Critter of the Month for June 2024

Our Critter of the Month Article is a safety reminder about your pets and heat!

How Hot Is Too Hot for Dog Paws?

When the thermometer registers 85 degrees Fahrenheit and stays elevated throughout the day, taking your dog everywhere you go, even for a short outing, can be dangerous. Spending even a few minutes to meander through an outdoor event can prove hazardous. That’s because you’re wearing shoes to protect your feet, but your dog isn’t.

“Pavement, like asphalt or artificial grass, can become incredibly hot and cause discomfort, blisters, and burn a dog’s paw pads,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC and an expert in veterinary emergency and critical care.

Click Here for heat related safety tips from the Humane Society.

A Friendly Reminder Regarding Wildlife

We live in the beautiful Sonoran Desert and share our neighborhoods with the wildlife that has been here long before our homes. Coyotes, bobcats, javelinas, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and birds of prey can pose a danger to humans and their pets. We must be aware of our surroundings and avoid confronting these animals. Maintain your distance and do not behave in a threatening manner. If you encounter a rattlesnake, please call 911 immediately to have it removed. Also, do not feed or supply water to wild animals since they may become more brazen.