🐾 Hot Dog Days Aren’t Over: Keeping Your Pup Safe in the Heat

We finally got a little break in the heat here in Boulder County—thank goodness! But let’s be real: we’re not done with summer yet. The temps could rise again anytime, and with that comes the need to be extra mindful of our doggos.

As someone who spends a lot of time walking and caring for dogs, I wanted to share some helpful info on how to keep your pup safe, cool, and comfortable during hot weather. Whether you’re out on a walk or hanging out in the yard, heat safety is so important—and it can sneak up faster than we think.Why Heat is a Bigger Deal Than It Seems

Dogs don’t sweat like we do. Their main way of cooling down is through panting, which becomes less effective in high heat or humidity. Add in hot surfaces like pavement or turf, and you’ve got a recipe for overheating—or worse, heatstroke.

Planning ahead and knowing what to look for can make all the difference.

☀️ Why Heat is a Bigger Deal Than It Seems

Dogs don’t sweat like we do. Their main way of cooling down is through panting, which becomes less effective in high heat or humidity. Add in hot surfaces like pavement or turf, and you’ve got a recipe for overheating—or worse, heatstroke.

Planning ahead and knowing what to look for can make all the difference.

🐕‍🦺 Walking Tips for Hot Weather

💧 Always have shade and fresh water available
Tree shade or tarps are ideal—dog houses can actually trap heat. And make sure your pup has clean, cool water wherever they are.

🌅 Walk during the cooler hours
Aim for early morning or evening walks, before 9am or after 7pm. Midday sun and high temps can quickly become dangerous.

✋ Check the pavement with your hand
If you can’t hold the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for paws. Asphalt and artificial turf can reach temps over 140°F even when it doesn’t feel that hot outside.

🌱 Grass and dirt stay much cooler—choose natural ground when you can.

🔥 How Hot Is Too Hot?

Here’s a quick breakdown to help guide your walks:

• When the air temperature is 60–70°F
  Pavement can be around 95–115°F.
  ✅ Safe for most dogs to walk, including on pavement.

• When the air temperature is 75–85°F
  Pavement can heat up to 125–145°F.
  ⚠️ Limit walks to short outings on grass only, and stick to shaded areas—especially as temps rise.

• When the air temperature is 90°F or higher
  Pavement can reach over 150°F.
  ❌ Too hot for walks—stick to indoor play and bathroom breaks only.

🐶 Breeds That Need Extra Care in the Heat

Some dogs are more vulnerable to overheating than others. If your pup falls into any of these categories, take extra precautions:

• Short-nosed breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers)

• Double-coated or thick-coated breeds (Huskies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, etc.)

• Senior dogs and puppies

• Overweight dogs or those with heart/respiratory issues

When in doubt, stay on the safe side and opt for a short, shady stroll or indoor enrichment

🧯 Watch for Signs of Overheating

Being tuned into your dog’s behavior is so important. Here’s what to look for:

Mild signs:

• Heavy panting

• Drooling

• Resting more often or heading for shade

Heat exhaustion:

• Lethargy

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Red or pale gums

• Stumbling or confusion

Heatstroke (a medical emergency):

• Body temp over 106°F

• Collapse

• Seizures

• Labored breathing or unconsciousness

🏠 When It’s Too Hot to Walk—Try This Instead

If it’s just too hot out (and many days are!), that doesn’t mean your dog has to be bored:

• Indoor fetch or tug-of-war

• Scent games or training drills

• Puzzle toys or frozen treats

• Shady backyard time with a kiddie pool or cooling mat

Even just a damp towel to lie on can make a huge difference.

🚨 What to Do if You Suspect Heatstroke

1. Move your dog to a shaded or cool indoor space

2. Wet their body with cool (not icy) water—focus on the neck, belly, and paws

3. Offer small amounts of water

4. Call your vet immediately and head in if symptoms are serious

Don’t wait. Heatstroke can do damage quickly—even if your dog seems okay at first.

🐾 Final Thoughts

As summer continues, let’s keep our pups cool, safe, and happy. With a little planning and a lot of love, you can help your dog beat the heat and still enjoy the season.

If you ever have questions about hot-weather dog care—or want to know if it’s safe to walk on a particular day—I’m here to help.

Stay cool out there,
Amy 🧡
Your Pet Staycations

Let’s keep the conversation going...
Do you have a favorite way to help your pup stay cool in the heat? Maybe a go-to walking route with shade, a favorite cooling product, or a fun indoor activity your dog loves?

👇 Drop it in the comments below—I’d love to hear what’s working for you and your dog this summer.
Your tips might help another pet parent too! 🐾💧