It's Hot Enough to Fry an Egg...and Your Dog Agrees
If the pavement feels like lava to you, imagine walking on it barefoot. That’s basically your dog’s summer experience.
While we all love sunshine, pool days, and pretending we’ll actually use that patio furniture we bought, summer heat can turn dangerous for our furry best friends surprisingly fast. Here’s how to keep your pup cool, safe, and looking fabulous all summer long.
Dogs Don’t Sweat Like We Do
Your dog isn’t out there wiping their forehead with a tiny towel. Dogs cool themselves mostly by panting, and when it gets too hot (or too humid), that cooling system starts waving the white flag. That means overheating can happen much faster than many people realize.
Some Dogs Are Basically Built for Winter
While every dog can overheat, some pups need extra TLC.
These include:
- Bulldogs
- Frenchies
- Pugs
- Boston Terriers
- Boxers
- Senior dogs
- Overweight dogs
- Dogs with thick coats
- Dogs with heart or breathing issues
If your dog sounds like they’re snoring while they’re awake…summer isn’t exactly their favorite season.
Know When Your Dog Is Saying “I’m Melting”
Early warning signs include:
- Heavy panting
- Excessive drooling
- Slowing down during walks
- Searching for shade
- Looking at you like, “Whose idea was this?”
If your dog becomes weak, collapses, vomits, has diarrhea, struggles to breathe, seems confused, or has seizures, that’s a medical emergency.
Move them into air conditioning immediately, offer cool (not ice-cold) water, gently cool them with water and fans, and contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away.
Walk Smarter, Not Hotter
That 3:00 p.m. walk? Hard pass. Early mornings and evenings are your dog’s best friends during the summer. The midday sun is great for sunflowers… Not so much for fluffy little feet.
Shade Is Free. Use It.
If you’re spending time outside, make sure your pup has plenty of shade and fresh water. Better yet… Spend the hottest part of the day inside where the air conditioner is doing the heavy lifting. Your dog will absolutely support this plan.
Hydration Is the Real MVP
Always bring water on walks. Portable bowls are inexpensive, lightweight, and way more practical than trying to convince your dog to drink politely from your water bottle. Bonus points for sprinklers, kiddie pools, or supervised splash time. Because every dog deserves their main-character summer montage.
The Pavement Is Lying to You
It might be 85° outside… Your sidewalk could easily be over 130°. Before heading out, do the 10-second test. Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can’t comfortably hold it there for 10 seconds… Neither can your dog’s paws.
Repeat After Us…
Never. Leave. Your. Dog. In. The. Car.
Not for “just a minute.” Not with the windows cracked. Not while you run inside “real quick.” Cars heat up frighteningly fast—even on days that don’t feel especially hot—and temperatures can become deadly in minutes. When in doubt, leave your pup safely at home enjoying the air conditioning.
One More Cool Tip…
A summer grooming appointment can help keep your dog cleaner, more comfortable, and feeling their best all season long. Regular brushing removes excess undercoat, helps air circulate through the coat, and keeps those summer tangles from turning into a furry disaster. (Just remember: shaving isn’t the answer for every breed. Some coats are actually designed to help regulate body temperature.)
Stay Cool, Stay Safe, Stay Adorable.
Summer should be filled with wagging tails, frozen treats, belly rubs, and adventures—not emergency vet visits. And if your pup starts giving you that dramatic “it’s too hot to function” look… Honestly? They’re probably right.