Dogs need exercise – though some breeds need more than others – and often love spending time outside. But sometimes dogs, and their parents, get into some difficult situations. From floods to caves, sometimes dogs need a little help – including getting airlifted to safety…
After getting into difficulties on a hike on a remote Arizona canyon trail, officials airlifted a dog and two hikers to safety. On Aug. 28, the two hikers reported “heat-related issues”, and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) rescued them by air.
Pima Canyon is a large canyon just north of the city of Tuscan, in the Santa Catalina mountains. The Pima Canyon Trail is popular with hikers.
Rescuing By Air
The PCSD said in a statement on Facebook that the trio “could not walk out of the area on their own”, and posted footage showing them airlifting the dog to safety. They then also urged other hikers to go out early to minimize the risk of getting into heat-related difficulties, and to keep drinking both water and electrolytes.
Other advice the PCSD gave out included to turn around when you’re down to the last half of your water supply, and to call 911 at the “first sign of heat issues”. In Arizona, rescue is a no-charge service.
Safety in Hot Weather
Going out in the summer with your pooch can be one of the greatest joys of being a dog parent, but it’s important to remember that safety is paramount.
Ensure that your dog has constant access to water. Be mindful, too, that your dogs paws can burn on some surfaces, like sand and asphalt. Avoid strenuous exercise on the hottest days. Lastly, make sure that you’re familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion in dogs.
Some breeds are better suited to warm weather too, like the Greyhound and the Basenji. Others, like brachycephalic breeds, can struggle.
