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Its Like a Heatwave....Some Tips for You and Your Pooch in Hot Weather

by Lynne Anderson

I live in PA and it is Hot.  Some of our  customers who hail from places like Texas, Arizona or  near the Equator may scoff at Code Reds and 100 degree heat but we here in PA celebrate all the seasons pretty moderately so when it gets too hot or too cold we get a little salty..probably from the enormous amount of sweat dripping off of us right now or the layers upon layers of the stuff we throw down on the roads when it snows!! Anyway, it seems like common sense but here are a few reminders for you to implement when the thermometer keeps rising..and rising and i think mine may have exploded this morning. My county is in a Code Red.  Code Red procedures are put into place when the daytime temperature reaches 95 degrees F by 11am on two consecutive days or temperatures reach 100 degrees F any given day. Extreme heat can pose a challenge to the body's temperature control system. If the body does not cool properly, there is potential for heat-related illness. Heat-related illness can take different forms, ranging from general fatigue to muscular cramping to life-threatening heat stroke.  

Those especially at risk during extremely hot weather are very young children, the elderly, people with chronic medical conditions, and those taking certain medications...and your PETS!! 

In the city, in my case Philadelphia, Code Red means all dogs must have shade to protect them from the sun. If you do not provide your dog shade, you could face a fine of $500 or more. To report a dog left outdoors in very hot weather, call the Animal Care & Control Team (ACCTPhilly) at (267) 385-3800.   

Some advice for you to prepare for the Heat courtesy of the Chester County Health Dept.:

The Chester County Health Department offers the following recommendations during extreme heat:

  • Drink plenty of non-alcoholic, caffeine-free beverages. Water is the best choice. It is important to drink fluids regardless of thirst, because you can become dehydrated without being thirsty.
  • Wear light colored and loose fitting cotton clothing.
  • Stay in air-conditioning as much as possible. If your home is not air-conditioned, go to an air- conditioned place such as the mall, a movie theater, or the library.
  • Do not run fans in a room with the windows shut – you are only circulating hot air.
  • Check regularly on elderly or home-bound friends and relatives.
  • Eliminate strenuous activity such as running, biking and lawn care work when it is hot.
  • Eat small meals and eat more often.
  • If you must be outdoors, stay out of direct sunlight and seek shade; wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella to create your own shade.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that permits sweat to evaporate.
  • If you must be outdoors, use a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 or higher.
  • Ask your physician if you are at particular risk because of any medical condition you have or medication you are taking.

NEVER leave a child or pet unattended in a car, even with the windows down. Make a habit of looking inside the vehicle before walking away. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds parents that even cool temperatures in the 60's can cause the temperature to rise well above 110 degrees inside your car. 

The Department of Aging recommends that seniors who do not have air conditioning visit a local senior center to cool down. You do not have to be a member of the Senior Center to visit.  

I am also providing  a link to an article with some tips about helping your dog beat the heat. and remember if you are hot, your dog is hotter.  Be aware and hope you have fun despite the heat. 

HELP YOUR DOG BEAT THE HEAT

Geartac Systems features a sleeve on it its GeartacK9 that can be used to hold a Nalgene (or similar) water bottle  or you can add a Geartrek pouch. Our brand new Gearpak also has not one but two possible water sleeves attached and plenty of room to carry items that make a walk in the heat safer and easy. Check it out!

 

 

     Our Darby loves her daily walks and doesn't understand anything about Meteorology so Todd waited until after 8 last night to walk her and she was appreciative.  It was a short walk but he made sure he had plenty of water and was super aware of how she was doing.  Don't give up your walk because it's hot, just be smarter about it. 

 

 

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