Keeping Your Pet Safe in the Summer Heat!

Summer is a time for fun and outdoor adventures, but for our dogs, the heat can pose serious risks.

As a veterinarian, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly heat-related problems can escalate. Here’s what every pet parent needs to know to keep their dog safe, happy, and cool during the hottest months.

Preventing Overheating & Heatstroke

Heatstroke in dogs can be life-threatening, so recognizing the early signs is critical. Some of the first symptoms you might notice include excessive panting, drooling, and restlessness. Their gums may appear bright red or even purplish, and they might seem unusually tired or weak.

As heatstroke progresses, dogs can develop vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, or collapse. In severe cases, they may have trouble breathing, seizures, or even become unresponsive.

If you notice any of these serious symptoms, it’s an emergency—immediate cooling (using cool—not ice-cold—water on their body) and getting to a veterinarian are essential.

A general guideline I share with pet parents is to start limiting strenuous outdoor activity once temperatures reach around 80°F (27°C), especially if it’s humid. Dogs don’t sweat like humans and cool themselves mainly through panting, which isn’t very efficient in heat. For brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs, Frenchies, or Pugs, and for senior, overweight, or heart-compromised dogs, it’s safer to limit activity even at temperatures closer to 75°F.

It’s also important to check ground temperature—pavement and asphalt can get dangerously hot long before the air feels uncomfortable.

My top recommendations for keeping your pup safe in the heat are to walk early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler, and always provide access to shade and plenty of fresh water. Never let your dog linger on hot pavement, as it can burn their paw pads—if you can’t comfortably hold your hand on the ground for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s feet.

Cooling mats, fans, or frozen treats can be great tools for cooling down. And of course, never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes—the temperature inside can rise to fatal levels shockingly fast.

Certain dogs are definitely at higher risk for heat-related issues. Brachycephalic breeds (those with shorter noses like Bulldogs, Boxers, and Shih Tzus) are especially vulnerable because they can’t pant as effectively to cool themselves. Senior dogs, puppies, overweight dogs, and dogs with thick or dark coats are also more susceptible to overheating. These dogs need extra caution in warm weather, with shorter, gentler outings and access to cool environments.

Safe Outdoor Time

The safest times to walk or play outside during hot summer days are early morning before 9 a.m. or late evening after 7 p.m., when temperatures are cooler and the sun is less intense.

Midday sun and heat not only increase the risk of overheating but also heat up surfaces like pavement and artificial turf, making them dangerous for paw pads.

Pavement, asphalt, and artificial turf can get incredibly hot, even if the air temperature feels okay. These surfaces can cause painful paw pad burns in a matter of minutes. A good rule is to test the surface by placing your hand or bare foot on it for five seconds; if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog. Grass or shaded dirt paths are generally safer options.

For summer walks, I recommend cooling vests or cooling bandanas, which help regulate your dog’s temperature by evaporating moisture from the fabric. Paw protection booties or paw wax balms can also help shield feet from hot surfaces.

Don’t forget a portable water bottle with a collapsible bowl so you can offer water regularly during your outing.

Indoor Activities & Mental Stimulation

When it’s too hot for outdoor adventures, I love recommending indoor enrichment activities to keep dogs happy and mentally stimulated. You can try snuffle mats or treat-dispensing puzzles to encourage natural foraging behaviors. Frozen Kongs stuffed with peanut butter, wet food, or yogurt can keep them busy and cool at the same time.

Even simple games like hiding kibble around the house for a 'treasure hunt' or teaching a new trick can help burn off energy indoors.Most dogs need at least 20-30 minutes of dedicated mental stimulation each day, though some high-energy breeds may need more. Signs your dog might be bored include chewing inappropriate objects, digging, barking excessively, or pacing.

Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise in keeping your dog’s behavior balanced and their mind healthy.

One of my favorite DIY puzzles is using a muffin tin filled with treats and covering each section with tennis balls—your dog has to figure out how to lift the balls to get the treats underneath. It’s inexpensive, easy, and fun! I also love using frozen Kongs or interactive feeders that make mealtime more of a challenge.

Grooming & Hydration

If your dog isn’t naturally a big drinker, you can encourage hydration by adding ice cubes, low-sodium chicken broth, or a splash of tuna water to their water bowl to make it more appealing. Offering ice cubes or frozen fruits like blueberries (in moderation) can also help. Some dogs will drink more if they have multiple water bowls placed in different parts of the house or yard.

For many dogs, especially those with double coats like Huskies or Golden Retrievers, regular brushing to remove undercoat is actually better than shaving.

Shaving can disrupt their natural insulation and make them prone to sunburn or overheating. For breeds that need regular grooming (like Poodles or Shih Tzus), a shorter summer trim—but not a full shave—can help them stay cooler while still protecting their skin.

I really like cooling mats for dogs to lie on, especially if you don’t have air conditioning. Elevated dog beds can also help by allowing air to circulate underneath. Cooling water bowls that keep water chilled for hours are a great addition. Fans aimed at your dog’s space or pet-safe cooling wraps can also help bring relief on hot days.

-Dr. Sarah