Protecting pets’ paws in the summer heat
JOPLIN, Mo. — As temperatures begin to heat up, so do pavements, which has experts weighing in on how to protect your pets’ paws during the summer.
The Joplin Humane Society animal behavioral manager, Thomas Jay, says with rising temperatures it’s best to keep your pets away from cement or pavement surfaces.
Jay also recommends taking the back of your hand and holding it on the surface for at least five seconds.
He says if it’s too hot for you it’s too hot for them.
According to a study, if the air temperature is at 85 degrees then pavement temps are 110 degrees.
And if it’s around 94 degrees, surface temperatures will be around 146 degrees which can burn or blister your pets’ paws in less than a minute.
Jay says while all animals can experience heat exhaustion, some dogs are more vulnerable to the heat.
“Those being your elderly dogs, your very young dogs like your puppies, and your dogs with short faces like your pugs or your American bulldogs, they’re going to be especially susceptible. Or dogs with dark coats or long shaggy coats,” said Thomas Jay, Joplin Humane Society animal behavioral manager.
Jay says you can also help protect your pets’ paws with socks or booties, and recommends moisturizing your pets’ paw pads.
If your pet has to be outdoors for any amount of time, it’s best to provide them with shade, water, and food.
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