How hot is too hot for a walk with your pets? Lincoln experts weigh in

Dog owners, pay attention! 

Local veterinarians say if it’s too hot for you to be outside, it’s too hot for your pets as well.

Experts say an easy way to test if it’s too hot for a walk is to go barefoot on the sidewalk for a few minutes to gauge the surface temperature. 

“If you wouldn’t put your own foot on the cement, you shouldn’t expect your dog’s foot on the cement,” said Dr. Lyndee Whalen with Nebraska Animal Medical Center. “Often times they can burn their paw pads and not really show you they’re in pain because they’re excited for the walk, they’re excited to be playing outside.”

Joe Seewald has a trick for helping keep his dog, Lewis, cool. 

“Our dog, he likes to go outside and we spray him with the hose and he enjoys getting wet, and the evaporation of the water keeps him cool,” Seewald said. 

Other tips include walking early in the morning or late at night when the sun isn’t as intense, and giving your pet plenty of water and shade. 

Whalen says to keep an extreme watch for signs of heatstroke. She said dogs that are overweight or have smooshed snouts have more difficulty breathing and are more susceptible to heatstroke. 

“So they seem to be having trouble breathing or they’re panting a lot more, they may be hyper-salivating, so a lot of saliva coming out. If you notice they’re kind of walking funny, like they look like they’re disoriented or they’re having difficulty walking, you might see sudden collapse or even possibly seizures,” Whalen said. 

If a pet does collapse, it’s important to get them to a vet clinic immediately. 

“Give the vet clinic a call and then bring presoaked towels, wrap them up in that and have the air conditioning directly on them,” Whalen said.

In the event of an emergency, Whalen said avoid using ice packs as they may restrict blood flow for cooling.