The past few weeks have been scorching, and while many of us still enjoy getting outdoors, it’s important to remember that hot weather can be dangerous for dogs.
Footpaths heat up quickly and, because dogs are closer to the ground, they feel the heat far more than we do. Hot surfaces can easily burn paws and lead to overheating. Experts recommend walking dogs early in the morning or later in the evening on hot days.
If that’s not possible, choosing a cool, shady location is the next best option.
Seventeen-year-old Zoe Martin is setting a great example, walking dogs in shaded areas such as Snowden's Bush, a popular spot in Brightwater where the forest provides welcome relief from the heat.
Zoe, who once had a fear of dogs, says everything changed when she got her miniature schnauzer. Now she regularly walks dogs around Tasman and Nelson and even offers a dog-walking service for locals who need a helping hand.
