LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — They call it the dog days of summer, but this type of weather can be downright dangerous for our furry friends.
Titan roamed the Connell Dog Park in south Scranton on Tuesday, getting out all that energy before the hottest part of the day.
"A lot of energy, too much, honestly. I'm surprised that he's sitting down right now," said Motayuisha Collick, Scranton.
With his dark-colored fur, Titan can get even hotter from the sun, which is why his owner, Motayuisha, brought him out earlier than usual, "It's very much hotter, so I said I'll take him out a little bit earlier so that way he doesn't get overwhelmed with the heat, and then, I have his water over there, but he refuses to drink it," she said.
Over in Moosic, Rusty got his walk a bit early, too. "First and last until after sundown," said Joseph Danilovitz, Moosic.
His owner, Joseph, is taking the proper precautions to keep him cool in the rising heat, "I hose him down before I even walk him or play with him. He gets wet down to keep him cool," he said.
The biggest thing pet parents need to be aware of is the difference in temperatures on the roads and sidewalks.
We're not even at the hottest part of the day yet, sitting at 87 degrees. But if you take a look at the pavement, it sits well at a dangerous 125 degrees.
"Make sure you have them in grass. Their paws can burn, and you don't want to have to take them to the hospital or anything like that because their health is just as important as yours," said Collick.
While some pups like Rusty, keep their coat short to enjoy all the fun summer brings.
"We're getting him cut down Friday to make it shorter because he's a swimmer. He loves the water," said Danilovitz.
It's important to limit a pet's time outside and cool them down when they head inside.
"Sometimes I'll go home, sit him in front of the air conditioner, and throw a little bit of water on him to let him cool off," added Collick.
Keeping the dog days of summer safe for our four-legged friends.
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