As temperatures climb in the Valley, the National Weather Service Phoenix is reminding pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their animals safe from the heat.
NWS issued a heat safety warning, urging residents to avoid leaving pets outdoors for extended periods and ensure they have access to plenty of water.
One of the biggest dangers? Hot cars. Even a few minutes inside a parked vehicle can be deadly for animals, even when cracking the windows. Heatstroke can set in within 15 minutes, putting pets in serious danger.
Pet owners should also be mindful of scorching pavement. Asphalt and concrete absorb heat, and can cause painful burns on dogs’ paws. A simple rule of thumb is if the ground is too hot for your hand or bare feet, it’s too hot for your pet.
Walking your dog in the early morning or late evening when surfaces are cooler can help keep your pet safe.
For more heat safety tips, visit weather.gov/heat.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: NWS provides safety tips to protect animals from rising Phoenix heat
