Hey, Bend Pet Paraders: ‘Paws’ to think about safety

(Update: Adding more tips, info about pet safety, HSCO news release)

If you’re bringing your dog to walk in the Bend Pet Parade Tuesday morning, you might want to “paws” for a moment to think about their safety, right down to those paws on the hot asphalt.

During the parade, you can expect sunny skies with outside temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s. Sounds nice, but the asphalt can get as hot as 130 degrees in those conditions.

“If it’s going upwards of 75-plus, you’re going to want to definitely stay more on the grass more than the asphalt,” Bend Pet Express Lead Stacy Kellogg said Monday “It will heat up really, really quickly.”

Some people put boots on their dogs to protect their paws, which works. But if you do that, you have to remember one thing.

“You just don’t want to leave them on all day, because that is also how your dogs release their heat out of their body,” Kellogg said. “They don’t sweat like we do. So you just want to make sure, when you’re going through your walk, you can throw them on — but take them off when you get home, so that they are able to cool off.”

And if you don’t have or don’t want dog boots, there are alternatives. You can have a specialist apply wax to your dog’s paws, which repairs and protects the exposed skin from the hot ground

Hosing your dog down before and after the parade can also help.

“There’s going to be a kiddie pool down there, so they can totally go walk and splash through that,” Kellogg said. “They’ll be keeping bottles of water to cool them off that way, so you can pour water on their feet to help cool them off.”

One parade participant thinks you can do even more with water.

“I think what they should do is have a truck that sprays water on the street go before the parade to cool the street down,” Bend resident Charles Baer said.

For the parade, make sure you have everything your dog needs, and most of all, pay attention to body language.

“Just being prepared and being aware of your pet is the biggest thing,” Kellogg said.

And, of course, show your Stars and Stripes — and make sure your dog does, too.

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News release from the Humane Society of Central Oregon:

4 th of July Pet Parade Pet Safety in Warm Temperatures

Bend, OR ( July 3 , 2017) – While tradition calls for fun at the 4 th of July Pet Parade , precautions are necessary in temperatures forecasted to be in the mid 80 degrees on the holiday. The parade host Bend Park & Recreation District and the Humane Society of Central Oregon want parade participants’ pets to remain healthy and safe in the warm temperature. Be prepared to adapt your parade plans. Some considerations include bringing a stuffed animal instead, using a wagon to pull your pet or, if needed, leaving the parade route if your pet demonstrates intolerance towards the heat.

“We all know the dangers of leaving a pet in a hot car, but there are heat concerns when our pets are outdoors,” said Crystal Bloodworth, DVM, of the Humane Society of Central Oregon.

“Dogs need to pant to cool themselves, as they do not sweat. This isn’t always enough, however, as cool water and shade can help. Paying attention to your pet while outdoors in the heat is critical to ensuring a fun day for everyone.” said Dr. Bloodworth. Senior, obese, short muzzled dogs (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, etc.) and long-haired breeds are discouraged in extreme heat. Another concern in high temperatures is hot asphalt which can cause damage to paw pads. A recent asphalt temperature was 140 degrees with ambient temperature of 86 degrees.

Tips for keeping your pet comfortable at the Pet Parade include:

— Before and after the parade , find a cool, shaded place to rest.

— Do not arrive too early: staging begins at 9:00 am; the parade starts at 10:00 am.

— Bring plenty of cool water for you and your pet . Water will be available at parade staging area and en route – just look for the orange flags.

— Allow dogs to cool off in the water pools at the staging area.

— Consider using booties to prevent paw injuries and tar from adhering to paw pads.

— Get creative and place your pet in a shaded, decorated stroller or wagon to keep them off of the hot asphalt.

— Watch for signs of your pet ‘s paw pads overheating or soreness – picking-up paws, seeking shade and avoiding walking by sitting or lying down.

— Do not leave your pet in the car, not even for a minute.

— Learn to recognize the signs of heat stroke: Faster, heavier panting; excessive thirst and/or drooling with hanging strands of saliva; whining or signs of agitation; decreased responsiveness; glassy eyes; increased pulse/ heartbeat; elevated body temperature and staggering, weakness, collapse, seizures and/or unconsciousness.

— If your pet shows heat-related symptoms, immediately go to the First Aid booth at the staging area, a nearby shaded area or a dog-friendly business that may let your dog cool in the air conditioned store so you can assess your pet ‘s condition.

If you think your pet will be challenged by warm temperatures, BPRD and the Humane Society of Central Oregon encourage you to leave your pet at home.

Should you need any emergency veterinary services over the holiday weekend, the Animal Emergency of Central Oregon in Bend will be open 24 hours a day from 5:00 pm on Friday, July 1st to 8:00 am on Tuesday, July 5 th . The clinic’s phone number is (541) 385-9110 .

For additional information on the Pet Parade , visit www.bendparksandrec.org or call Bend Park & Recreation District at (541) 389-7275 .