Our business tends to pick up whenever inclement weather threatens. Understandably, just as there is an aversion to getting out of doors on freezing mornings to let one's dog do its business, so it is uncomfortable to do the same thing in the Washington, DC heat and humidity of summer.
Sometimes I think that professional dog walkers are the saving grace for dogs of less-than-aware owners who don't realize that dogs suffer as much as we do, if not more, on these hot days. Unlike people, dogs don't have sweat glands that aid in cooling them down. Their cooling mechanism consists primarily of panting which I don't think is as efficient in cooling a body as sweating.
Additionally, black or just dark-furred dogs also attract more sunlight than lighter-furred dogs, and this makes everything so much worse. Just think about wearing a black shirt versus a white one on a summer day. The difference in comfort is very noticeable, and so it is with dogs.
Therefore, if you're going to walk a dog in this heat, be sensible. Stay off any blacktop or concrete as much as possible. They trap heat which can and will burn your dogs' paws. Whenever possible, let your pets walk on grass.
Also, try to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Seek shady trees whenever possible, and limit your walks to a sensible amount of time that is commensurate with the temperature and humidity of the day. Back home, have plenty of water available and freshen the water bowl often.
Finally, and I can't stress this enough. DO NOT LOCK YOUR DOG IN THE CAR, even for only the "few minutes" that you're going to be away in the store or wherever you have to go. Leaving the windows cracked does very little to keep the temperature down to safe levels for your pet. In such an enclosed area, the temperature can rise very quickly and kill your dog. It's happened before; don't let this happen to you. In such instances it will be better to leave your dog at home, even if it has to be crated for the duration of your absence.
Chris and Ray
Christine's
Pets
703-626-3829
