Beat the Heat: Safety Tips for Walking Your Dog in Summer

Summer is a special time for many, with longer days, warmer weather, and radiant sunshine. It's the perfect season to make plans and step outside to enjoy the great outdoors, and not just for humans - pets love it too! Summer offers endless opportunities for pets and their parents to explore together, whether it's playing fetch in the park, hiking in the mountains, or taking a refreshing swim. It's an ideal time for dogs to discover new scents, sights, and sounds, and walking with them can be a great way to facilitate that., summer calls for leisurely walks where dogs can enjoy  exploring their surroundings, sniffing out new sights and sounds for mental and physical stimulation.

Summer is a great time for dog walking, but as the temperature rises, so do potential hazards for your furry friend. To ensure dog walking safety, it's essential for pet parents to be aware of these risks and take necessary preventative measures. But how can you do that? Let's explore some important summer safety tips for dogs to keep in mind and make every walk a safe and enjoyable experience for you and your dog:

1. Time Your Walks Wisely
   During summer, temperature is usually the highest between 10am and 5pm. As a part of the first pet summer safety tip, avoid taking your dog for walks during these peak hours. Instead, schedule your walks early in the  morning or late in the evening when the temperature is cooler. Check the weather forecast before heading out and be mindful of the humidity levels, as high humidity can make it difficult for dogs to regulate their body temperature. Watch out for overheating - this is another dog walking tip that will be helpful to you. Be mindful of the signs of heatstroke - heavy panting, difficulty in breathing, excessive drooling and vomiting. If you find any of these signs during dog walking, immediately find a shade and offer your dog some water.
   
   
   
2. Protect Their Paws
   
   
   
   Hot pavements can be painful and damaging for your dog’s paws. Asphalt and concrete can get extremely hot under the summer sun, and this can burn your dog's paw pads. To prevent this, fix your dog's walking time when the pavements are not too hot. Another pet summer safety tip you can follow is to check the pavement temperature by placing the back of your hand on it for a few seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws. Consider walking your dog on grassy surfaces or shaded paths to protect their paws from the heat. You can also invest in paw balms to provide an additional layer of protection. Keep this dog walking tip in mind and you will be good to go!
   
   
   
3. Keep Them Hydrated
   
   
   
   Did you know that just like us, our furry friends can get dehydrated during hot summer months? That's why it's important to make sure your pup stays hydrated during walks. Dehydration can seriously harm your dog's health and well-being, so let's make sure they're getting enough water. One easy way to do this is to bring plenty of water with you on walks. You can carry a water bottle or a collapsible bowl to make things easier. Just make sure to introduce your pup to the bowl or bottle before you head out so they're familiar with it.
   During your walk, it's important to take frequent water breaks for your furry companion. So, don't forget to pause often and offer them a drink. And even after taking all these precautions, it's always a good idea to keep an eye out for signs of dehydration, such as excessive panting, dry mouth, lethargy, and sunken eyes. If you do notice any of these signs, don't hesitate to give your pup some water and seek veterinary attention if necessary. Let's keep our furry friends happy, healthy, and hydrated this summer!
   
   
   
4. Avoid Overexertion and Heat Exhaustion
   Summer walks can be fun for dogs, but they can also get challenging if the heat and humidity levels are high. Another dog walking tip that you can follow is to avoid overexertion. You and your dog might have a regular speed of walking otherwise, but during this time, it is important to slow down the pace. A slow and leisurely stroll might be less fun for your dog but allow them this opportunity to sniff and explore their surroundings. Dogs with thick coats and a short nose are more prone to be affected by the hot temperature so always keep this summer safety tip for your dog in mind. Slow down your pace, take frequent breaks, and allow your dog to rest in shaded areas. Be mindful of your dog's energy level and body language, and stop the dog walking if you notice any signs of exhaustion or discomfort.
   
   
5. Protect Your Pets From Ticks & Fleas
   This is the most important summer safety tip to remember for your dog. Summer is the peak season for fleas and ticks, and other such pests. During dog walking, make sure to protect your dog against these parasites. These pests can transmit many diseases to your dog so make sure to use prevention. Use a Tick and Flea repellant spray or sprinkle some Anti-Tick & Flea powder on your dog before heading out, as a dog walking safety measure. It is also advisable to check your dog for ticks and fleas after every walk. Pay special attention to areas like the ears and armpits where these pets are commonly found. As a part of pet summer safety tips, it is always safe to keep an Anti-Tick and Flea Grooming Kit handy at home, to avoid your pet from falling sick this season.
   
   
6. Avoid Leaving Them Alone in Cars
   
   
   
   Summer is the time when most pet parents make plans to step outdoors or indulge in a fun activity together. But if you are using your car to step outside, one essential pet summer safety tip is to never leave your dog alone in a hot car. Temperature inside a parked car can get really high, and this might affect your dog adversely. Dogs, unlike humans, can’t regulate their body temperature which leads to overheating and excessive panting. Whenever you have to step out in the car with your dog, make sure you plan the route ahead in time. Consider areas with shade, water sources, and fewer hazards. Avoid walking near busy roads, construction sites, or other areas where there may be more potential hazards. So make sure that if you are stepping out in summer, you do it during the cooler parts of the day, and take your dog along with you. 
   
   
7. Be Prepared for Emergencies 
   Dehydration and heatstroke are the two most common illnesses that dogs can suffer during the summer months. It is always better to take necessary precautions for your furry friend so that the weather does not affect them adversely. 

How to know if your dog is dehydrated?

• Sunken eyes
• Reduced or no urine output
• Lethargy or weakness
• Panting excessively or difficulty breathing
• Thick saliva
  
  

 How to know if your dog has a heat stroke?

• Heavy panting or difficulty breathing
• Rapid heart rate
• Bright red gums and tongue
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Loss of coordination

If under any unforeseen circumstances, you find these signs of heat stroke or dehydration, don’t panic. You can take the following steps to ensure that your furry friend recovers in no time:

So there you go! These are all the pet summer safety tips and dog walking tips you can follow this summer. Summer is a beautiful time to make some memories with your dog, just make sure to take care of these points.

Bonus #HUFTTip: Apart from these summer safety tips for dogs, you can also make this time more comfortable for your dog by doing these little things- walk in shaded areas, feed them light, be mindful of their allergies, and don’t forget to have fun! This is also a great time to experiment with some cool treats like making dog popsicles at home or baking a cupcake for them! 

Summer or no summer, you need no reason to enjoy and bond with your dog. Go ahead, and make it a time to remember! 

FAQs

If you’re walking your dog on a hot day, it is ideal to take them out during early mornings or late evenings for only short intervals of time. Carry essentials such as plenty of drinking water. Avoid walking on hot pavement and asphalt. You can apply Apply paw balm to soothe paw burns and keep them from cracking.

Heavy panting, difficulty  breathing, rapid heart rate, excessive drooling and vomiting are a few signs that can denote heatstroke in dogs. If you find any of these signs during dog walking, immediately find a shade and offer your dog some water. 

In summers, cars can heat up quickly. Leaving your dog alone in the car during summers, even for a short time, can cause heat stroke and the lack of available water can cause severe dehydration. Hence it’s recommended to never leave your dog alone in the car. Ensure someone trusted is present and the AC is on to provide cool air. 

Anywhere between 19-25 degree celsius should be a safe and pleasant temperature for you to take your dog out for a walk. If you feel it's too hot, even for you, then it’s best to skip walking your dog that day. 

A simple trick is to put your palm flat on the pavement. If the pavement is too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog as well. 

Yes, while on walks it’s best to carry plenty of drinking water for your dog. Take frequent water breaks to ensure your furry companion is hydrated in the heat. 

Absolutely! Wearing clothes during hot sultry summers can cause extreme discomfort, rashes and overheating. Dogs have natural fur that keeps them protected from the sun. If you choose to dress your dog during summers, make sure the clothing is extremely lightweight, breathable and comfortable.