CHILL OUT

CHILL OUT! NAVIGATING YOUR DOG’S SUMMER FUN AMID RGV’S RECORD HEAT

By Dr. Ruben Castro

With the record-setting temperatures we’ve been having here in the RGV this summer, having safe activities to do with your canine companion outdoors can be challenging. So how can you keep your pet entertained and cool at the same time? Here are some helpful tips for keeping your dog busy, spending energy, and avoiding the scorching southern Texas heat.

Take your dog for a walk early in the AM or later in the PM. One misconception is that when the air temperature is warm, they think the asphalt is okay to take their dog for a walk. However, asphalt can be much hotter than the air because it absorbs heat quickly. See the table below from Four Paws for reference:

Moreover, a study by Frostburg University revealed that concrete, which most sidewalks are made from, can reach of temperature of 104 °F / 40 °C. Under similar conditions, brick can get as hot as 109.4°F / 43 °C and asphalt 124 °F/ 51 °C.

To test how hot asphalt is, place the back of your hand on it. If the back of your hand can stand the heat, it is safe for your dog. If not, it’s too hot. Why the back of your hand? Because that part of your hand has thin skin and is more like your dog’s paws.

Provide your dog with free access to water. Even if your dog is an indoor dog and your house is climate-controlled, it will be thirsty and will need to stay hydrated. This is especially true when your dog returns from the outside after a potty break.

If your dog loves water, an unused kiddie pool is a great place to cool down. They are available at Walmart for about $17 if you don’t have one.

Speaking of water, if you’d rather take your dog to a lake, a bigger pool, or the beach, don’t forget their safety vest. Your dog’s vest must fit, so always measure your dog if ordering it online or take your dog to a pet store so they can try it on.

When your dog needs to cool down, it will look to cool down its chest. That is why you’ll see them lay flat on tile or concrete in the shade. If you’re outside, splash water over their chest instead of putting water over their head to cool them down. Be extra careful if you have a dog sensitive to heat, such as a bulldog (they can overheat) or a Mexican Hairless (they easily sunburn).

Multiple local weather forecasts suggest that the weather in the RGV will improve from the extreme heat in October. For now, I hope you and your canine companion stay safe and stay cool!

Dr. Castro is a proud Catholic who is a husband, father, and educator born and raised in the RGV. He is a graduate of Northcentral University with a doctorate in Education with a specialization in Educational Leadership. He also holds a Master of Science in Sociology from the University of Texas-Pan American and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, with a minor in Psychology from the University of Texas-Pan American. Dr. Castro’s current research focuses on Education, Crime and Deviance, and Race and Ethnicity. He is also the owner of the K&B Dog Learning Cener, Inc. www.kbdoglearningcenter.com