The summer months are great for going on long walks with your human. Exercise is good for both humans and dogs. But when it gets really hot outside, some surfaces can become dangerous for our paws. It’s important to take a few precautions to ensure safe summer strolls, especially on days when it gets very hot.

These safety tips for summer walks are helpful for protecting dog paws while exploring the great outdoors.

How to keep your dog cool.

When the outdoor temperature rises, there are a few ways to keep dogs cool and safe.

·         Avoid walks in the hottest parts of the day. Plan your walks for the early morning or late evening hours.

·         Before walking a dog, check the surfaces like sand or asphalt. If they feel too hot for your feet, it’s definitely too hot for our dog paws. Avoid hot surfaces completely.

·         Choose routes that are shady for your walks.

·         Plan on taking lots of breaks and enjoying the cool grass and shade together.

Monitor your dog’s activity.

Some dogs love to romp and play. However, in the summer months, it’s easy for them to get overheated. Keeping track of your dog’s activity levels can help keep them from getting too hot. Some of the signs of overheating in dogs include:

·         An increase in panting

·         Drooling more than normal

·         They want to stay in the shade

Keep dogs hydrated.

Humans and dogs both need proper hydration, especially during the hotter months. There are a lot of parks that provide dog-accessible drinking fountains, but it’s always best to be safe and carry water and a dog bowl with you. This lets you offer your dog fresh water regularly. Think about getting a collapsible dog bowl just because they are so convenient for walking your dog in the summer.

Watch out for senior and flat-faced dogs.

It’s important to keep your dog cool and comfy during walks, but it is especially important for flat-faced breeds like pugs, boxers, English bulldogs, and French bulldogs. They have shorter muzzles which can make it more difficult to breathe and to pant, especially as it gets hotter outside. Since they have trouble painting, it can be more challenging for them to stay cool.

Shorter walks are a better choice for both flat-faced breeds and senior dogs. Flat-faced dogs are more likely to overheat. Senior dogs also benefit from shorter walks to keep them from getting too tired or too hot. Shorter walks are best for pudgy dogs, senior dogs, and flat-faced dog breeds.

If your dog is overweight or senior, it’s best to consult with their veterinarian before beginning a new walking routine.

Keep ticks and fleas away.

All dogs hate to be bothered by fleas and ticks. Hot weather causes these pests to thrive! They are usually found hanging out in taller grass and woody areas. These pests are small, but they can quickly change a fun dog walk into a very uncomfortable outing. Keep your dog free of fleas and ticks during the summer by using a reputable over-the-counter flea and tick repellent or talking to your vet about a prescription treatment.

Enjoy your walks!

Taking leisurely walks with your dog in the summer can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time together. The most important thing to remember is to relax and have fun. The two of you may stop and play tug or maybe you’ll want to give your dog a belly rub or a massage. You may even find a place to take a short nap! Don’t forget to clean my paws after a good walk outdoors!

Dogs love to take walks, and we love to lazily sniff all along the path. Not only is this great physical exercise, but it’s also mentally stimulating. It’s a perfect combination for happy dogs.

About the Author: Hazel

Hazel is the head engineer at Pawer Lab where he works to develop and test our pup-focused products. He enjoys the simple things in life and a good walk in the park. When Hazel isn’t working, he enjoys fetching tennis balls, riding in the car, and stalking delivery professionals.