Summer Tips For Dog Owners

Summer is usually when we see our dogs at their happiest—early morning light, longer days, and that extra bit of energy for the park. But as much as they love the sun, dogs are surprisingly bad at handling the heat. Since they don't sweat the way we do (they rely almost entirely on panting), they can go from "having fun" to "overheated" in a matter of minutes.

Being a dog parent in the summer is mostly about being their personal thermostat. Here is how to keep them safe without ruining the seasonal fun.

We wear shoes; they don't. Asphalt and concrete can reach temperatures that will literally peel a dog’s paw pads.

The Rule: Before you head out, place the back of your hand on the road for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you to keep it there, it’s way too hot for them. Stick to the grass or wait for the sun to go down.

If you’re feeling the midday slump, your dog is feeling it tenfold. The summer walking schedule should be "Early and Late." Get the big walk in before 8:00 AM or after the sun has actually set. If you must go out during the day, keep it to a quick "business trip" and head back into the AC.

Fresh, cool water is a given, but you can make it more interesting.

Pro-tip: Toss a few ice cubes into their bowl—most dogs love the "crunch" and it keeps the water chilled.

On the go: If you’re heading out for even a short car ride, bring a portable water bottle. Dogs get thirsty much faster than we do when the humidity kicks in.

We’ve heard it a thousand times, but it bears repeating: Never leave your dog in a parked car. Not even for "just a minute" with the windows cracked. A car sitting in 30°C weather can hit 40°C in less than ten minutes. It’s an oven. If you can’t take them inside the store with you, leave them at home where it’s cool.

Heatstroke moves fast in dogs. You need to know what a "scary" pant looks like.

The Signs: Excessive, frantic panting; bright red gums; drooling that looks like foam; or a dog that seems "drunk" or wobbly.

The Fix: If you see this, get them into the shade immediately. Use cool (not ice-cold) water on their paws and belly, and get to a vet. Ice-cold water can actually cause their blood vessels to shrink, making it harder for them to cool down.

It’s tempting to give your long-haired dog a "buzz cut" for summer, but for many breeds (like Labradors or Huskies), that double coat actually acts as insulation against the heat and protects their skin from sunburn. A good brush-out to remove the undercoat is usually much better than a shave.

Dogs naturally seek out the coolest spot in the house—usually the bathroom tiles or the kitchen floor.

The Setup: If you don't have tiles, a damp towel on the floor or a dedicated cooling mat works wonders. If they spend time in the yard, make sure they have a "guaranteed" shade spot that moves with the sun.

Our dogs trust us to know when it’s time to stop playing and head inside. They’ll keep running for a ball until they collapse because they want to please us. It’s up to us to be the "boring" one who calls it quits when the temperature climbs. A cool floor, a bowl of water, and a nap in the shade—that’s the real secret to a happy summer dog.

Image: Gemini AI

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