When is it too hot for your dog to be outside in MS? Here’s what experts say
Mississippi summers can get pretty hot, with temperatures soaring into the 90s. Some days may even seem too hot to step foot outside, especially for vulnerable groups of people like the elderly or young children. But what about dogs?
How hot is too hot outside for dogs and what are some ways to protect dogs in the heat? Here’s what to know.
When is it too hot outside for dogs?
While there is no law in Mississippi about leaving dogs outside in hot temperatures, its a good idea to bring pets inside when temperatures rise in the summer.
“Dogs do not sweat to cool off as humans do,” said Dr. Brittany Thames with the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. “The main way dogs stay cool is by panting. As a general rule, pet owners should use extreme caution and avoid long stays outside when the heat index is over 80 degrees.”
Dogs are especially vulnerable to heatstrokes because their body temperatures are typically between 100 and 102 degrees, which is much higher than a human’s body temperature. If a dog is exposed to hot temperatures for too long and their body temperature reaches 106 degrees, they can die from heatstroke.
However, heat isn’t the only concern for dogs when outside.
“The amount of humidity in the air is just as concerning as the heat. Dogs rely on panting to cool their body, and they are not as efficient as people at breathing very humid air,” according to PetMD experts. “If it’s more than 70 degrees outside, especially with high humidity, limit the length of walks with your dog and the amount of time they spend outside.”
So, how else can you protect your dog in hot temperatures? Here are some tips:
How to protect your dog in hot temperatures
According to the Animal Humane Society, dog owners should do the following to protect their furry friend in hot temperatures:
- Ensure your dog has access to plenty of shade and fresh water
- Check the pavement before you walk your dog. As a general rule, if the pavement is too hot for your bare feet, it’s also too hot for your dog.
- Limit outdoor exercise. Your pup may think playing fetch for hours in the sun sounds like a great plan, but on hot summer days try to limit their exercise time and intensity.
- Be especially careful with short-nosed dogs. Brachiocephalic breeds, also called short-nosed or snub-nosed breeds (like Bulldogs, Pekingese, and Pugs) are at an increased risk for breathing issues when it’s hot out.
- Pro tip: Skip the ice cubes. Ice and ice water can cause shock to your dog’s stomach making your four-legged friend even more uncomfortable.
What other questions do you have? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com.
