Summer is a wonderful time for longer walks, outdoor adventures and evenings in the backyard with your dog. But while we may love the warm weather, dogs overheat far more quickly than people do — which is why summer heat safety for dogs deserves more thought than most owners give it.
Every summer, veterinarians treat dogs suffering from heat exhaustion and heatstroke, both of which can become life-threatening in a matter of minutes.
At NorthShore Canine Academy, one of the most common questions I hear during the warmer months is, “Is it too hot to walk my dog?” The answer depends on more than just the air temperature.
Here’s how to keep your dog safe while still enjoying summer together.
Why Dogs Don’t Cool Down Like We Do
Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat through their skin. They cool themselves primarily by panting, and through the small sweat glands in their paw pads. On hot, humid days, panting becomes much less effective, making it difficult for your dog to regulate their body temperature.
Certain dogs are at even greater risk, including:
- Puppies
- Senior dogs
- Overweight dogs
- Dogs with heart or respiratory disease
- Thick-coated breeds
- Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers and Boxers
1. Walk Early or Late
The safest times to exercise your dog are:
- Early in the morning
- Later in the evening, after the sun begins to set
Avoid long walks during the hottest part of the day, typically between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. If it’s uncomfortable for you outside, it’s probably even harder for your dog.
2. Protect Your Dog’s Paws on Hot Pavement
Sidewalks and asphalt heat up much faster than the air around them. Pavement can become hot enough to burn paw pads even when the air temperature feels perfectly manageable.
A simple test: place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Whenever possible:
- Walk on grass
- Choose shaded trails
- Avoid black asphalt
- Consider protective dog boots if needed
3. Always Carry Water
Bring fresh drinking water on every summer walk, even a short one. Offer small drinks frequently rather than waiting until your dog appears thirsty. Portable water bottles and collapsible bowls make hydration easy wherever you go.
4. Watch for the Signs of Heat Stress
Know the early warning signs:
- Excessive panting
- Thick or sticky saliva
- Bright red gums
- Weakness
- Slowing down during walks
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Confusion
- Stumbling
- Collapse
If your dog shows any of these signs, move them immediately into a cool, shaded area and contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. Heatstroke is a medical emergency.
5. What To Do If Your Dog Overheats
If you suspect overheating:
- Move your dog into shade or air conditioning
- Offer cool (not ice-cold) water
- Wet your dog’s body with cool water, especially the belly, paws and inner thighs
- Use a fan if available
- Contact your veterinarian immediately
Avoid placing your dog in ice water — rapid cooling can sometimes make the situation worse.
6. Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car
Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a vehicle can climb to dangerous levels within minutes. On an 80°F day, the inside of a parked car can quickly exceed 100°F. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises never leaving a pet in a parked car — not even in the shade, not even briefly.
It is never worth the risk.
7. Swimming Safety
Many dogs enjoy swimming, but not all dogs are natural swimmers. Always:
- Supervise your dog around water
- Introduce swimming gradually
- Rinse your dog after swimming in lakes or pools
- Provide fresh drinking water to discourage drinking lake or pool water
- Consider a canine life jacket when boating or swimming in deep water
8. Summer Enrichment Without the Heat
Mental exercise can be just as tiring as physical exercise. On very hot days, try:
- Food puzzle toys
- Frozen stuffed Kongs
- Nose work games
- Short training sessions
- Hide-and-seek
- Scatter feeding
- Learning a new trick
Keeping your dog’s brain engaged is an excellent way to burn energy while staying cool. It’s also where good training and good summer heat safety for dogs overlap — a mentally satisfied dog doesn’t need that risky midday walk.
9. Grooming Matters
Regular brushing helps remove excess undercoat and improves air circulation through the coat.
However, avoid shaving double-coated breeds unless specifically recommended by your veterinarian or groomer. Their coat helps regulate body temperature, insulating against both heat and sun.
Prevention Is Always Better Than Treatment
Most heat-related emergencies are preventable with a little planning. Choose cooler times of day for exercise, provide plenty of fresh water, watch your dog’s body language, and remember that some days are simply too hot for a long walk.
Your dog won’t remember missing one afternoon walk — but they’ll certainly appreciate staying safe and comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Heat Safety for Dogs
Is it too hot to walk my dog? Air temperature alone doesn’t tell the whole story — humidity, direct sun, and pavement temperature all matter, as does your individual dog’s age, weight, coat and breed. Use the seven-second hand test on the pavement, and when in doubt, walk early or late instead.
What are the first signs of heatstroke in dogs? Early signs include heavy or excessive panting, thick or sticky saliva, bright red gums, weakness, and slowing down or lagging behind on a walk. Vomiting, confusion, stumbling and collapse are advanced signs. Heatstroke is an emergency — contact your veterinarian right away.
How hot is too hot for a dog’s paws? If you can’t hold the back of your hand against the pavement for a full seven seconds, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on. Asphalt can run dramatically hotter than the surrounding air, so pavement can burn paws on days that feel mild to us.
Should I shave my dog in the summer? Not usually, and especially not a double-coated breed. That coat insulates against heat and protects against sunburn. Regular brushing to remove dead undercoat is the better approach — check with your veterinarian or groomer first.
Stay Safe This Summer
At NorthShore Canine Academy, I believe training is about more than teaching cues — it’s about helping dogs and their families enjoy life together safely and confidently.
If you have questions about summer heat safety for dogs, exercising in warm weather, puppy training, behavior concerns, or building a summer routine that keeps your dog happy and healthy, I’d be delighted to help. [Get in touch to book a consultation.]
About Sophie Amphlett
Sophie Amphlett is the owner and head trainer of NorthShore Canine Academy, serving Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Glencoe, Northbrook, Glenview, Evanston, Highland Park and surrounding Chicago North Shore communities. She specializes in force-free, reward-based dog training, puppy development, behavior consultations, and helping families build lifelong relationships with their dogs through modern, science-based training.