Summer is here. And our dogs want to be wherever we are.

Longer days, outdoor adventures, festivals, farmers markets, lazy afternoons in the yard. It all sounds wonderful. And it is.

But heat is quiet. It sneaks up on our dogs before they show us the obvious signs. By the time a dog looks truly distressed, their body has already been working hard to keep up for a while.

As a veterinary technician, I have worked on a dog in heat stroke. It is one of the scariest things I have ever been part of. The body shuts down fast. And sometimes, no matter how hard the team works, it is not recoverable.

I share that not to frighten you. I share it because I never want you to experience that. And the good news is that most heat emergencies are preventable when we know what to watch for and take a few simple steps ahead of time.

Let’s talk through what matters most this summer.

Check the Pavement Before Every Walk

This one is simple and it saves paws.

Before your walk, press the back of your hand flat on the pavement for seven seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.

Hot pavement burns paw pads fast. Burned pads are painful and slow to heal. They can also change the way your dog walks and loads their joints sometimes for weeks.

• Walk in the early morning or after the sun goes down
• Stick to grass when you can
• Check the surface every single time, pavement heats up fast on sunny days

If your dog starts lifting their paws, licking them repeatedly, or refusing to walk, take that seriously. Get them off the hot surface and check their pads right away.

Know the Early Warning Signs of Heat Stress

Dogs do not sweat the way we do. They pant. They release heat through their paws and their breath. When the air around them is already hot and humid, that system gets overwhelmed quickly.

Watch for these early clues:

• Panting that does not settle down after rest
• Slowing their pace on a walk they normally love
• Stumbling or looking uncoordinated
• Dragging their toes or tripping
• Stopping and refusing to move
• Glazed or distant eyes
• Excessive drooling
• Pale or bright red gums

These are your dog saying: I need help right now!

If you see any of these signs, stop everything. Get to shade immediately. Offer cool (not ice cold) water. Let them rest and recover. If they do not improve quickly, call your vet or head to an emergency animal hospital. Do not wait to see if they walk it off.

Breeds That Struggle More in Heat

All dogs can overheat. But some are at higher risk than others and deserve extra attention on warm days.

Brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed dogs) are especially vulnerable. Their anatomy makes breathing harder even on cool days. In the heat, they can struggle fast. This group includes bulldogs, French bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, shih tzus, and boxers.

Thick-coated breeds like Huskies, Malamutes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards carry a lot of insulation. They can overheat even when the temperature feels moderate to us.

Senior dogs and puppies have a harder time regulating body temperature. So do dogs who are overweight, have heart conditions, or are on certain medications.

If your dog falls into any of these categories, shorten your outdoor time in the heat, build in more shade breaks, and watch their breathing more closely than you might with another dog.

Simple Tools That Make a Real Difference

You do not need a lot to help your dog stay cool this summer. A few practical tools go a long way.

Cooling Mats

Cooling mats use pressure-activated gel that pulls heat away from your dog’s body when they lie down. No freezing needed. No water required. You simply set it out and let your dog find it.

Many dogs go straight to them once they discover how good they feel. Great for after a walk, after outdoor time, or any time your dog needs to settle and cool down.

Cooling Vests

If your dog is going to be active or outdoors for longer stretches, a cooling vest is worth having. You wet it, wring it out, and put it on. The evaporation pulls heat away as they move.

Especially helpful for active dogs, darker-coated breeds, and dogs who tend to run warm. Lightweight and easy to use.

Ready to get your dog set up for summer? I carry cooling mats and cooling vests right in my PAWer Fit & Thrive shop, trusted tools that make a real difference on hot days.

 Shop Cooling Mats and Vests Here

Kiddy Pool Time

This one is my favorite because dogs just love it.

A small plastic kiddy pool in the yard is one of the best summer investments you can make. Let your dog wade in, splash around, and cool their paws and belly. Even dogs who are not big swimmers will often stand in a few inches of cool water on a hot day.

You do not need a lake or a fancy setup. Just a pool, some water, and a happy dog.

Water Intake: Are They Drinking Enough?

Heat increases your dog’s water needs significantly. A dog who drinks just fine in cool weather may not be drinking enough once summer hits.

Encourage water intake by:

• Keeping multiple water bowls in different areas of the home
• Refreshing the water frequently and dogs are more likely to drink clean, cool water
• Bringing a collapsible bowl and water bottle on every outing
• Adding a small amount of low-sodium broth to their water if they are reluctant to drink
• Offering ice cubes as a treat on especially hot days

Signs your dog may be dehydrated include dry or tacky gums, loss of skin elasticity, lethargy, and reduced urination. If you are concerned, check with your vet.

Supporting the Body from the Inside

We think about heat safety from the outside: shade, water, cool surfaces. But summer heat stresses the body internally too.

When the body works hard to regulate temperature, it draws on nutrients, hydration, and organ function. This is a good time to think about:

• Quality whole-food nutrition that supports organ function and energy
• Adequate hydration as a foundation for every body system
• Digestive support: heat can stress the gut just like exercise does
• Herbs and whole-food supplements that support a healthy inflammatory response and normal body function

Every dog is different. A senior dog managing arthritis, a young sport dog in heavy training, and a small dog with a sensitive stomach all have different summer needs. If you are unsure what internal support makes sense for your dog, that is a great conversation to bring to your vet or a PAWer coaching session.

Please Watch Your Dog at Outdoor Events

This one I feel strongly about.

Summer means outdoor festivals, farmers markets, street fairs, and block parties. We bring our dogs because we love having them with us. Those outings can be wonderful — new smells, new sights, and time together.

But here is what happens without us realizing it.

We get talking. We browse a booth. We run into a friend we haven’t seen in months. Time disappears.

And our dog is standing on hot pavement in the sun, panting, waiting, with nowhere cool to go.

As a veterinary technician, I have worked on a dog in heat stroke. It is one of the scariest things I have ever been part of. The body shuts down fast. And sometimes, it is not recoverable.

Please be present with your dog at events.

• Check in with them every 20 to 30 minutes
• Find shade and rest breaks whenever possible
• Bring water and a collapsible bowl every single time
• Set a phone reminder if you need to, there is no shame in that
• Watch their panting, their pace, and their eyes

If your dog starts showing any early heat clues, stop what you are doing and go. The festival will be there next year. Your dog cannot wait.

Your Summer PAWer Move This Week

Pick one thing from this list and put it in place before the weekend.

• Check your pavement before your next walk
• Set out a cooling mat or order one here
• Fill a kiddy pool for an afternoon cool-down
• Pack a water bottle and collapsible bowl for your next outing
• Set a phone reminder to check on your dog at your next outdoor event

You do not have to do everything at once. One small change this week keeps your dog safer all summer long.

Because summer should be fun for both of you.

Want Help Building a Summer Plan for Your Dog?

If your dog has been showing movement changes, heat sensitivity, or signs that their body needs more support this summer, you do not have to figure it out alone.

Book a discovery call and let’s talk through what you are seeing, what your dog may need, and what a simple summer support plan could look like for them.

Book Your Discovery Call

Educational info only and always loop in your veterinarian for urgent symptoms or medical concerns.

With love,

Jenn

PAWer Pet Health Coach | Veterinary Rehabilitation Technician (CCRP)

Helping Your Dog Thrive from the Inside Out