News
Too Hot for Paws: How Colorado Pet Owners Are Protecting Their Dogs from Summer Heat
<p data-start="407" data-end="589">As Colorado’s summer temperatures creep past the 90s, veterinarians and shelters are urging pet owners to rethink how — and when — they walk, play, and even sunscreen their dogs.</p>
<p data-start="591" data-end="789">If you&#8217;re sweating, chances are your dog’s already struggling. And with the Colorado sun turning sidewalks into frying pans, the warning from local shelters is clear: don’t wait until it’s too late.</p>
<p data-start="791" data-end="1137">From paw burns to heatstroke, extreme weather doesn’t just hit humans. It hits dogs — hard and fast. Especially the older ones, the flat-faced ones, and those with thick coats or dark fur. According to the Roice-Hurst Humane Society in Grand Junction, pet owners need to adjust their routines <em data-start="1084" data-end="1089">now</em> if they want to avoid dangerous outcomes later.</p>
<h2 data-start="1139" data-end="1183">Not Just Uncomfortable — It Can Be Deadly</h2>
<p data-start="1185" data-end="1402">“Dogs can absolutely get heatstroke, and it can happen faster than you’d think,” said Jenna Kretschman from Roice-Hurst. “Especially senior dogs, overweight dogs, and breeds with smooshed faces like bulldogs or pugs.”</p>
<p data-start="1404" data-end="1659">When the sun is beating down, and the air gets sticky, dogs can’t just take off a hoodie or crank the A/C. They rely on panting — and shade, and water — to cool themselves. And when those things aren’t available? That’s when heat exhaustion turns serious.</p>
<p data-start="1661" data-end="1739">One common mistake? Thinking they’ll be fine because it’s “just a short walk.”</p>
<p data-start="1661" data-end="1739"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13321" src="https://budgyapp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/dog-safety-summer-heat-colorado-roice-hurst-humane-society.jpg" alt="dog safety summer heat colorado roice hurst humane society" width="708" height="464" /></p>
<h2 data-start="1741" data-end="1780">Early Birds and Sunset Strollers Win</h2>
<p data-start="1782" data-end="1803">Timing is everything.</p>
<p data-start="1805" data-end="1980">“You really want to walk them early in the morning or later in the evening,” said Kretschman. “Anything between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. is usually too hot, especially on pavement.”</p>
<p data-start="1982" data-end="2015">There’s a quick trick to check:</p>
<ul data-start="2016" data-end="2157">
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<p data-start="2018" data-end="2067">Place the back of your hand on the pavement</p>
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<p data-start="2070" data-end="2104">Hold it there for 10 seconds</p>
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<p data-start="2107" data-end="2157">If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for paws</p>
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<p data-start="2159" data-end="2238">It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most overlooked habits during the summer.</p>
<p data-start="2240" data-end="2456">A Grand Junction dog owner, Anthony Diaz, shared his new schedule: “I used to walk Scout around 1 p.m. — not anymore. Now it’s 6 a.m. or bust. She hated it at first. But I’d rather deal with whining than a vet bill.”</p>
<h2 data-start="2458" data-end="2517">Burned Paws, Heat Stress, and Other Signs You Might Miss</h2>
<p data-start="2519" data-end="2646">Here’s where it gets tricky: dogs can’t tell you they’re too hot. They just show it — and often, it’s subtle until it’s urgent.</p>
<p data-start="2648" data-end="2686">Common signs of heat-related distress:</p>
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<p data-start="2689" data-end="2721">Heavy panting or rapid breathing</p>
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<p data-start="2724" data-end="2751">Disorientation or stumbling</p>
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<p data-start="2754" data-end="2772">Excessive drooling</p>
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<p data-start="2775" data-end="2793">Red gums or tongue</p>
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<p data-start="2796" data-end="2816">Vomiting or diarrhea</p>
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<li data-start="2817" data-end="2846">
<p data-start="2819" data-end="2846">Weakness or sudden collapse</p>
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<p data-start="2848" data-end="2900">And paw burns? They’re more common than you&#8217;d think.</p>
<p data-start="2902" data-end="3097">“One of our biggest emergency calls in July and August is burned pads,” said a Mesa County vet. “You don’t notice until the dog’s limping or licking at their feet, and by then, it’s already raw.”</p>
<h2 data-start="3099" data-end="3126">Even Dogs Need Sunscreen</h2>
<p data-start="3128" data-end="3153">Yep. You read that right.</p>
<p data-start="3155" data-end="3362">“Dogs with light-colored fur, white coats, or pink noses are especially prone to sunburn,” said Kretschman. “You can get pet-safe sunscreen at most pet stores. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.”</p>
<p data-start="3364" data-end="3457">But don’t use human sunscreen. Many contain zinc oxide or other ingredients toxic to animals.</p>
<p data-start="3459" data-end="3471">Apply it on:</p>
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<p data-start="3474" data-end="3500">Ears (especially the tips)</p>
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<p data-start="3503" data-end="3514">Nose bridge</p>
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<p data-start="3517" data-end="3564">Belly if your dog likes to sunbathe upside down</p>
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<p data-start="3567" data-end="3604">Any exposed skin or thin-haired areas</p>
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<h2 data-start="3606" data-end="3642">Cooling Down — But Doing It Right</h2>
<p data-start="3644" data-end="3732">It’s natural to want to dump a bucket of cold water on a hot dog (literally). But don’t.</p>
<p data-start="3734" data-end="3916">“If your dog’s overheating, you want to cool them down gradually,” Kretschman warned. “Ice water can send them into shock. Wrapping them in a towel? That can actually trap the heat.”</p>
<p data-start="3918" data-end="3945">What should you do instead?</p>
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<p data-start="3949" data-end="3994">Move them into shade or indoors immediately</p>
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<p data-start="3997" data-end="4033">Offer cool (not cold) water to sip</p>
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<p data-start="4036" data-end="4090">Wet their paws and belly with room-temperature water</p>
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<p data-start="4093" data-end="4143">Place them in front of a fan or use a spray mist</p>
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<p data-start="4146" data-end="4206">Call your vet if symptoms worsen or don’t improve in minutes</p>
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<p data-start="4208" data-end="4250">Just one paragraph here to reset the tone.</p>
<h2 data-start="4252" data-end="4297">Colorado’s Heat Isn’t Just a Human Problem</h2>
<p data-start="4299" data-end="4378">Dogs don’t sweat like we do. And they don’t always have the sense to slow down.</p>
<p data-start="4380" data-end="4548">That’s why the combination of dry climate, high altitude, and direct sun makes summer especially dangerous in places like Grand Junction, Fruita, and surrounding areas.</p>
<p data-start="4550" data-end="4733">Vet clinics say they’ve seen a rise in heat-related cases over the past five years. Part of it is weather. But part of it is people just not realizing how quickly things can go wrong.</p>
<p data-start="4735" data-end="4892">“Sometimes we forget how hot it gets out here,” said Diaz. “You think you’re being a good dog owner by getting them exercise. But you have to be smart, too.”</p>
<h2 data-start="4894" data-end="4927">Dog Days of Summer: Fast Facts</h2>
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<th data-start="4929" data-end="4967" data-col-size="sm">Safety Tip</th>
<th data-start="4967" data-end="5016" data-col-size="sm">Why It Matters</th>
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<td data-start="5105" data-end="5142" data-col-size="sm">Walk dogs early or late</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="5142" data-end="5192">Midday pavement can exceed 130°F</td>
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<td data-start="5193" data-end="5230" data-col-size="sm">Use the hand test for pavement</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="5230" data-end="5280">Prevents paw pad burns</td>
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<tr data-start="5281" data-end="5368">
<td data-start="5281" data-end="5318" data-col-size="sm">Provide constant access to water</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="5318" data-end="5368">Dehydration can sneak up quickly</td>
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<tr data-start="5369" data-end="5456">
<td data-start="5369" data-end="5406" data-col-size="sm">Know the signs of heatstroke</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="5406" data-end="5456">Early detection = better outcomes</td>
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<tr data-start="5457" data-end="5544">
<td data-start="5457" data-end="5494" data-col-size="sm">Avoid cold shock with ice water</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="5494" data-end="5544">Cooling should be slow and steady</td>
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<td data-start="5545" data-end="5582" data-col-size="sm">Use pet-safe sunscreen</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="5582" data-end="5632">Prevents sunburn on sensitive areas</td>
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<h2 data-start="5634" data-end="5679">It’s the Little Things That Keep Them Safe</h2>
<p data-start="5681" data-end="5836">You don’t need fancy gear or gadgets. Sometimes it’s a shaded backyard, a collapsible water bowl, or just knowing when to say “no” to that extra-long walk.</p>
<p data-start="5838" data-end="5959">More and more pet parents are adjusting — not just because they’ve read about the dangers, but because they’ve seen them.</p>
<p data-start="5961" data-end="6061">And while dogs may not know the forecast, they definitely know when they feel safe, cool, and loved.</p>