The Fatal Summer Mistake Dog Owners Make During A Major Louisiana Heatwave

It is mid-July in Northwest Louisiana, and let’s be totally honest, it is absolutely melting outside. While we are all hiding indoors hopping from one air-conditioned building to the next, our furry best friends are relying entirely on us to keep them safe from the dangerous summer elements.

Before you clip on the leash and head out for an afternoon stroll, there is one crucial safety guideline every single pet parent in Shreveport-Bossier needs to practice: the seven-second pavement test.

The 7-Second Test:

Place the back of your bare hand flat against the pavement or asphalt. If you cannot comfortably hold it there for seven full seconds, it is way too hot for your dog’s sensitive paws and will cause painful blistering.

When the air temperature hits 90 degrees, the asphalt can easily skyrocket to over 140 degrees in the direct sun. On blistering days like this, it is best to stick strictly to early morning or late evening walks when the ground has finally had a chance to cool down.

Additionally, if you are trying to find creative ways to let your pup splash around and burn off some energy, please be sure to steer completely clear of stagnant ponds. The summer heat creates a dangerous breeding ground for toxic blue-green algae blooms that can be fatal to dogs. Stick to plastic backyard splash pads or garden hoses instead!

Our local rescue organizations, like the Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana, are completely packed to the gills right now, making community pet prevention more important than ever.

If you need to get your pet microchipped or fixed, please look into the incredible, affordable community outreach programs at Robinson's Rescue. Let’s keep our pups safe, hydrated, and cool this summer!