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How Dog Owners Tackle Hot Days for Walks

As the summer heat sets in, many dog owners contemplate effective strategies for walking their beloved pets without compromising their safety. A recent survey conducted by Dog Food Eight, involving 400 dog owners, explored how people adapt their routines on particularly hot days.

Judgment and Timing for Dog Walks

Before heading out, how do owners decide if it's too hot for a walk?
An overwhelming majority, 248 respondents out of the 400 surveyed, rely on their own sense of temperature, stating they avoid walks when they feel it's too hot. Other methods include checking the temperature via weather apps (201 votes), touching the ground to test heat (160 votes), or observing their dog's behavior (159 votes). Surprisingly, only a small fraction of owners, about 27 respondents, admitted they don't verify the conditions before going out.

This reliance on personal perception signals a clear understanding among pet owners that dogs, due to their proximity to the hot ground, face more risk than humans during outdoor activities.

Most Popular Walking Times

At what times do dog owners prefer walking their dogs on hot days? The survey results indicate that evenings after 7 PM are the most popular choice, with 186 votes. Early mornings, specifically before 6 AM, are a close second, with 176 votes. This tendency to avoid peak sun hours is reinforced by fewer strolls taking place during the afternoon and mid-morning.

While options like late afternoons (132 votes) and early mornings (95 votes) exist, they appear less favored likely due to daily schedules and commitments. Conversely, the decision to forgo walks altogether was mentioned by only 27 respondents, emphasizing a collective effort among owners to ensure their dogs are safe and comfortable while still getting essential exercise.

Strategies to Keep Pets Cool

During hotter days, what precautions do owners take to cool down their pets while walking? Survey findings revealed a few key practices.

• - Bringing Water: A total of 227 respondents confirmed they carry water to keep their dogs hydrated.
• - Choosing Shady Paths: Almost as popular, with 219 votes, was the strategy of selecting shaded routes for walks.
• - Shortening Walks: Additionally, 201 respondents indicated that shorter walks are a common practice on scorching days.

Some owners also utilize cooling items like cooling vests and spray bottles, but a majority seem to find these extras unnecessary when walking during cooler evening hours. The data clearly shows that a proactive approach to the heat significantly prevails among dog owners, with only 20 respondents admitting they do not take any specific precautions.

At-Home Alternatives for Dogs

What do owners do instead when the heat keeps them indoors? Strikingly, many choose simply to relax with their pets at home, with 14 votes for doing nothing. A few resort to more engaging activities like ball tossing or playing in the water, often utilizing their backyard space.

This behavior marks a notable trend of prioritizing comfort and safety over enforced routines, as many owners reported enjoying quiet time with their pets instead of forcing outdoor activities.

Conclusion

The survey's outcomes reflect a thoughtful and caring approach from dog owners when managing their pets' well-being during extreme weather conditions. Choosing the right time for walks, employing effective cooling tactics, and embracing indoor alternatives reveal the lengths to which dog lovers will go to protect their furry companions. As the heat intensifies, it's essential to stay informed and consider the best ways to provide care and attention alongside playful interactions, regardless of the weather.