Ah, summer! The perfect time for vacations, outdoor concerts and long walks around town. But, along with these fun activities also comes sweltering temperatures and sky-high humidity – a combination that can be brutal on us fur kids.
It was on one of those blistering days when mom headed outside, failing to grab my leash. “You forgetting something?” I sneered.
“It’s too hot out, Spaz Man,” she replied. “Go back inside where it’s cool.”
“Uggh!” I whined, “Why do I have to be so hot?!”
With a roll of her eyes, she said, “You mean, ‘Why does it have to be so hot?’”
“Yeah, yeah,” I snapped. “Whatevs.”
But, of course, she was right. After all, last year we saw two dogs collapse on the trail from heat exhaustion. That was scary! So, when temps start climbing, we stay safe by following a few simple rules.
Never leave pets in a parked car.
Don’t do it — not even for a minute — even with the car running, windows down and the air conditioner on (air conditioners can quit, it happened to someone I know, while their pup was inside). On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes, even with the windows open. In 30 minutes, it can rise to a scorching 120. So, please, leave your pets home. And, if you see a pet left unattended in a car, call 911 immediately.
Avoid midday walks.
Exercise dogs in the early morning or late evening when temps are cooler.
Keep pets inside, especially on hot days with high humidity.
A 90-degree day with just 75% humidity will feel like 109, meaning a dog’s body temperature will skyrocket to dangerous levels very quickly, so keeping pets inside is best. If pets have to be outside, provide shade and well-ventilated areas, along with plenty of water.
Drink up and cool down.
Always carry bottles of water and offer it to your dog often.
Look for bowls of water in downtown Woodstock from businesses such as Copper Coin, Tiny Bubbles Tea Bar and Spirited Boutique.
And, of course, my Spaz Man Dog Bar always has water and treats — you can even cool your dog off with a spritz from our hose. It’s located on the Greenprints Trail between Reformation Brewery and Paden Street.
Together, we can help all fur babies stay cool this summer! Even super hot ones like me. Wink, wink.
– Teddy the Spaz Man, a social media dog and not-so-humble Hallmark star living in downtown Woodstock.
Awesome article with some important tips. Enjoy your articles.
Great article. You do such a great job of reminding everyone to keep our fur babies cool and safe.
Love the photos.😁❤️
Wonderful article and very timely! The more this information is shared the more furbabies can be saved! Thanks!!
Oh Teddy I’m soooooo happy Mom typed this article fur y’alls. Safety is not always common sense when fur babies beg ta go with us fur errands. We really don’t like being meanies. That’s what Jaspur James sez when he cannot go along. We are loving parents. Rescued our fur baby once and don’t want to lose ya. Staying safe here in Greenbrier, Arkansas. Thanks Mom.
Love Teddy ♥♥♥
Love all the great advice in the article. Hope all fur babies have a fun safe summer. Teddy you are so funny with your comment about being hot.
Keep cool 😎, have fun. 🐶💙
Fun, informational article! Teddy you always give the best advice! Stay cool cat, I mean dog. ❤️
Great article with great tips. Ace reporter. Too many sad stories about over heated fur babies in the summer. Great photos also!
Well done! People need to constantly be reminded of these safety tips.
Great article, Teddy! We live in the desert of Utah, and our daily temperatures can reach 115. Gadget has to stay home most days unless someone is staying with him in the car at all times.. Walks are confined to the lawn and never on concrete or asphalt, particularly in the middle of the day. He loves to visit pet and livestock stores, so sometimes I’ll take him to PetSmart and let him sniff until he’s content.
Great tips! Thanks Spaz!!!
Great advice! You’re one savvy pupper, Teddy!
AS usual you and Mom are spot on Teddy. Keep up the great work as a reminder that rescue dogs are the greatest. Be safe this summer. Coming to you from Beech Island, SC just across the Savannah River from Augusta, GA.
Wonderful article. We definitely need to keep our furbabies safe when it’s so hot and this article was very informative. Thanks for writing it.
Luv it and luv you. We always keep our Dayzee inside where we don’t have to worry when it gets too hot
Great reminders Teddy. I choose to leave my Gyp at home on hot summer days. I don’t like the heat, why should Gyp like it.
Great writing!
Hi Teddy, Great info and good article. We came by the dog bar last weekend. Real nice!
I took pics but don’t do social media. Send an email and I would be happy to send my pics.