Summer Can Be Deadly for Dogs
Every summer, thousands of dogs suffer from heatstroke, paw burns, and dehydration. Most of these incidents are completely preventable. This guide covers everything you need to know to keep your dog safe from May through September.
Hydration & Water
How Much Water Dogs Need
Dogs need about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day — more in hot weather. A 50-pound dog needs at least 50 ounces (about 6 cups) daily, and up to double that during summer exercise.
Add Water to Meals
Mix water into your dog's kibble or serve wet food during summer. This is an easy way to increase fluid intake, especially for dogs that don't drink enough on their own.
Frozen Treats & Ice Cubes
Freeze dog-safe broth in ice cube trays for a cooling treat. You can also freeze plain yogurt with blueberries or watermelon chunks. These help with hydration and give your dog a fun way to cool down.
Hot Pavement Safety
The 7-Second Hand Test
Before every walk, place the back of your hand flat on the pavement for 7 seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws. This simple test takes seconds and could prevent serious burns.
Stick to Grass and Shade
Plan walking routes that maximize grass and tree cover. Grass stays 20-30°F cooler than asphalt. Even concrete sidewalks are significantly cooler than black asphalt roads.
Use Paw Protection
Dog booties with heat-resistant soles are the best protection. Paw wax provides a moderate barrier. Either option is better than exposing bare paw pads to scorching surfaces.
Exercise & Activity
Walk During Safe Hours
The safest times for summer walks are before 9 AM and after 7 PM. Pavement retains heat for hours after peak sun, so even a 5 PM walk can be risky on hot days.
Reduce Intensity
Cut exercise duration and intensity by 30-50% during heat waves. Switch from running to walking, and take frequent shade breaks. Watch for heavy panting, which signals your dog needs to rest.
Indoor Alternatives
On extremely hot days, keep exercise indoors. Play fetch in a hallway, use puzzle feeders for mental stimulation, or practice training commands. Mental exercise can tire a dog out just as effectively as physical activity.
Car Safety
Never Leave Dogs in Parked Cars
On a 75°F day, a car's interior can reach 100°F in just 10 minutes and 120°F in 30 minutes — even with windows cracked. Dogs can suffer fatal heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes. There is never a safe amount of time to leave a dog in a parked car during warm weather.
How Fast Cars Heat Up
At 80°F outside, a car reaches 99°F in 10 minutes, 109°F in 20 minutes, and 114°F in 30 minutes. At 90°F outside, interior temperatures can exceed 130°F within 20 minutes. Cracking windows does almost nothing to reduce interior temperatures.
What to Do If You See a Dog in a Hot Car
Note the car's make, model, and license plate. Try to find the owner in nearby stores. Call animal control or 911. Many states have Good Samaritan laws that protect people who break car windows to save animals in distress.
Water Safety
Not All Dogs Can Swim
Bulldogs, Pugs, Dachshunds, and other breeds with short legs or flat faces are poor swimmers. Never assume your dog can swim. Always supervise near water and introduce swimming gradually in shallow areas.
Dog Life Jackets
Use a properly fitted canine life jacket for boating, lake trips, and ocean swimming. Even strong swimmers can tire quickly in currents or waves. A life jacket with a handle makes rescue easy.
Rinse After Swimming
Rinse your dog with fresh water after swimming in pools (chlorine), lakes (algae, bacteria), or the ocean (salt). Check ears for trapped water, which can cause infections. Dry thoroughly, especially between toes.
Heatstroke Warning Signs
Know these signs — heatstroke can be fatal within minutes
Sunburn Prevention
Yes, Dogs Can Get Sunburned
Dogs with thin or light-colored coats, hairless breeds, and dogs with pink skin on their nose, ears, or belly are most susceptible to sunburn. Use pet-safe sunscreen (never human sunscreen — zinc oxide is toxic to dogs) on exposed areas. Limit sun exposure during peak UV hours (10 AM to 4 PM). Signs of sunburn include red, flaky skin and sensitivity to touch.
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