From pavement checks to doggy sunscreen, here’s how to protect your pup in the heat.
Summer is the season of sunshine, park visits, and endless tail wags — but for your dog, it can also bring heat risks like dehydration, paw burns, and even heat stroke.
Just like us, dogs need extra care in hot weather. Since they can’t sweat like humans (or tell you they’re overheating), it’s up to us to keep them safe, cool, and hydrated.
Here’s your complete summer safety checklist for dogs 🐾
💧 1. Hydration is Everything
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Always offer fresh water: Refill water bowls often, especially outdoors.
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Bring it with you: A portable water bottle and travel bowl = must-have gear.
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Frozen treats: Freeze broth, banana slices, or kibble in ice cube trays — doggy popsicles!
🌳 2. Prioritize Shade & Shelter
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Find or create shade: Trees, umbrellas, or a shaded corner can offer relief.
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Keep indoors cool: During peak heat (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.), stick to air-conditioned or fan-cooled spaces. Cooling mats are great too!
🔥 3. Watch the Pavement
Hot pavement can scorch paws in seconds.
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Test first: Touch the surface with the back of your hand. Too hot? Don’t walk.
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Walk early or late: Dawn and dusk are safest.
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Use dog booties: Not stylish? Maybe. But effective? Absolutely.
🌊 4. Water Fun, Safely
Dogs and water go paw-in-paw — but don’t assume they can all swim!
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Always supervise: Pools, lakes, and beaches come with risks.
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Try a kiddie pool: A small backyard splash zone is a safe, fun way to cool off.
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Dog life jackets: Great for nervous swimmers or deep water.
⚠️ 5. Know the Signs of Overheating
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be fatal if missed.
Watch for:
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Excessive panting or drooling
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Lethargy
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Vomiting
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Wobbly or confused behavior
What to do:
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Move to a cool area
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Wet their belly, paws, and neck with cool (not cold) water
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Use a fan and call your vet immediately
🧴 6. Yes, Dogs Can Get Sunburned
Especially dogs with short hair or light-colored coats.
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Use pet-safe sunscreen on noses, ears, and bellies
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Never use human sunscreen — ingredients can be toxic to pets
✂️ 7. Summer Grooming Tips
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Brush regularly: It removes excess fur and helps with heat control
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Trim, don’t shave: Their coat protects against both heat and sun — don’t clip too close
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Keep paws tidy: Long paw fur can trap heat and irritants
🐶 Your Summer Pup Checklist:
✅ Water bottle
✅ Travel bowl
✅ Cooling mat or shaded spot
✅ Paw balm or booties
✅ Dog-friendly sunscreen
✅ Emergency vet contact saved
Keep Your Pup Safe — and Celebrate Them, Too
At Everpaw Co., we believe your dog’s story deserves to live on — through sunshine, memory, and handcrafted keepsakes. Our custom dog statues are designed from your photos to capture their unique personality in a piece of art that lasts forever.
👉 Explore Custom Pet Statues – A cool way to remember the warmest heart in your home.
