Keeping Your Dog Cool: 5 Essential Tips for Pet Parents During the Summer
Keeping Your Dog Safe (and Cool!) in Summer
As pet parents, we all want the best for our furry family members, especially when the temperatures rise during the summer months. Dogs, like humans, can struggle in the heat, and it’s essential to take proactive measures to keep them safe and cool. Whether you're out for a walk or playing in the yard, ensuring your dog’s well-being in hot weather is crucial.
In this post, I’ve collaborated with Dr. Meagan Payton-Russell from Palmetto Animal Urgent Care in Spartanburg, South Carolina to put together five practical tips to help keep your dog comfortable and safe during the scorching summer months.
1. Avoid the Sun During Peak Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent overheating in your dog is to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. The sun’s rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and during this time, dogs are particularly vulnerable to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Why this matters: Dogs regulate their body temperature differently than humans. They rely on panting to cool down, and their limited sweat glands (primarily on their paws) don’t help much in extreme heat. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dangerous conditions like dehydration and heatstroke.
What you can do: Plan walks early in the morning or after the sun sets. Keep activities like running or playing fetch indoors during peak hours. By sticking to cooler parts of the day, you help prevent your dog from overheating.
"We recommend staying inside during the hours of 10 to 4 p.m. to avoid the sun’s hot rays, which can overheat a pet," says Dr. Meagan Payton-Russell.
2. Watch Out for Hot Pavement
Even when the air starts to cool in the evening, the pavement retains heat. Your dog’s paws are particularly sensitive to hot surfaces, and burns can occur without you realizing it. A simple rule of thumb: If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Why this matters: Hot pavement can quickly burn your dog’s paw pads. It’s one of the most overlooked dangers during summer months, especially for dogs that spend a lot of time walking on asphalt or concrete.
What you can do: Stick to grassy or shaded areas when walking your dog. If walking on pavement is unavoidable, test the surface by placing your hand on it for a few seconds. If it feels too hot, avoid it. Walking on cool surfaces or investing in protective paw gear can be an additional layer of protection.
"Even in the evening when it starts to cool down, the pavement will stay hot. If your bare feet burn, your dog’s feet can burn too!"
3. Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Hydration is key to keeping your dog cool and preventing heat exhaustion. Dogs can easily become dehydrated when they’re outdoors, especially if they’re playing or walking in the heat. Always provide easy access to fresh water, especially during summer.
Why this matters: When a dog is dehydrated, their ability to cool themselves through panting diminishes, putting them at a greater risk of heatstroke. Keeping your pets hydrated will help decrease this risk.
What you can do: Always carry a portable water bowl and a bottle of fresh water during walks or outdoor activities. Set up multiple water stations in your home and yard, so your dog can hydrate easily. Consider giving your dog ice cubes or adding water to their food to increase fluid intake.
"We recommend bringing water on all of your walks outside and always making sure your pet has access to fresh water."
4. Safe Outdoor Activities: Pool Time for Fun and Cooling Down
If your dog loves the water, a kiddie pool can be a great way to help him/her cool off and have fun in the sun. Swimming or simply splashing around in a shallow pool is a safe and enjoyable activity for many dogs.
Why this matters: Water play helps to lower your dog’s body temperature while giving them an outlet for physical activity. Swimming in particular can provide excellent fitness while minimizing the risk of overheating.
What you can do: Set up a kiddie pool in a shaded area of your yard and supervise your dog while they splash around. For dogs that aren’t strong swimmers, ensure the water is shallow, and avoid taking them to deep pools unless they’re equipped with a doggie life vest.
"One safe outdoor activity would be to have fun in the pool, but maybe a kitty pool to make sure they don't have any difficulty swimming."
5. Special Care for Brachycephalic Breeds
Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, such as English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers, are particularly susceptible to heat. Due to their unique anatomy, these dogs have a harder time panting and cooling themselves down in the heat.
Why this matters: Short-nosed breeds are at a much higher risk of heatstroke because they can’t cool themselves as efficiently. Even mild temperatures can be dangerous for them if they’re overly active or exposed to heat for too long.
What you can do: Avoid taking brachycephalic dogs outside during the hottest parts of the day. If they must be outdoors, keep walks short and bring along a handheld fan that blows water or a cooling vest to help keep them cool. A cooling pad in the house can also provide extra relief.
"We recommend not going outside during the hot summer days with brachycephalic breeds. If you do, bring a handheld fan or a cooling ice pack."
The Most Important Rule: Never Leave Your Dog in the Car
This is a critical tip that applies all year round, but it’s particularly urgent in the summer. Even on a mild day, temperatures inside a parked car can skyrocket in minutes, putting your dog’s life at risk. On a hot summer day, it can be fatal.
Why this matters: Dogs left in cars can suffer from heatstroke in just a few minutes, which can lead to permanent organ damage or even death. This is especially true for brachycephalic breeds or older dogs who are more vulnerable to extreme heat.
What you can do: Never, under any circumstances, leave your dog in a parked car, even with the windows cracked. If you’re running errands, leave your dog at home or bring someone along who can stay with your pet if you need to step out of the car.
"The most important tip is never, ever leave your dog in the car—ever!"
Conclusion
Summer can be a wonderful time for outdoor activities with your dog, but it’s essential to keep their safety and well-being in mind. By following these five simple tips, you can make sure your dog stays cool, hydrated, and protected from the dangers of heat.
Remember: as a pet parent, it’s your job to advocate for your dog’s safety and make smart decisions. Whether it's avoiding the hottest parts of the day or bringing plenty of water along for the ride, a little bit of preparation goes a long way in keeping your furry family happy and healthy.
Stay cool this summer, and make sure your dog does, too!