Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect for far southeastern Iowa in anticipation of extreme heat Thursday and Friday. In the next 24 hours we will cover this heat extensively, showing you the effects this type of heat will have on humans.
This morning, let’s focus on the health of your pets. Did you know it’s especially dangerous to walk your dog in the afternoon sun? We don’t think twice lacing up our tennis shoes and putting the dog on a leash. But we fail to consider the fact that our dogs are on the walk bare-foot!
When the air temperature is in the lower 90s in the shade, the temperature of asphalt can rise above 140 degrees! That is the temperature that meat is considered cooked on an outdoor grill!
Using the “7 Second Rule” can keep your dog out of harm’s way. Press the back of your hand against the asphalt for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for the pads of your dog’s feet. Walk on the grass or take a walk in the woods under the shade of bigger trees. Better yet, if your dog is like my lab? Go for a swim!
