Arizona summers are no joke, and your dog feels every degree of it. When temperatures regularly climb past 110 degrees Fahrenheit, even a short trip outside can turn dangerous fast.
Many well-meaning owners make small, easy-to-miss mistakes that put their dogs at serious risk. Knowing what those mistakes are, and how to avoid them, is one of the best things you can do for your four-legged companion this summer.
1. Leaving a Dog in a Parked Car, Even with the Windows Cracked
Arizona law, specifically HB 2494 passed in 2017, makes it illegal to leave an animal confined in a vehicle if it poses a risk of injury or death. Violators can face a Class 1 misdemeanor, up to six months in jail, and a $2,500 fine.
On a 90-degree day, a car’s interior can hit 109 degrees in just 10 minutes. Cracked windows make almost no difference…