Stay safe: The ultimate guide to 10 summer dog walking tips (2024)

One of the biggest dangers for dogs in the summer is overheating. Like many dog ​​owners, you probably enjoy outdoor activities with your puppy in the summer.

Pets like to go out in hot weather as much as we humans do, but they can’t tell us when it’s too hot. Dogs can overheat much faster because they cannot regulate their temperature as easily as humans do.

If your dog is old, has a short muzzle, or is ill, then they will be more susceptible to heatstroke.

This is why it is so essential to follow these summer dog walking tips to keep your dog safe in the summer sun.

Help your dog acclimate to warmer temperatures

Helping your dog acclimate to warmer temperatures is vital as the seasons change.

Help your dog stay comfortable as the weather gets warmer:

Gradual exposure

If your dog is not used to warmer temperatures, it’s essential to gradually expose them to the heat.

This means taking shorter walks and gradually increasing the time spent outdoors.

Hydration

Dogs need to stay hydrated in warmer weather.

Always provide access to clean, fresh water, especially during outdoor activities.

Choose your walking time wisely

As a dog owner, you must walk with your pet. Try to choose the coolest time of day to combat the high temperatures that can occur in the summer.

If you are looking for a cooler moment, mornings (before 9 AM) or afternoons (after 6 PM) are the best times. In these times, you can walk with your dog without having to worry about it overheating.

One thing to consider if you are going to be walking during dusk or dawn, your dog should wear reflective strips for safety due to low light.

If you can’t go out at these times, hiring a summer dog walker might be a good alternative. In this way, the walker can come at the time you want so that your dog can walk safely.

Check the pavement temperature

When the sun goes down, and the heat has subsided, that doesn’t mean the pavement is much cooler.

If you are walking, check the asphalt by hand if it is hot, then your dog’s paws are in danger of burning and avoid walking on hot pavement.

You can use the back of your hand to check the temperature. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paw pads.

Asphalt can quickly heat up in the summer. According to PETA, if the temperature is 86 degrees outside, the asphalt temperature can reach 135 degrees.

A dog can easily walk on the grass rather than hot surfaces in such hot weather without any problem, and you can also buy dog ​​boots to protect your dog’s paws.

Know your breed

Some breeds of dogs are more likely to overheat in the summer.

Brachycephalic breeds like short-nosed, flat-faced dogs like Pugs, English Bulldogs or Bulldogs can suffer from airway syndrome, which means they can’t cool down properly and may have difficulty breathing.

If your brachycephalic dog has any of these problems, you can avoid walking in hot weather.

You know your dog better, but with these breeds, it is best to stay on the safe side of summer walks.

Visit your vet

Vaccinations are vital for dogs to protect them from deadly infections, but in summer, it is more critical because the risk of infectious diseases like parvovirus and rabies increases.

And if your dog has fleas, you also need to control ectoparasites to prevent infections in dogs in summer.

Observe your dog

One of the best dog-walking tips is simply to observe your dog’s behavior. If your dog, no matter the breed, is suffering from heat-related issues, they will show visible signs such as anxiety and lethargy.

Watch for signs of overheating. If your dog is panting too much and looking for the shaded area, then it’s too warm for them, or they’ve had enough exercise for one day.

Some dogs will start vomiting or have a lack of coordination when effected with hot weather; you should take them to vet because dehydration and heatstroke can cause serious health problems.

Puppies and senior dogs are more susceptible to heat.

Skincare

If you have a dog with a long coat, consider giving your dog a light haircut in the summer, it will prevent him from overheating.

Even for dogs with thick coats, don’t shave your dog’s fur to the skin because they need an inch of fur to protect them from sunburn.

Some breeds with less hair on their ears and faces will need sunscreen to protect them from the sun.

Keep your dog hydrated

You should make sure that your dog has plenty of water to drink in the summer because of water loss due to high temperature is more than usual. As a dog walker, it is also essential to take a bottle of water for a walk during the summer months.

The dog maintains its body temperature by panting. You should provide plenty of clean, freshwater, and you can also get folding bowls if your dog is particular about how he drinks.

Don’t leave your dog in the car

If you are going on a road trip and your pup is in an air-conditioned car for the journey, it isn’t going to bother them.

But you should never leave your dog in the car even if you park them in shades, especially in hot weather, because the temperature of the vehicle is higher than outside and can cause fatal heatstroke.

According to the information graphic released by the ASPCA, the vehicle temperature can rise to 120 degrees in 30 minutes in some areas of the USA on an 85-degree day.

Make sure that if your dog is getting in the car, then he is not going to be left alone in there, even for even the shortest amount of time.

Take advantage of the shade

If you are walking during a hot day, take a break in a shaded spot so your dog can recuperate. Being in the hot sun for too long isn’t a good idea for anyone, and your pooch will appreciate the rest before you walk back home.

Make sure that there are plenty of shaded spots in your home or adequate AC for when you are out of the house so your dog can be comfortable.

Limit exercise

In typical weather, you can have a long walk and long fetch session when you are with your dog. Due to the warm weather, now is the time to limit this.

Your dog may be ready to walk, but dehydration and heatstroke can appear very quickly.

On sweltering days, limit exercise to the early morning or evening hours and do not allow your dog to run too much outside unless it is during the coldest times of the day.

Recognize and respond to heatstroke signs

It’s vital to recognize common signs of heat stroke in dogs, including excessive panting, excessive drooling, lethargy, vomiting, or collapse.

If you notice any of these signs, take immediate action.

Prevention is key, so always ensure your dog has access to shade and plenty of water, and avoid exercising them during the hottest parts of the day.

Cool down your overheated dog

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from heatstroke, it’s crucial to act quickly to cool them down.

Move your dog to a cooler area, offer small amounts of water if it is conscious and able to drink, and place cool, wet towels over its back and neck.

These steps can help to bring down their body temperature.

However, seeking veterinary attention as soon as possible is essential to ensure your dog receives the appropriate care.

Final thoughts on summer dog walking tips

Everyone wants to enjoy the lovely summer outdoors with their furry companion, but it can be dangerous for your dog if you don’t take proper care.

You just need to be mindful and careful, follow basic summer safety tips and dog walking tips and remember if the temperature is hot for you, then it will be hot for your beloved dog, too.

If your dog is old, has a short muzzle, or is ill, they will be more susceptible to overheating.

This is why it is essential to follow these summer dog walking tips to keep your dog safe in the summer sun.

Viktoria Smirnova is a professional expert in taking care of pets. She writes informational and helpful articles that help pet owners live in harmony with their pets. Vicki specializes in dog health, puppy care, dog training, cat and kitten care, and cat and dog nutrition.

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