Beat the Heat! Keeping Your Dog Safe (and Happy) This Summer

Summer is one of the best times of year to get outside with our dogs—but when temperatures climb, it's important to remember that our pups feel the heat much differently than we do.

Dogs don't sweat like people. They rely primarily on panting to cool themselves, making them much more susceptible to overheating and heatstroke. Even a relatively short walk on a hot afternoon can become dangerous before you realize it.

Know When It's Too Hot

If the pavement feels hot to the back of your hand for five seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws.

Instead, try to:

  • Walk early in the morning or later in the evening.
  • Stick to grassy or shaded paths whenever possible.
  • Bring plenty of fresh water.
  • Take frequent breaks.
  • Never leave your dog in a parked car—even with the windows cracked.

Watch for Signs of Heat Stress

Knowing the warning signs can make all the difference.

Keep an eye out for:

  • Excessive panting
  • Bright red gums or tongue
  • Drooling
  • Weakness or lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion or stumbling
  • Collapse

If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog to a cool area immediately, offer cool (not ice-cold) water, apply cool towels to the paws, belly, and neck, and contact your veterinarian right away.

Too Hot to Walk? Make It a Fun Day Indoors!

Mental exercise can be just as tiring as physical exercise, and it's a great way to beat the heat.

Here are a few of our favorite boredom busters:

Stuff a Toppl, Tux, Kong, or any treat toy (or get creative with ice cube trays or mini muffin pans)
Fill with canned food, yogurt, pumpkin, goat's milk, or your dog's favorite fresh food and freeze for a long-lasting treat.

Frozen Lick Mats
Spread a thin layer of peanut butter (xylitol-free), plain yogurt, pumpkin, or wet food on a lick mat and freeze.

Pupsicles
Keep your dog entertained with frozen treats that last much longer than traditional snacks.

Puzzle Feeders
Turn mealtime into a game by letting your dog work for their food.

Hide-and-Seek
Hide treats around the house and encourage your pup to "find it." This simple scent game provides excellent mental enrichment.

Teach a New Trick
A few five-minute training sessions throughout the day can be surprisingly tiring—and fun for both of you.

Indoor Obstacle Course
Use chairs, blankets, boxes, and pillows to create a simple agility course in your living room.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is just as important as keeping cool.

Try adding:

  • Bone broth to meals
  • Goat's milk over kibble
  • Frozen broth cubes as treats
  • Water-rich fresh foods like cucumbers or blueberries (in moderation)

These small additions can encourage your dog to drink more while adding a nutritional boost.

We're Here to Help

If you're looking for fun ways to keep your dog busy during the hottest days of summer, stop by the shop! We'd love to show you some of our favorite enrichment products, including West Paw Toppls and Tux toys, Woof Pupsicles, Tall Tails lick mats, puzzle toys, goat's milk, bone broth, frozen treats, and healthy chews that help keep tails wagging—even when it's too hot to head outside.

Have a safe, cool, and happy July—and don't forget to give those paws a break from the hot pavement!