This weekend’s temperatures have been soaring non-stop—it’s gotten to the point where stepping outside feels unbearable. But Sunny, my dog, sees me at home and keeps giving me that look, hinting it’s time for a walk. The problem? At around 2 or 3 in the afternoon, it’s scorching hot out there. And let’s not even talk about ground temperatures. If it’s too much for us, imagine our low-to-the-ground pups—it’s like walking them straight into a mini barbecue.Even indoors feels stuffy and warm, let alone walking under direct sunlight outside. So how can we prevent our dogs from suffering heatstroke in extreme weather?First, we need to ensure that our dog’s natural cooling systems are functioning properly. Dogs primarily regulate their body temperature in two ways:①Panting and saliva evaporation ②Sweating through the paw pads and nose glands
- Ensure Unlimited Access to Water
Dogs mainly cool down by panting—mouth open, tongue out, breathing rapidly to release body heat. During hot weather, they produce more saliva, and as it evaporates, it helps lower their body temperature. But as that moisture disappears, your pup gets thirsty much faster. That’s why in summer, it’s critical to ensure your dog always has free access to clean drinking water.
- What About Trimming Fur?
Dogs only have sweat glands in their paw pads and on their nose—and even then, in very small amounts. That’s why trimming the fur around the paws helps improve heat dissipation.A common misconception is that shaving your dog completely will keep them cooler. In reality, shaving them bald can harm their skin, exposing them to sunburn and insect bites. Instead, trim their coat to about 1–1.2 inches (2–3 cm) to help with heat relief without risking skin damage.Dogs also naturally cool down by lying on cold surfaces—like tile or cooling mats. That classic “sploot” position (legs stretched out flat behind them) helps them press their belly against a cooler surface to release heat. - Walk Your Dog at the Right Time
Schedule walks before 8 AM or after 5 PM, when temperatures are lower. Before heading out, test the ground’s temperature with your bare foot—if it’s too hot for you, it’s definitely too hot for your dog’s paws. If it’s just warm, keep the walk short and efficient.If you’re outside for more than 30 minutes, bring water—no exceptions. Offer your dog a drink every 15 minutes. If they start panting heavily, you can also dampen their paw pads to help cool them down.Keeping your dog in an air-conditioned room all day isn’t ideal either. If you’re away at work, ensure the home is well-ventilated—use a fan (but don’t aim it directly at the dog), and make sure they always have access to clean water.If your floors aren’t tiled, consider getting a cooling mat. Also, avoid placing their bed in direct sunlight. Elevated, breathable dog beds are excellent choices—they allow air to circulate underneath and help with body heat release.
Summer can be especially tough on dogs, which is why we can’t stress this enough. If you have more helpful tips for keeping your pup cool and comfortable during the hot season, feel free to share them in the comments below!