I live in Southern California, about 10 miles from the beach. It has been extremely hot here, in the 90’s and above some days. It is even hotter as you go farther from the beach. We have been having lots of wild fires and you all know about the drought. The synergistic effect of these factors has made it so hot that it is dangerous. This applies especially to your pets.
Those of us who faithfully walk our dogs have to make changes with this weather. I have been reading of dogs suffering from heat stroke and burned paws. Heat stroke can cause permanent damage to vital organs and/or death very quickly. So please be mindful of how hot it is, how dogs don’t sweat to displace heat, how hot the sidewalk is on paws, . Put your palm on the sidewalk and if it is too hot to hold it there, it is too hot for your dog’s paws. They make booties for dogs but if it is too hot on the sidewalk, I would put off walking until it is cooler.
I have started to walk Razzle very early, before 7a, to avoid the problems. She has very thin fur and reacts quickly to weather variations. Her skin turns bright pink when she gets hot. I also have moved her evening walks until late for the same reasons.
This is just a head’s up to all. We know these things, but can forget sometimes. Keep lots of water available, play in the hose with them a little when you water, walk them when it is cooler. Give them lots of love and tummy rubs regardless of the weather.
I have not mentioned cats here because my cats never want to put on a leash and go for a walk, are smart enough to stay where it is the coolest, drink the dog’s water, and think the dog is a dope.