RSPCA WA is asking Perth beachgoers to protect their hound and check the ground this weekend as temperatures are set to soar in another heatwave.
This Friday is expected to reach a maximum of 40°C, followed by 41°C on Saturday and 40°C again on Sunday across the Perth metro area.
While it will be really tempting to take your dog to the beach to beat the heat this scorching weekend, RSPCA WA is reminding owners that sand can be just as hot as pavement.
Walking dogs on hot surfaces, including on footpaths, roads and beach sand, is one of the most common heat-related welfare reports the RSPCA receives each summer.
According to a University of California study, when the air temperature above asphalt is 25°C, the actual road surface is as hot as 40°C, meaning this weekend the ground is going to be astronomically hot.
Dog’s paws are made of skin and can be just as sensitive as the bottom of our own feet so by walking your dog on the hot footpath and sand you could cause your companion pain, discomfort and even burns.
Inspector Manager Kylie Green said if dog owners can’t hold their hand on the ground comfortably for a full five seconds, then it is too hot for their dog’s paws.
“For the beach, a great reminder is that fact that we can’t even stand on the hot sand for more than a few seconds without our feet hurting,” she said.
“Even walking from the car to the stairs or pathway to the beach can prove too hot for your dog to walk on.
“Taking your socialised dog to the beach is a great way to cool them down and give them some exercise but while the temperature is so high, I would recommend only taking them early in the morning before it gets hot or later in the evening.
“We know sometimes well-meaning people can forget the pavement and sand are too hot for their dog’s paws, so this is a reminder to think about all aspects of the environment before taking your pooch for a swim.”
As an alternative to taking your dog to the beach during the hottest part of the day, the RSPCA recommends filling up a half shell with water and placing it somewhere in the shade so your pooch can cool off in the water.
Ensure your dog has multiple water sources and a cool place to chill out – preferably inside in the cool with you.
