Do dogs belong at summer festivals and fairs?
I attend many fairs and festivals in the St. Louis and Illinois region each year. I’m there in spring, summer, and fall, no matter the weather. There is always something interesting to see and experience. I love dogs and seeing them wherever I go, except when it’s too hot out and their owners bring them to an outdoor event. Not only is the air temperature hot, but the concrete is hot, and the events are typically crowded.
According to the American Kennel Club, air temperatures of 85 or above can be too dangerous for dogs to walk on cement. They also say you can put your hand or bare foot on the cement for 7-10 seconds to see if it’s too hot. Puppy paws are even more sensitive.
I was at a festival in St. Charles in May, and even though the sun beating down may have been bearable for humans, I saw a dog having trouble walking on the hot cement. I’ve seen dogs having difficulty breathing when it’s too hot.
I often see dogs at summer fairs whose owners don’t have any water or any idea that their dog could get a sunburn, burnt paws, or heat stroke. These are not bad owners. They want to share an experience with their beloved pet but don’t think about the effects on the dog. I honestly doubt that a dog wants to be walking on hot concrete in the hot, humid summer, with no water, among hundreds of bustling feet and legs, often at a quick pace. Not allowing pets at summer fairs when the heat and humidity are soaring should be the rule. I was at an event in Wentzville in May, both event entrances had prominent signs that said no pets allowed, and dozens of people still brought their dogs. It wasn’t that hot, but many people were walking around. I can’t imagine the dogs having a good time when it’s crowded.
So please think twice before you bring your dog to a summer fair or festival with only concrete under its feet. It’s not fair to the dog, and even though you love your fur baby and want to bring them along to share in the experience, think about their safety and happiness. Get down to their physical level and see if you’d like to walk around with strangers shuffling along on hot cement. We’d all make better choices if we saw things from the dog’s perspective.