The Dog Days of Summer: 5 Ways to Keep Your Pup Safe in the Heat
What You’ll Learn in This Post:
How to prevent dangerous heatstroke in dogs
Simple ways to keep your dog cool during summer outings
Best times of day for walks to avoid overheating
How to spot signs of dehydration and heat-related distress
Tips for keeping your dog hydrated and protected from sun damage
Summer is a season full of adventure, but when temperatures climb, it can be dangerous for our four-legged family members. Dogs don’t sweat in the same way humans do, they rely on panting and limited sweat glands in their paws to cool off — and that just isn't always enough during a heatwave. Here are five veterinarian-approved ways to keep your dog safe, cool, and happy all summer long.
1. Beat the Heat with Smart Scheduling: Why Morning and Evening Walks Are Safer for Your Dog
Heatstroke can strike quickly, especially when your pup is exercising in hot, humid conditions. During summer, avoid walking your dog between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is at its peak. Early morning and evening walks are best, when pavement is cooler and the risk of overheating is lower. The hottest part of the day is when hot asphalt can burn sensitive paw pads and cause your pup’s body to overheat.
Pro Tip: Always test the pavement with the back of your hand. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Hot asphalt can cause burns to sensitive paw pads.
Limit exercise and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest hours to prevent over-exercise and reduce the risk of heat-related illness, especially for dogs at higher risk, such as brachycephalic breeds, overweight, elderly, or those with health conditions.
2. Keep Fresh, Cool Water Available at All Times
Hydration is your dog’s first defense against heat-related illness. Whether you’re at home, in the backyard, or on a hike, always have clean, cool water within reach. Dogs can become dehydrated quickly, especially in hot or humid outdoors. Collapsible bowls or dog-friendly water bottles are perfect for adventures.
Watch for signs of dehydration (dehydration can happen rapidly in humid outdoors), such as dry gums, sunken eyes, or lethargy. If your dog isn’t drinking much, offer ice cubes as a cooling treat or add water to their food to encourage fluid intake. Make sure to contact your Vet if you suspect your pup is showing symptoms of dehydration or heat stroke.
3. Create a Cool Zone at Home
Dogs need a break from the heat just like we do. Indoors, keep fans or air conditioning running, and maintain good air circulation to help keep your dog cool. Provide shaded, ventilated spaces for outdoor dogs. For vulnerable pets, especially during extreme heat, air-conditioned rooms are important to prevent heat-related illnesses. Use adjustable screens on windows and doors, and ensure they are tightly secured to prevent pets from falling out while still allowing ventilation.
Avoid crating your dog in direct sunlight or leaving them in poorly ventilated spaces, even for a few minutes. Heat can rise rapidly, increasing the risk of heatstroke.
4. Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car
Even on a mild 70-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to 100 degrees in minutes! Leaving a pet in a parked vehicle, even with the windows cracked, does not provide enough air circulation to keep them safe.
On hot summer days, the inside of your car becomes a dangerous oven, even with the windows cracked. Leaving your dog in a parked car, even for a short errand, can be fatal. If you’re going somewhere pets aren’t welcome, it’s safest to leave your dog at home.
5. Protect Against Sunburn and Heat Stroke
Believe it or not, dogs can get sunburned — especially breeds with light-colored fur, short coats, or exposed skin. Apply pet-safe sunscreen to vulnerable areas like the nose, ears, and belly. Always use products labeled specifically for pets, such as sunscreen or an insect-repellent product, to ensure safety and effectiveness. Limit prolonged sun exposure, especially for breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers, which are more prone to heatstroke due to their short snouts. Remember, dogs' coats protect them from excessive heat and sunburn, so avoid shaving them too short.
Know the signs of heatstroke:
Excessive panting or drooling
Mild weakness
Weakness or collapse
Vomiting or diarrhea
Bright red or pale gums
If you notice any of these symptoms, act fast. Move your dog to a cool space, offer water, and contact your vet immediately. Dogs with heart or lung diseases are at even greater risk during the summer months and warmer weather, so take extra precautions for these pets.
The Tail End: Two More Tips for Total Summer Safety
6. Traveling with Your Dog: Summer Road Trip Safety
Summer road trips with your furry friend can be a blast, but hot weather brings real danger if you’re not prepared. To keep your dog safe and cool on the go, always plan ahead. Before you hit the road, make sure your car’s air conditioning is working well and pack plenty of fresh, cool water. A cooler stocked with ice packs and cool water bottles can help keep your dog hydrated and comfortable throughout the journey.
Schedule your travel during the cooler times of day—early morning or evening hours—when the temperature inside your car and outside is less intense. Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas so your dog can rest and cool down. Use a spray bottle to mist your dog’s coat with cool water during stops, especially if you’re traveling through areas of extreme heat.
Keep your dog’s coat clean & brushed to prevent matting, which can trap heat and raise their body temperature. Never let your dog roam freely in the car; instead, use a well-ventilated carrier or keep them securely leashed to prevent accidents.
Even a short time in a hot car can lead to fatal heat stroke, so never leave your dog unattended, even for a moment.
7. Pool and Water Safety for Dogs
When the dog days of summer hit, a dip in the pool or a splash at the lake can be a great way to help your dog cool off. But not all dogs are natural swimmers, so it’s important to introduce your pet to water gradually and always supervise them closely.
Consider a dog life jacket or flotation device, especially for breeds that aren’t good swimmers or have longer hair that can weigh them down. Trim longer hair around your dog’s face and ears to prevent water from causing discomfort or matting. After swimming, rinse your dog thoroughly to remove chlorine, salt, or other chemicals that can irritate their skin and coat.
Always provide fresh water and a shady spot for your dog to rest and cool down after water play. Never leave pets unsupervised around pools or open water—accidents can happen quickly, even to experienced swimmers. Use pool ramps or steps to help your dog enter and exit the water safely, and teach basic water safety commands like “come” and “stay” to keep your pet safe.
At Scenthound, we believe that informed dog parents make better dog owners. That’s why we’re committed to supporting your furry friends' wellness year-round, not just when the sun’s out. From monthly hygiene care to wellness tips we help you take a proactive approach to your dog’s overall well-being by sharing summer heat safety tips and other safety tips from experts.
Final Thought: Summer fun doesn’t have to come at a cost. With a few simple precautions, you can keep your dog cool, hydrated, and safe — and make the most of every sunny day together.