How Can You Keep Your Dog Safe in Summer Heat?

By Dr. Sarah Chen, Veterinarian, DVM · Reviewed by Marcus Webb · Updated Nov 1, 2026

Cool walks, shade, hydration, and early heat-sign checks can protect your dog from dangerous overheating.

Summer heat can harm dogs quickly, especially flat-faced, thick-coated, elderly, young, overweight, or ill dogs. Plan for cooler outings, watch for heat stress, and act fast if your dog seems unwell.

Plan Cooler Walks and Outdoor Time

Exercise early in the morning or after sunset, when pavement and air are cooler. Use the “seven-second rule”: place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds; if it is uncomfortable for you, it is too hot for your dog’s paws. Choose grass or shaded paths, keep walks brief, and avoid peak sun, humidity, and busy holiday events. Bring water and take frequent breaks. Dogs with brachycephalic faces, thick coats, heart or lung disease, or prior heatstroke may need much stricter heat limits.

Heat check: Shade, water, and a cool indoor room are essential. Keep your dog away from hot vehicles, garages, conservatories, and enclosed balconies, even for a short time.

Provide Water, Shade, and Cooling

Offer fresh water throughout the day and before, during, and after exercise. Water bowls should be stable and placed in a cool area. Indoors, use fans or air conditioning, but let your dog choose a resting place. For mild warmth, cool damp towels or a cool floor may help; do not use ice, freezer water, or rubbing alcohol. Never immerse a hot, panting dog in cold water, because rapid cooling can cause dangerous shock. Contact a veterinarian promptly if your dog is struggling to breathe, vomiting, weak, confused, collapsed, or unable to stand.

See a vet urgently: Heavy panting that does not settle, bright red or unusually pale gums, drooling, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, wobbling, seizures, or collapse can signal heatstroke. Move your dog to a cool area, call an emergency veterinary service, and begin transport while seeking professional help.

Know the Signs of Overheating

Early signs include excessive panting, heavy drooling, restlessness, seeking shade, and seeming unusually tired. Later signs include vomiting, weakness, rapid breathing, pale or red gums, poor coordination, and collapse. If symptoms appear, stop activity, move to shade, and call a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately. Do not give medication, force food, or attempt home treatment without veterinary direction.

Protect Paws, Skin, and Daily Routines

Check pavement, sand, and artificial surfaces before every outing. Trim fur only according to your veterinarian’s guidance; shaving a healthy double-coated dog can increase sunburn and heat exposure. Use pet-safe sunscreen on exposed areas only if your vet recommends it. Keep fleas and ticks under control, provide sun-protective shade, and never leave your dog unattended in a parked car. On hot days, replace walks with scent games, brief training sessions, or indoor enrichment.

Before leaving: Check the forecast, pavement temperature, air quality, and your dog’s health; choose a cooler time.
During the outing: Carry water, use shade, walk slowly, and stop if your dog is panting heavily.
After returning: Rest in a cool place, offer water, and monitor breathing, alertness, gums, and paw comfort.