection wax before walking outside on hot pavement
Get to the Groomer
Dog’s fur protects them from the sun but if they have longer hair, it’s a good idea to get a trim in the summer months to help keep them cool. Heavy shedders and dogs like Huskies that thrive in colder climates can also use a thorough brushing to remove excessive undercoat fur.
Always Have a Full Water Bowl
Ensure that your pet has access to cold water at all times. This entails leaving a bowl on the floor in your hotel room and even carrying a foldable dish around with you at all times. They’re inexpensive and easy to transport, so your dog will always have a bowl to drink from.
Plan Walks and Outside Time
Take your dog out and on walks early in the morning or later in the evening when it is not as hot outside. This usually means before sunrise or just after sunset. If they’re accustomed to long walks, do so before the sun gets too high, and the pavement gets too hot. Take them to one of Phoenix’s many dog parks to let them play and run around while it’s still cool enough.
Never Leave Your Dog In a Hot Car
Leaving your dog in a car in the summer time can turn deadly, even if you have the windows down. A car can easily reach 120 degrees in the summer. Your dog can easily die of heatstroke if left in a car. Not only that, but it is a felony in Arizona to leave an animal unattended in a vehicle.
Stay at a Pet-Friendly Hotel
If you’re visiting Phoenix and want to bring your dog, there are many pet-friendly hotels to choose from. When booking, double check for any additional pet fees or weight restrictions. Some of the pet-friendly hotels in Phoenix include:
- Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort
- FOUND:RE Phoenix
- Hampton Inn Phoenix/Anthem
- Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix
- Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Happy Valley
- Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport
- Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport
- Sheraton Crescent HotelAloft Phoenix-Airport
Phoenix is super pet friendly and a great place to travel with your furry friends! During the summer months, it’s always best to be cautious and prepared for the hot temperatures. Follow these steps to keep your pets cool and happy.
We want you to stay safe this summer too. After all, you can’t take care of your pet unless you take care of yourself first. Here are a few tips on how to avoid heat injury and swimming pool accidents. Should you suffer any injuries this summer, do not hesitate to Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys at 844-977-1900 or connect with us online through LiveChat.