Today we’re talking about a very important topic: how to keep your dog safe during the summer heat. As a dog trainer, I know firsthand how dangerous the heat can be for our furry friends.
Dogs can’t regulate their body temperature as well as humans, so they’re more prone to heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.
But don’t worry, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your pup safe and happy all summer long. From staying hydrated to avoiding midday walks, I’ve got you covered.
So let’s get started and make this a safe and fun summer for everyone!
How to Keep Your Dog Safe During the Summer Heat
Provide Plenty of Fresh Water
Hydration is crucial for dogs during hot summer days, as it helps regulate their body temperature and prevents overheating.
Ensure your dog has access to clean, cool water at all times, refilling their bowl as needed.
You might consider using a spill-proof bowl (affiliate link) or an automatic water dispenser to maintain a constant water supply. Monitor your dog’s water intake, and encourage them to drink more if necessary.
Remember, dehydration can lead to serious health issues, so keeping your dog well-hydrated is essential for their safety and well-being.
Offer Shade and Shelter
Exposure to direct sunlight can cause your dog to overheat quickly.
To avoid this, provide a cool and shaded area both indoors and outdoors for them to rest and escape the heat.
Set up a canopy, umbrella, or a well-ventilated dog house to create a comfortable retreat for your dog.
If possible, try to keep your dog indoors during the hottest part of the day, and make sure your home is well-ventilated and cool.
You may also use fans or air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature for your furry friend.
Avoid Hot Surfaces
During the summer, pavements, asphalt, and sand can become scorching hot, posing a risk for your dog’s sensitive paw pads. Walking on these hot surfaces can lead to burns and discomfort.
To prevent this, walk your dog on grass or in shaded areas whenever possible.
Schedule walks during the early morning or late evening hours when the ground is cooler, and always test surfaces with the back of your hand before allowing your dog to walk on them.
If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Use Dog Booties
In situations where walking on hot surfaces is unavoidable, protect your dog’s paws by using dog booties (affiliate link) or paw wax.
Dog booties are specially designed shoes for dogs that provide a barrier between their paws and hot surfaces, while paw wax creates a protective layer on your dog’s paw pads to shield them from heat and rough terrain.
Ensure the booties fit snugly and are comfortable for your dog to wear.
Introduce the booties gradually, allowing your dog to adjust and get used to them before going on longer walks.
Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car
Parked cars can become dangerously hot in a matter of minutes, even with windows cracked open.
This trapped heat can lead to heatstroke or death for your dog.
If you need to run errands or go somewhere your dog cannot accompany you, it’s best to leave them at home in a cool, safe environment.
Educate others about the dangers of leaving pets in parked cars and always be vigilant for dogs in distress during hot weather.
Limit Exercise During Peak Heat
Intense activities and exercise during the hottest parts of the day can put your dog at risk of overheating.
To ensure their safety, plan walks and playtime during cooler periods, such as early morning or late evening.
Modify the intensity of activities depending on the temperature, opting for low-impact exercises like swimming or indoor games when it’s too hot.
Always monitor your dog closely for signs of fatigue or overheating during exercise, and take breaks as needed.
Watch for Signs of Overheating
Recognizing the symptoms of overheating in your dog is crucial to prevent heatstroke.
Be on the lookout for excessive panting, drooling, weakness, rapid heart rate, vomiting, or even collapse.
If you notice any of these signs, immediately move your dog to a cooler area, offer water, and consider applying cool, wet towels to their body.
In severe cases, seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible.
Use a Cooling Vest or Mat
Cooling vests (affiliate link) and mats (affiliate link) can help your dog stay comfortable during hot weather.
Cooling vests utilize evaporative cooling or gel packs to lower your dog’s body temperature while cooling mats provide a chilled surface for them to rest on.
Select the appropriate size and type for your dog, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
These products can be particularly beneficial for breeds more prone to overheating or during outdoor activities where shade may be limited.
Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners
I hope this article has helped you just a bit in everyday life as a dog owner. Being a dog owner for more than 25 years, I’ve tried many different products with varying success, but these products below are some that I can highly recommend to every dog and their owner without hesitation!
These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. But it’s products that I use daily myself, and I have the utmost praise for.
Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. But since 2015 when the company was founded, I’ve been using Ollie Petfood. With their product being tailor-made to suit every dog’s specific needs, and as my dogs absolutely love the product, I’m pretty sure I’ve found a product I will continue to use for many years more. If you use my link you can get 50% off your first order.
Dog Training: If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know that it requires a lot of training to grow into a well-behaved adult. Brain Training for Dogs has helped me immensely with the mental training part of raising a dog, and it’s something I strongly recommend you consider.
Grooming: If you have a dog in your home, you’re going to need a brush, and for this, I recommend a Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. For that price, you simply can’t beat this brush for everyday grooming.
If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!
