06/17/2026
Our Taylor Pond pets are a vital part of our community. With the summer finally here, a few tips from the Hot Weather Safety Guide on how to keep your four-legged friends safe in the heat!
- The 5-Second Pavement Rule: Asphalt and concrete absorb and retain intense heat, which can easily burn paw pads. Place the back of your hand on the ground for 5 seconds; if it’s too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws. Stick to walking on grassy areas.
- Shift Walking Times: Avoid peak daytime heat by walking your dog early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is down. If you must be outside during the day, keep play sessions extremely brief.
- Watch for Heatstroke: Dogs cool by panting, but severe heatstroke can happen rapidly. Be alert for excessive or loud panting, thick/sticky drool, lethargy, or vomiting. If you notice these, move your dog into the shade or air conditioning, offer small amounts of water, and apply cool water to their head and neck.
