How to Keep Your Dog Safe in Hot Weather

Your dog may be ready for his usual afternoon walk, but the weather might have other plans.

Dogs can overheat when temperatures rise, especially during exercise. Unlike people, they rely heavily on panting to cool themselves, and some dogs handle heat much less effectively than others.

That doesn't mean you have to spend the entire summer indoors.

A few changes to your routine can help keep your dog comfortable and safer when the temperature climbs.

Walk During Cooler Hours

That lunchtime walk may need to move.

On hot days, plan walks for the cooler parts of the morning or evening rather than the hottest hours of the afternoon.

Keep the pace comfortable and consider shortening the route when conditions are particularly warm.

Your dog doesn't necessarily need to complete his usual long walk just because it's part of the routine. Indoor games, scent activities, and short training sessions can provide entertainment when outdoor exercise isn't a good idea.

Pay attention to your dog, too. Heavy panting or difficulty keeping up can mean it's time to stop.

Check the Ground Before Walking

Hot pavement isn't just uncomfortable.

It can hurt your dog's paw pads.

Asphalt and other hard surfaces can become much hotter than the surrounding air, so check the ground before heading out. When possible, choose cooler surfaces such as grass and shaded paths.

If the pavement feels uncomfortably hot to your hand, don't expect your dog's paws to handle it comfortably.

Waiting until later may be the better option.

Make Water and Shade Easy to Find

Fresh water should always be available during hot weather.

Keep your dog's bowl filled at home and bring water when you're heading out for a walk or spending time away from home.

If your dog is outside, make sure he has access to shade rather than assuming he'll move somewhere cooler on his own.

Inside, give him somewhere comfortable to escape the heat. Fans, air conditioning, cooling products, or simply moving to the coolest room in the house may help depending on your home and your dog.

Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car

A quick errand isn't worth the risk.

The temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise dangerously fast, even when the weather outside doesn't seem extreme. Parking in the shade or cracking the windows doesn't make leaving your dog inside safe.

If your destination doesn't allow dogs, leave him comfortably at home whenever possible.

Plan ahead rather than trying to make the car work as a temporary waiting room.

Know the Signs of Overheating

Dogs can't tell you they're becoming dangerously hot, so you need to recognize the warning signs.

Excessive panting, heavy drooling, weakness, unusual restlessness, confusion, vomiting, unsteadiness, or collapse can indicate serious heat-related trouble.

Some dogs need extra caution. Flat-faced breeds, puppies, senior dogs, overweight dogs, dogs with thick coats, and those with certain health or respiratory conditions can be more vulnerable to overheating.

If you suspect heatstroke, stop exercise, move your dog away from the heat, begin cooling him safely, and seek veterinary help immediately.

Hot weather doesn't mean your dog can't enjoy summer.

It simply means his routine may need to change.

Choose cooler times for walks, provide plenty of water and shade, and don't push exercise when the weather says it's time to stay inside.

Sometimes the safest summer adventure is waiting until the sun goes down.