Is it normal to be THIS worried about summer walks?? (Golden puppy)
Hi everyone, me again with another anxious question š
Daisy is almost 5 months now and I just want to make sure I'm doing summer right?? It's getting really hot here in Chicago and I keep reading scary things about hot pavement and overheating and now I'm afraid to take her out at all?? When is it actually too hot to walk her? How do I know if she's overheating vs just normal panting? Am I overthinking this?? I just want to keep her safe but also she has SO much energy and needs her walks. Thank you all in advance, this forum has saved me so many times already!!
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The 7-second hand test Lauren mentioned is the reliable one. I'd also add: a $15 cheap infrared thermometer lets you actually measure pavement temp if you want to be precise ā asphalt can be 40-60Ā°F hotter than the air. For energy burn on days too hot to walk, indoor puzzle games and a frozen Kong keep Byte busy; same approach works great for a high-energy puppy.
You're not overthinking it, Megan ā you're being a good dog mom! Quick pavement test: press the back of your hand to the sidewalk for 7 seconds. If you can't hold it there comfortably, it's too hot for her paws. For Goldens especially (that thick coat!), early morning and after sunset are your friends in summer. Honey and I do 6am walks all July and August and we're both happier for it.
ngl the forum saving you multiple times is so real, this place is clutch lol. but yeah Chicago summers are no joke, early morning walks are the move. daisy will be fine, you're clearly on top of it
Good question and an important one. Signs that panting has crossed into overheating: the panting becomes frantic or unusually loud, the tongue widens and hangs lower than normal, drooling thickens, or she seems disoriented or wobbly. Those are red flags to get her cool immediately. Normal panting is rhythmic and stops with rest. As a rule, above about 85Ā°F with a young dog and a heavy coat, I'd shift activity to early morning, evening, or indoors.