To be frank, when it comes to dropping snacks on the floor, the five-second rule is something I don’t really follow. However, when it comes to the five-second hot pavement rule, I’m all in. Fortunately for me, I am petite, light, dainty even, and my human can easily pick me up and carry me like the regal creature I am when the ground is too hot for my tiny paws.
For those canines who are not as blessed as I in the matter of weight, I offer this advice to the humans: place your hand on the surface in question; if you cannot hold it in place comfortably for five seconds, then it is too hot for your pet.
Also of utmost importance in the summer months is an adequate supply of fresh drinking water. I prefer a spattering of crushed ice in my water dish and I’m partial to a glass drinking bowl. While I generally would rather not drink from plastic or stainless steel, I wouldn’t presume to push my preferences on other pups.
Another benefit of being tiny and quiet is that I can fit perfectly inside my human’s shopping satchel. If we are out and about there is no need to leave me in the car. For the canine friends amongst us who are not quite shopping satchel-sized, please stay home. On a hot summer day, the inside of a car can reach deadly temperatures within minutes. It is simply not a risk worth taking, even if you are parked in the shade or your windows are open a smidgeon.
Pavement, asphalt, metal, brick, artificial grass (we shall dive into that particular monstrosity at a later date) and sand have the propensity to heat quickly in the sun and are the top offenders for paw pad surface burns, so please be mindful.
Fall will be here before we know it! Until then, stay hydrated, stay cool and stay safe my summer friends.
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