There will likely be thousands of people on Phoenix trails this holiday weekend, but probably a few less dogs. The Phoenix Parks and Recreation department voted Thursday to ban dogs on trails once the temperature hits 100 degrees at Sky Harbor International Airport.
The Arizona Humane Society is not taking a position on the measure, but spokesperson Bretta Nelson said she likes the awareness this measure could create about how vulnerable pets are in hot weather.
“The big thing with pets is they work so hard to please us that they often push themselves,” she said. “And we will never know the difference until it’s too late.”
Nelson said worrisome signs to watch for include loud, rapid panting, a fast pulse, red gums and tongue, and glazed-over eyes, among others.
“You know, pets don’t sweat like we do. They use panting to cool themselves down,” she said. “And if they get over-heated, they’re panting isn’t enough for them, and it’s very difficult for them to cool themselves.”
Nelson said if your pet is showing signs of overheating, like rapid panting and a fast pulse, you should call your vet and move your pet to a cool area. You can place damp cloths on them, she said and even have a fan blowing on them. But she cautions not submerge them in cold water, which could trigger shock.
Nelson also recommends hot-weather hikers leave their pets at home. Temperatures are expected to exceed 100 degrees in Phoenix throughout the holiday weekend.
