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DogsPawsRx TeamJuly 20, 2026

It's July. Do the asphalt check before walks, please

Quick seasonal one because we're in peak heat. Pavement gets way hotter than the air. On an 87 degree day, asphalt in direct sun can be over 140 degrees. That's burn-your-dog's-paws territory. The test: press the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds. If you can't hold it there, it's too hot for paws. Walk early morning or after sunset, stick to grass when you can. Heatstroke signs to know cold: heavy relentless panting, thick drool, bright red gums, wobbly walking, vomiting, collapse. Flat-faced breeds (frenchies, pugs, bulldogs, boston terriers) overheat much faster than other dogs because they physically can't move enough air to cool themselves. Same for seniors and overweight dogs. If you suspect heatstroke: get them into shade or AC, pour cool (not ice) water over them especially belly and paws, and go to a vet immediately even if they seem to bounce back. The dangerous damage is internal. And the car thing, because every summer it happens: the AVMA's numbers show a car interior climbs about 20 degrees in 10 minutes, cracked windows barely help. There is no safe amount of time in a parked car in summer. Just don't. Stay cool out there.

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