Hey Philly editor Asha Prihar contributed to this article.
Our summers are getting warmer, and our doggos aren’t slowing down any time soon. Here are some tips and tricks for safely navigating the Philly summer with your best pal.
🤓 Plan Ahead
Plan your dog’s walks and outside time before or after the day’s hottest periods. Keep a chart or guide handy to help assess how hot is too hot for your dog. On those days, limit exercise and walk to areas with plenty of shade. When the city declares a “Code Red” event during extremely hot weather, Philly dogs must be kept in a shaded area “large enough to accommodate the entire body of the dog at one time and protect it from the direct rays of the sun,” according to ACCT Philly.
And, how long is too long to keep your pup outdoors? Different breeds have different capacities.
🥵 Do a Sidewalk Spot Check
When outside, place your hand on the surface where your dog will be walking. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. Try to get them to shaded paths — Philly parks generally allow leashed dogs unless you’re in a dedicated “animal-free” zone. You can also use a protective balm or doggie shoes.
🙅 Never, Ever, Leave Your Dog in the Car
Car temperatures can exceed 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, and your pet can quickly suffer a range of issues, from brain damage to suffocation. Studies have shown that cracking a window doesn’t help.
If you see a dog in a car and can’t locate the owner, the Humane Society recommends calling your local non-emergency police number or animal control. In Pennsylvania, law enforcement and animal control have civil immunity from lawsuits if they need to break into a vehicle to save an overheating pet.
🐕 Bring Supplies and Resources
Carry a water bottle with you outside, ideally an insulated one that keeps water chilled. Some other great supplies to have on hand include battery-operated fans, spray bottles, frozen chew toys, cooling vests or wet bandanas, dog-safe sunscreen (yes, dogs can get skin cancer!), and unflavored pediatric electrolyte solution or coconut water. You can also prepare frozen treats at home.
🏡 Exercise Your Pup Indoors
Get creative to help your pup play in the safety of an air-conditioned room. Play their favorite games at home, use puzzle feeders and other toys for mental enrichment, practice new tricks or commands, schedule a playdate with another pup, or consider a stroll through your local pet store.
🩺 Check for Signs of a Heatstroke
Even with your best efforts, dogs can still become dehydrated, which can lead to heatstroke. Common symptoms include panting, dry nose and gums, thick saliva, lethargy, and sunken eyes. Here’s a great explainer of how to treat heatstroke.
⛑️ Prepare for Power Outages
Create a disaster plan to keep your pets safe in case you lose power during a summer storm.
