• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Our website uses cookies. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. To see what cookies we serve and set your own preferences, please review our Cookie Policy. Learn More.

The Dog People by Rover.com

Powered By Rover.com

Tips, stories, and reviews for people who love dogs, powered by Rover.com, the world's largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.

  • The Dog People by Rover.com
  • Dog Breeds
    • Golden Retriever
    • Australian Shepherd
    • German Shepherd
    • Pomeranian
    • Shih Tzu
    • Border Collie
    • Labrador Retriever
    • Boxer
    • Beagle
    • Dachshund
    • Chihuahua
    • Poodle
    • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Dog Love
    • Cute
    • Funny
    • Heartwarming
    • Quizzes
    • Trending
    • True Stories
  • Dog Names
    • Best Girl Dog Names
    • Top Boy Dog Names
    • Unique Dog Names
    • Cute Dog Names
    • Best Puppy Names
    • Dog Name Generator
    • Tough Dog Names
    • Food Dog Names
    • Romantic Dog Names
    • Literary Dog Names
    • Country Dog Names
  • Dog Videos
  • Life with Dogs
    • Dog Safety
    • Dog Behavior
    • Dog Psychology
    • Dog Nutrition
    • Dog Training
    • Health and Wellness
    • Recipes
    • Can My Dog Eat…?
  • PuppyHQ
    • Dog Adoption
    • Puppy Essentials
    • Puppy Names
    • Puppy Training
  • Shopping
    • Shop Rover Goods
    • All Dog Product Guides
    • Dog Gift Guides
    • Safety and Training
    • Toys and Chews
  • Cats!
    • Cat Breeds
    • Cat Names
    • Cat Psychology
  • Grooming
  • Get Rover
    • Dog Boarding
    • Pet Sitting
    • Dog Walking
    • Doggy Day Care
    • House Sitting
    • Search Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers
    • Shop Rover Goods
    • Sitter Resources
  • Languages
    • en-CA
    • en-GB
    • fr-FR
    • es-ES
    • de-DE
    • it-IT
    • nl-NL
    • nb-NO
    • sv-SE
    • fr-CA

Summer Safety: Protect Your Dog as the Temperature Rises

Share1.4kPin It8
A Golden Retriever gets close up and personal with the camera walking with his owner park in California on a sunny day
RyanJLane

Summer Safety: Protect Your Dog as the Temperature Rises

Caring for Your Dog
By Rover Staff
Updated by Dr. Sarah Nelson, DVM

Share1.4kTweet0Pin It8
  • Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Nelson, DVM, on July 25, 2022

It’s getting hot out there!

Just like humans, dogs get uncomfortable in high temperatures, and untreated heat-related illness can do permanent damage. Learn the most important health concerns to watch out for in your dog this summer, from dog heat stroke to pad burn and dehydration.

Heat Stroke in Dogs

English Bulldog playing in the grass

Certain breeds, such as Bulldogs, are more likely to suffer in the heat. Credit: iStock/Ivan Pantic

Just as in people, heat stroke can be deadly to animals. Untreated, heat stroke can also lead to lasting damage in dogs.

Watch out for these symptoms of heat stroke:

  • Pale gums and a bright tongue
  • Disorientation
  • Unusual breathing (rapid and loud)
  • Difficulty breathing
  • High rectal temperature (over 103.5 degrees Fahrenheit, along with other symptoms of heat stroke)
  • Thick saliva
  • Weakness and/or fatigue
  • Frequent vomiting
  • Bloody diarrhea

If your dog is experiencing advanced symptoms such as vomiting, bloody diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or weakness or collapse, it is an indication that the condition is severe, and you should take the dog to the vet immediately. If you’ve only noticed a few mild symptoms, immediately take your dog into an air conditioned house, or a shady area of your yard if you can’t get indoors, and try one or all of these methods to bring the dog’s temperature down:

  • Access to water: Make sure your dog has access to cool, clean water in order to keep your dog hydrated and avoid having heat stroke progress.
  • A cool bath: Be sure that the temperature isn’t too cold as this can be a shock to the system. Run the water over the dog’s head (avoiding getting water in the ears) and down the body to help expedite the cooling.
  • A cool hose: A gentle hosing down in a shady area is a great way to bring down the temperature. Make sure that the stream is gentle so that it falls lightly on the dog. A strong stream could scare and harm your pup.

Pad Burn in Dogs

Pad burns occur on dogs’ paws after they walk on hot pavement or asphalt. They can be extremely painful for your dog and can require immediate medical attention.

To prevent these burns, try walking the dog on dirt or grass paths. Avoid walking your dog on black asphalt, as it is very, very hot and can burn the pads instantly. Test the pavement and asphalt before you let your dog walk on it; if it’s too hot to keep your hand or foot on it for 30 seconds, then it’s too hot for your pup. You can also use puppy boots to keep their feet protected.

hiking booties for dogs

Dog hiking boots protect JoJo’s paws from the hot and rocky ground. Photo by Melanie Lewis

Symptoms of pad burns include:

  • Refusing to walk or limping
  • Darker than usual or discolored pads
  • Excessive licking or biting of feet
  • Visible blisters or extreme redness
  • Missing parts of the pads

If you notice these symptoms, seek immediate vet assistance. If this isn’t an option, keep your dog in a cool grassy area to minimize the pain. Also keep a firm eye on the conditions of their pads, as they can easily become infected. Flush the feet with cool water and try to prevent your dog from licking them to minimize infection.

Do not bandage your dog’s paws without consulting a veterinarian, as trapping moisture under a bandage can also lead to infection.

Dehydration in Dogs

Both you and your dog should drink plenty of fluids all summer long. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink, especially when it’s hot.

Early symptoms of dehydration include:

  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dry mouth and gums
  • Drooling

Chronic signs of dehydration include:

  • Sunken eyes
  • Depression
  • Lack of elasticity in skin
  • Vomiting
  • Weak, rapid pulse

If your pet is exhibiting these signs of dog dehydration, offer plain water and seek immediate medical attention.

More Tips for Keeping Your Dog Comfortable During the Summer Heat

  • Walk your dog in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
  • Stick to dirt paths or grassy walkways and avoid pavement when walking your dog.
  • Never leave your dog in a parked car. Temperatures can skyrocket and become fatal in as little as 30 minutes.
  • Move outside dogs, into an air conditioned house.
  • If no A/C is available, open screen windows when dogs are inside and use a fan to create a cool cross breeze.
  • Make sure your dog has access to plenty of shade and water if outside.
  • Try DIY frozen treats or a fun ice lick for dogs.

Keep cool out there, and if you have any more tips and tricks for keeping dogs safe this summer, please share!

Further Reading

  • Is My Dog Dehydrated?
  • What You Need to Know to Prevent Heat Stroke in Dogs
  • 4 Ways to Help Dogs in Hot Cars
Share1.4kTweet0Pin It8

sidebar

By Rover Staff

Updated by Dr. Sarah Nelson, DVM

Share This Article

Share1.4kTweet0Pin It8

Popular Posts

  • How Do Dogs Choose Their Favorite Person?
  • 3 Frozen Dog Treats You Can Make in Less Than an Hour [Recipe]
  • 14 Muddiest Dogs on the Entire Internet
  • 15 Dog-Safe Plants You Can Add to Your Garden Right Now
  • TLC From B.C. Rescue Turns Fierce Feral Cats Into Calm Kitties
  • 19 Best Pug Gifts for People Who Love ‘Em
  • Most Unusual, Unique Dog Names
  • Ice Licks Keep Your Dog Cool and Happy All Summer Long [Recipe]
  • What to Do if Your Dog Is Stung by a Bee
  • What You Need to Know to Prevent Heatstroke in Dogs
More from The Dog People
Yellow labrador retriever on meadow

What You Need to Know to Prevent Heatstroke in Dogs

dog in backseat of parked car

4 Ways to Protect Dogs in Hot Cars

Jack Russell Terrier swims in green water

Should You Be Using a Water Test Kit for Your Dog? We Ask the Experts

Learn More

  • About Rover.com
  • Download the App
  • Rover Store
  • Sitter Resources
  • In The Press
  • Terms of Service
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • User Terms
  • Privacy Statement
  • Cookie Policy

Need Help?

  • Help Center
  • Join the Team
Advertisement
© 2022 Rover.com. All Rights Reserved.