How to Keep Your Pup Safe in the NYC Heat
NYC is heating up! And while summers in the city can be great fun for both humans and dogs, canine heat exhaustion can strike quite quickly. It’s extremely important to follow some basic guidelines when walking your fur-baby during the gritty NYC summer, and these are just a few precautions our dog walkers take to ensure our furry customers’ safety:
Take your time! Exercise walks are not a good idea on crazy hot days. Be sure to take a route that allows for frequent stops in the shade or even a roll about in a random sprinkler (thank you, Central Park!). Parks with water features are your best friend in the summer—Riverside Park, Carl Schurz, and Morningside all have hidden gems if you know where to look. Even a shady tree-lined block can feel like an oasis when the pavement’s radiating heat.
Plan your walks for cooler times of the day such as early morning or later at night. If a midday walk is absolutely necessary, make sure it is very brief! And if your pup is the type to protest a shortened walk—think about substituting that time with some indoor enrichment instead (puzzle toys, snuffle mats, or a little hallway fetch).
Hydration, hydration, hydration!!! Be sure to carry your travel water bottle and bowl with you to take frequent refreshment breaks. This goes for the humans too! The last thing your dog needs is a hot, dehydrated walker. You can also cool yourself and your pet down by trickling water on your feet and paws. (Our trick is to freeze water bottles overnight and carry them with us during the day. That way we have extra cold water by the time the temps begin to soar!)
Pro tip: Wet a bandana and tie it loosely around your dog’s neck before you head out—it can help with cooling and looks pretty darn cute too.
Know the signs of heat exhaustion in your dog. As we mentioned before, dogs are very susceptible to this condition due to their lack of sweat glands and panting as their only means to expel heat. (Flat-nosed pups such as Pugs, Bullies and Pekingese are especially vulnerable to heat stroke with their compromised respiratory systems.) Keep a watch out for excessive panting and drooling, restlessness, agitation, dark red gums, sticky or tacky mucous membranes, and the inability to get up or move. If you think your dog has heat stroke, remove her to a cool, dry place and offer water. If the symptoms do not subside quickly you should visit a veterinary clinic immediately.
Don't overlook the pavement. NYC sidewalks and streets can literally fry eggs in the summer heat and a dog’s paws are extremely sensitive to high temperatures. Try to walk on shaded sidewalks as much as possible and stay on grass whenever you’re able. Lightweight booties are also a good option if your pup will walk in them! If you’re unsure as to whether the concrete is too hot for your dog, place your palm down and test it—if you can keep your hand on the sidewalk for 5–10 seconds you and Fido are good to go!
A few more NYC-specific tips:
Avoid subway grates and manhole covers—they can be searing hot (and scary to boot!).
Watch out for discarded food and trash, which only seem to multiply in the summer heat.
Be extra cautious with older dogs, puppies, and dogs with medical conditions—these groups are more at risk for heat-related issues.
As with everything dog-related, it is always in your best interest to pay close attention to your pup’s body language and behaviors. If she seems uncomfortable and unwilling to do her regular amount of activity, let her lead the way and shorten the walk—she can get her exercise in on the cooler days we are bound to have.
And don’t forget: it’s a team effort. Be sure to share these guidelines with your dog walker and/or pet sitter. You want to make sure you’re all on the same page and focusing your energies on keeping your dogs safe! At The Perfect Pooch NYC, we treat every pup like our own, and summer safety is always top of mind.
Happy summer! And here’s to cooler days ahead!
