Too Hot to Trot? How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Summer Heat ☀️🐾

Summer adventures can be a blast, but for dogs, heat + paws + sun can add up to serious risk. Dogs don’t sweat like humans. They regulate heat primarily through panting and their paw pads, which means they’re especially vulnerable in hot and humid conditions. Here’s how to keep your pup safe, comfortable, and out of the ER during the warmer months.

1. Hydration Is a Must

Dogs can dehydrate quickly in the heat, so make sure your dog has access to clean, cool water at all times, both indoors and outside. Bring water with you on walks, hikes, or beach trips, and offer it frequently even if they don’t seem thirsty yet.

Good to know: Sticky gums, lethargy, and heavy panting can all signal dehydration. Don’t wait for a heat emergency to act: Proactive hydration makes a difference.

2. Know the Signs of Overheating

Dogs can overheat faster than people realize – especially during activity or in humid climates. Avoid strenuous play or exercise above 90°F (and even 85°F if humidity is high). Overheating can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which is a life-threatening emergency.

Warning signs include:

Rapid breathing or panting

Bright red or pale gums

Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or collapse

Sluggishness or glazed eyes

Keep an eye on your dog’s behavior and learn how to check pulse and gum color. Both are included in The Uh-Oh Kit’s vital signs checklist for pet parents.

Learn more:
🔗AVMA – Warm-Weather Pet Safety
🔗VCA – Heat Stroke in Dogs
🔗Red Cross – Pet Heat Safety

3. Paw Check: The Asphalt Test

Paw pads can burn just like skin. If you wouldn’t walk barefoot on the sidewalk, don’t ask your dog to either. Pavement can exceed 130°F on a 90-degree day. And since dogs cool themselves partly through their feet, covering their paws in booties can trap heat. Use them sparingly and only when needed.

Safer options:

Walk early or late in the day

Stick to shaded sidewalks, grass, or dirt trails

Use the 5-second test: Press your hand to the pavement. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them

Learn more:
🔗AKC – Protecting Dog Paws on Hot Pavement
🔗The Spruce Pets – Walking Dogs on Hot Pavement

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4. Skip the DIY on Burned Pads

If your dog’s paw pads are burned, cracked, or red, don’t treat it with household ointments or balms. Improper care can trap heat or bacteria, making things worse. Your vet may prescribe a medical balm or antibacterial cleanser.

When in doubt, get it checked it out. Pad injuries are painful and prone to infection, and they heal slowly when untreated.

Learn more:
🔗AKC Pet Insurance – Hot Paws
🔗PetMD – Paw Pad Burns: What to Do
🔗The Spruce Pets – Dog Paw Burns

5. Use Balms and Booties With Care

Although protective booties and paw balms can be helpful tools, they’re not always the answer in hot weather. In high heat, they can actually make overheating more likely by preventing the paws from cooling.

If you’re going to use booties, choose breathable options, and gradually introduce them to your dog at home first. Ensure they fit properly to avoid rubbing, and skip them on scorching pavement: They don’t cool the surface underneath.

Balms can be great for dry pads, but keep in mind that what works in the winter may backfire in summer. Ask your veterinarian for their recommendation of a non-occlusive formula that won’t trap heat.

Final Woof

Summer safety comes down to a little planning and a lot of love. Know the signs of overheating, hydrate often, avoid risky surfaces, and trust your vet if something seems off. With the right precautions, you and your pup can enjoy all the sunshine without the emergency vet visits.

At Puppylation Health, we’re here to help you prepare for life’s “uh-ohs.” 💛🐶

Dr. Nikki Meredith, DVM is an emergency veterinarian and co-founder of Puppylation Health. She’s passionate about giving pet parents the confidence and tools they need to handle everyday “uh-ohs” with calm and care. Her expertise fuels everything from The Uh-Oh Kit to our new wellness series, Vet Tips, No Trips.