Protect Your Pets From Summer Burns

With temperatures soaring, the risk of heat-related injuries, including burns, is on the rise. And it’s not just people at risk. Our four-legged friends are especially vulnerable to the extreme heat.

Why Extreme Heat Puts Pets at Risk

Research from the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), shows that first-degree burns can happen at just 118°F, while second-degree burns occur at 131°F. The higher the degree, the deeper the skin damage.

How Hot Is Too Hot? Burn Risk by Temperature

When the weather is this hot outside, the inside of your car can heat up quickly, and the surfaces like your dashboard, steering wheel, and seats can reach 200°F. That's hot enough to cause severe burns to the skin in just a matter of seconds.

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Your Car Isn’t the Only Danger

Not only can the inside of the car heat up, but so can the sidewalks, roadways, and parking lots outside your car. This can be especially dangerous for pets. According to the University of Georgia, here’s how hot common surfaces can get when the air temperature is 95°F:

Grass in full sun 105°F
Cement 125°F
Red Brick 135°F
Blacktop/Asphalt 140°F

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When Is It Safe to Walk Your Dog?

This means if you have pets, it is probably safest to skip their daily walks or, at the very least, make sure you walk them in the early morning or evening hours to protect their paws from burns.

More Ways to Keep Pets Safe in the Heat

If you need more tips to help keep your pets safe and comfortable during a heatwave, check out the tips below shared by the Humane Society of the United States.

Tip to Protect Pets from Summer Heat

With heat advisories in effect for a large portion of the country, now is the time to ensure you are prepared to keep your pets safe from the summer heat.

Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals

Source: How Hot Is Too Hot for Your Dog’s Paws