August is HOT! The hottest month of the year has arrived and we can’t help but sweat it. This year California has been hot. With average temperatures well above average for this time of year. Here are some tips from AGA on hot to increase safety and try to stay cool through the dog days of summer.
Hot Asphalt Awareness
We all know asphalt and cement gets hot in the blazing summer heat of a California august, many of do not understand just how hot or how to successfully get your pets out and about while staying safe. Burnt Paw pads, heat exhaustion and dehydration are only some of the factors of an extremely hot ground. Asphalt Contains mixes of many elements. mixes are typically composed of 5% asphalt/bitumen cement and 95% aggregates (stone, sand, and gravel). Many studies have concluded that for the air temp of a regular street the real feel temperature of the asphalt is 30 degrees Celsius higher. So if the air temperature is 100 degrees that means the asphalt temp is somewhere around 158 degrees Fahrenheit!
Based on studies on emergency medical personnel, it is said that 1) Exposure of 1 second to pavement at 158 Degrees F can burn human skin 2) At 158 Degrees F you can cook an egg on the pavement surface in 5 minutes. What does all this mean? Taking your pooch for a walk in the middle of a heat wave is not only dangerous but bad parenting. Walks should be limited to early morning. Taking a walk later in the evening can be tricky as well because the pavement has had all day to gather heat. Taking your dog to a shaded grassy area or playing in doors is the better way to go. Check your pet’s feet for signs of paw pad burning and blistering and if you find anything take your pet to the veterinarian. Remember getting out with your pet is a good thing, only when it’s too hot for your it’s also too hot for them!
REMEMBER NEVER EVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A CAR DURING THE SUMMER! Pets die all the time from being left in cars. The ambient temperature can reach well above 150 degrees.
Pet Cooling Pad! Do They Work?
Many of the cooling pads on the market use water to cool the pad. Although not COLD to the touch the general idea is that the pad is cooler than your pet’s body. Most of the pads use the idea of thermodynamics, to give the pet the cooling sensation. This sensations doesn’t cool off the dog like a wet down with a hose but absorbs the pet’s body heat and dissipates it through the pad into the surrounding environment. So do they work? Many of the reviews are positive if for only one thing… getting your pet to lay on a pad filled with water. Because of the unaccustomed sensation the cooling pad may take some getting use to. If your purchase one, make it fun for your pet to lay on. Use their favorite treats or toys to show them that the cooling pad, although might be scary at first is a great place to lay down.
The Best & fastest way to cool your pet!
Swimming pools of all shapes and sizes are great for pets. If you have an in-ground pool or anything larger than a kiddy pool be sure to fit your pet with a life jacket. Pools work for us and our pets by cooling or internal body temperature, thus making it easier for your pet to breathe and be outside on a hot day! Do not forget the sunscreen. Many feed and pet stores have sunscreen especially formulated for pets!
Make a Grooming appointment! Another great way to make sure your pet is healthy and happy this summer season is to encourage healthy skin and coat. Taking your pet for regular grooming and bathing appointments, is not only great for removing dead undercoat, which helps with circulation, but also can help with summer pests like fleas and ticks. Book your appointment at American Grooming Academy today!
Frosty Paws Summer Treats!
Frosty Paws is a great new ice cream for pets that come in many flavors. They can be found at your local pet food store as well as some grocery stores. At a price of about $3.99 an ice cream pet parents with multiple fur children may find it’s too much to enjoy a summer treat. So AGA found a great DIY recipe that is close to the original. Wipe up a batch put on your trunks and bikini and slurp it up before the pool!
DIY Frosty Paws Recipe
By: Kat Marchant
- Have multiple pets!
- Assemble your ingredients:
– 2lbs or 32 oz Yogurt (we like Raw)
– Peanut Butter
– Honey
– 1-2 Ripe Bananas
– Plastic Containers (we use small mouthwash containers)
– Spatula, Potato masher, ladle
– LOVE (most important)
3. Mash up your bananas in a large mixing bowl
4. Add the entire contents of the yogurt.
5. Add 2-4 tbs of honey
6. Add ½ cup to ¾ cup of peanut butter.
7. Mix all ingredients and do not forget the LOVE.
8. Place in your containers using the ladle and freeze for 3-4 hours.
9. Once done take em outside and give to your hot furkids!
Enjoy the silence!