Summer dog walks: How to keep your dog cool and safe

Summer is calling. You and your dog want to be out in it. But here’s the thing: your dog can’t tell you when it’s too hot.                                                                                                                                                                                        

Dogs struggle to regulate their body temperature. They rely on panting, and panting only goes so far.

Hot weather hits some dogs harder than others. If your pup is older, has a short muzzle, is carrying extra weight, belongs to certain breeds, or is dealing with an illness, they’re more vulnerable to heatstroke.

Breeds with thick coats or overweight dogs can also overheat more easily. That’s why getting summer dog walking right matters so much.

These 10 tips will help keep your dog safe, comfortable, and tail-waggingly happy all summer long.

1. Help your dog acclimate to the heat

Don’t go from couch potato to full summer hiker overnight. Your dog needs time to adjust to the heat, just like you do.

Start with shorter walks. Build up gradually as your dog becomes more comfortable with the warmer temperatures. Watch their energy closely and let them set the pace.

2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Water isn’t optional in summer. It’s survival. Dehydration can sneak up on dogs fast.

Watch for these warning signs:

• Excessive panting (beyond their normal level)
• Dry or sticky gums (healthy gums are moist and pink)
• Unusual fatigue or loss of interest in activities they love
• Skin that doesn’t bounce back when gently pinched at the neck
• Sunken-looking eyes

Always carry water on walks. Offer it often, especially on hot days. A collapsible bowl takes up almost no space, and your dog will love you for it.

3. Choose your walking time wisely

Timing is everything. As a dog owner, you already know the midday sun is brutal. So skip it.

Aim for early mornings before 9 a.m. or evenings after 6 p.m. These are the best times to walk your dog in summer. The temperatures are lower, the pavement has had time to cool, and the whole experience is just more enjoyable for everyone.

Can’t make those windows work? Consider hiring a summer dog walker who can come at the coolest part of the day.

If that’s not possible, keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated at home with interactive toys, food puzzles, or indoor games like hide-and-seek.

Tug, hallway fetch, and short training sessions help your pup burn energy when outdoor walks just aren’t safe.

4. Stay safe during dawn and dusk walks

Low-light walks are cooler, but they come with their own risks. Visibility drops fast at dawn and dusk. Drivers may not see you or your dog until it’s too late. Use this checklist every time you head out in low light:

• Reflective vest or collar for your dog (clips on in seconds)
• LED safety light or flashing clip-on for your dog’s collar
• Reflective leash or leash with built-in LED
• Light-colored or reflective clothing for you
• A headlamp or handheld flashlight
• Stick to familiar, well-lit routes you know well
• Watch for wildlife (especially at dawn, when animals are active)

5. Check the pavement temperature

Here’s something that surprises most dog owners: pavement can be up to 60°F hotter than the air around it.

When it’s 77°F outside, asphalt in direct sun can hit 125°F. At 86°F, it can reach 135°F, according to data cited by the American Kennel Club. That’s hot enough to cause burns in under a minute.

Use the seven-second test: press the back of your hand flat on the pavement. If you can’t hold it there for seven seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Got grass nearby? Use it. Grass stays dramatically cooler than asphalt. It’s the simplest swap you can make on a hot walk.

6. Consider dog boots for hot pavement

Dog boots aren’t just cute. They’re a practical shield against burned pads, hot asphalt, and rough terrain. Here’s what to look for when buying them:

• Breathable uppers: Look for mesh or ventilated fabric. Fleece-lined boots trap heat and can make your dog overheat in summer.
• Heat-resistant soles: Thick rubber soles block heat transfer from hot pavement.
• Adjustable straps: Boots that slip off are useless. Look for straps near the ankle to keep them secure.
• Correct sizing: Always measure your dog’s paw before buying. A poor fit causes rubbing and discomfort.
• Non-slip outsoles: Essential for stability on smooth surfaces.

If boots don’t work for your dog, paw wax is a solid alternative that creates a protective barrier on bare pads.

Paw wax is a balm you spread directly on your dog’s paws before walks. It helps shield their pads from hot surfaces and also provides some moisture and protection against dryness and minor cuts.

Apply a thin layer to each paw, focusing on the pads, and reapply as needed, especially after long walks or if your dog licks it off.

7. Know your breed

Some dog breeds struggle more in the heat.

Brachycephalic breeds, like Pugs, French Bulldogs, and English Bulldogs, have shortened airways that make cooling down a real challenge. They can’t pant as efficiently as other dogs.

You know your dog best. But with flat-faced breeds, it’s always safer to err on the side of caution.

Shorter walks, more shade, and cooler times of day aren’t just suggestions. They’re necessities.

8. Visit your vet

Summer increases the risk of infectious diseases such as parvovirus and rabies.

Keeping your dog’s vaccines up to date is one of the most important things you can do before summer walks get into full swing.

Flea and tick season peaks in summer, too. Talk to your vet about preventive treatments.

After every walk through wooded or grassy areas, check your dog’s ears, belly, and between their toes. Ticks don’t waste time.

9. Watch your dog closely

Your dog is constantly telling you how they feel. You have to pay attention.

On summer walks, watch for excessive panting, heavy drooling, or your dog seeking shade on their own. These are your early warning signs.

More serious signs of heat trouble include vomiting, loss of coordination, and lethargy.

If you see any of these, get your dog to a cool place and call your vet immediately.

Puppies and senior dogs are at the highest risk.

Build in extra breaks, keep walks short, and trust your instincts.

10. Care for your dog’s coat and skin

Regular grooming does more than keep your dog looking good.

It removes loose fur that traps heat, reduces the risk of ticks and fleas, and keeps their skin healthy.

Thinking of shaving your dog for summer? Don’t go all the way to the skin. Your dog needs at least an inch of fur to shield them from sunburn.

A light trim is fine. A full shave can make things worse.

Some dogs with thin hair on their ears or nose need dog-safe sunscreen. Choose products made specifically for dogs. Avoid anything with zinc oxide or PABA, which are toxic to dogs.

11. Never leave your dog in the car

You already know this one. But it bears repeating every single summer. Even parked in the shade, a car can become an oven in a hurry. ASPCA data shows that on an 85-degree day, a car’s interior can hit 120 degrees within 30 minutes. That’s fatal.

If your dog can’t come inside with you, they stay home.

12. Use shade strategically

Shade is your best friend on a summer walk. Plan routes that stay shaded, take breaks under trees, and let your dog rest before heading back.

Make sure your home also has cool, shaded spots or adequate AC for when you’re out.

13. Limit exercise on hot days

Your dog is willing. You need to be the sensible one. On scorching days, keep walks short. Cut the fetch session. Skip the long run. Dehydration and heatstroke can escalate quickly when dogs push too hard in the heat.

Reserve longer activities for the early morning or evening.

If temperatures stay dangerously high all day, it’s OK to skip outdoor exercise and play indoors instead. On hot days, keep your dog active and happy with some fun indoor activities.

Try hide-and-seek, teaching new tricks, or practicing basic obedience skills. Set up a mini agility course in a hallway with cushions and chairs, or let them sniff out treats hidden around the house.

Tug-of-war, puzzle toys, and short games of fetch with a soft ball are great ways to burn energy while staying cool inside.

14. Recognize and respond to heatstroke

Know the signs of heatstroke in dogs: heavy panting, thick drooling, lethargy, vomiting, or collapse. Don’t wait to see if it improves on its own.

If you think your dog is overheating:

• Move them to a cool, shaded spot immediately.
• Offer small sips of water if they’re conscious.
• Lay cool, damp towels over their back and neck.
• Get to a vet as quickly as possible.

Cooling clothing can also help. Lightweight UV-protective shirts and cooling vests help regulate body temperature during walks, especially for dogs that overheat easily.

Final thoughts on summer dog walking tips

Summer with your dog is one of life’s great pleasures. Don’t let the heat ruin it.

Follow these summer dog safety tips, pay attention to your pup, and remember: if it feels hot to you, it’s probably hotter for them.

Old, sick, and short-muzzled dogs need extra care.

But every dog deserves a summer that’s safe, fun, and full of adventure.

Help your dog acclimate to summer temperatures

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

Help your dog stay comfortable as the weather gets warmer:

Viktoria Smirnova is a professional pet care expert. She writes informative 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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