Summer dog care tips: walks, hot pavement, water and pests

When it’s 95°F (35°C) in the shade, the midday walk your dog loved in spring turns into a real risk. Summer dog care is about more than a full water bowl: you need to shift your schedule, watch what your dog walks on, choose swimming spots carefully, and stay ahead of the parasites that thrive in warm weather.

Dogs handle heat much worse than we do because they barely sweat; they cool off mainly by panting. This guide covers when to walk, how to tell if the pavement is too hot, how much water your dog needs, road trips, beach and pool safety, and the seasonal pests to keep on your radar.

The best time to walk your dog in summer

The rule is simple: long walks early in the morning and after sunset. In the middle of the day, stick to quick potty breaks on shaded grass. On a typical July or August day in much of the U.S., that looks something like this:

Time of day	What to do
Before 9–10 a.m.	Main walk: exercise, play, and sniffing. It’s the coolest stretch, and the ground hasn’t heated up yet.
Late morning	Easy strolls on shady routes, no running or fetch.
Midday to early evening	Short potty breaks only, on grass or dirt in the shade.
After sunset	Second long walk, but check the ground first: pavement stays hot for hours.

Dial back the intensity, too. A slow sniff walk tires your dog out nearly as much as a run and builds far less body heat. When humidity is high, panting becomes much less effective, so the risk climbs even if the thermometer doesn’t look extreme. Pay attention to the heat index, not just the temperature.

If your dog flops down in every patch of shade, lags behind, or pants with a wide, dangling tongue, it’s time to head home. If they also stagger, vomit, or have very red or pale gums, it could be heatstroke: cool them with cool (not ice-cold) water and call your vet. All the first-aid steps are in our guide to heatstroke in dogs.

Hot pavement: the 7-second test

Paw pads are tough, but they aren’t shoe soles. When the air is 77°F (25°C), asphalt in direct sun can easily top 120°F (50°C), and on a hot summer afternoon it gets hot enough to burn skin quickly.

Before you head out, do the 7-second test:

Place the back of your hand on the asphalt or sidewalk in a sunny spot.
Hold it there for 7 seconds.
If you can’t keep it there comfortably, the ground is too hot for your dog’s paws.

Besides asphalt, watch out for dry beach sand, dark pavers, metal manhole covers, artificial turf, wooden decks in full sun, and the bed of a pickup truck. Choose shaded routes with grass or dirt, and remember that pavement can still be hot at 9 p.m. even after the air cools down.

Signs of burned pads include limping, constant licking, red or darkened pads, blisters, or skin peeling away. If it happens, cool the area with cool water for a few minutes, skip human creams, and call your vet. Dog booties help on hot surfaces if you introduce them gradually. You’ll find more in our dog paw care guide.

How much water does a dog need in the heat?

As a rough guide, a healthy dog drinks about 50–60 ml of water per kilogram (a little under 1 fl oz per pound) each day, and considerably more in hot weather or after exercise. Dogs on dry kibble drink more than dogs on canned food, which already contains a lot of water.

Dog’s weight	Approximate daily water, mild weather
10 lb (4.5 kg)	8–9 fl oz (250–270 ml)
20 lb (9 kg)	15–18 fl oz (450–540 ml)
40 lb (18 kg)	30–37 fl oz (0.9–1.1 L)
60 lb (27 kg)	46–55 fl oz (1.4–1.6 L)
80 lb (36 kg)	61–73 fl oz (1.8–2.2 L)

In summer, the goal isn’t to measure water but to make sure your dog never runs out:

Set out several bowls in the shade, refresh the water at least twice a day, and wash the bowls daily.
On walks longer than 30 minutes, bring a travel bottle with a built-in bowl and offer water every 15–20 minutes.
Add water or homemade low-sodium broth (no onion or garlic) to meals.
Make frozen treats: low-sodium broth ice cubes, a frozen stuffed food toy, or seedless, rindless watermelon chunks.

Signs of dehydration include dry or tacky gums, thick saliva, sunken eyes, lethargy, and skin that’s slow to fall back into place when you gently pinch it between the shoulder blades. If your dog drinks far more than usual without heat or exercise to explain it (more than about 100 ml per kg, or 1.5 fl oz per pound, a day), mention it to your vet: it can be a sign of diabetes, kidney disease, or other conditions.

Dogs and cars in summer

A parked car turns into an oven within minutes, even in the shade or with the windows cracked. Never leave your dog alone in the car in warm weather, not even “just for a minute.” Many states have laws against it, and if you see a dog in distress in a parked car, call 911 or animal control.

For road trips:

Drive early or late in the day, and run the AC before your dog gets in.
Use window shades in the back and make sure cool air actually reaches your dog; it often doesn’t reach the cargo area of SUVs.
Stop every 2 hours in a shady spot for water and a stretch.
Secure your dog with a crash-tested harness or a crate that’s strapped down.

Our guide to traveling by car with a dog covers restraints and how to prevent car sickness.

Beach and pool safety for dogs

At the beach

Check the rules first. Many beaches ban dogs in summer or only allow them early and late in the day. Look up local regulations before you go.
Bring shade and fresh water. Pack an umbrella and plenty of water so your dog doesn’t drink seawater; salt causes vomiting and diarrhea, and large amounts can lead to serious salt poisoning.
Watch the sand. It burns in the sun, and dogs who play fetch at the waterline can swallow enough to cause an intestinal blockage. Use toys that float and don’t pick up sand.
Use sun protection. Dogs with light skin and short or white coats can burn on the nose and ear tips. Choose a sunscreen made for dogs and avoid human products with zinc oxide or salicylates, which are toxic if licked.
Rinse off with fresh water to remove salt and sand, and dry the ears well.

Pools, lakes, and rivers

Not every dog is a strong swimmer. Flat-faced breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs), short-legged dogs (Dachshunds, Basset Hounds), and seniors tire quickly and can drown. Use a dog life jacket, stay within arm’s reach, and teach your dog where the pool steps are by practicing the exit several times from the water.

A few gulps of pool water usually cause nothing worse than mild stomach upset, but dogs who retrieve toys in the water nonstop can swallow so much that they develop water intoxication (hyponatremia), with lethargy, vomiting, stumbling, and a bloated belly. Build in breaks every 10–15 minutes.

Seasonal parasites and summer hazards

Warm weather supercharges several parasites. Ask your vet to make sure your dog’s prevention plan covers the season:

Risk	When	How to protect your dog
Mosquitoes (heartworm disease)	Peak in warm months; prevention is recommended year-round	Monthly or long-acting heartworm preventive prescribed by your vet
Ticks (Lyme disease and others)	Spring through fall, in woods, tall grass, and parks	Tick preventive plus a full-body check after outdoor time
Fleas	Year-round, with a summer peak	Continuous flea control and regular washing of bedding
Foxtails and grass awns	Late spring and summer, in dry fields, especially in the West	Check ears, nose, eyes, and between the toes after every walk

Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes and has been reported in all 50 states, which is why the American Heartworm Society recommends year-round prevention. Ticks are at their busiest now; our guide to ticks on dogs shows how to remove them properly. Foxtails are the other summer classic: these barbed seeds burrow into ears, noses, and paws and can travel under the skin. If your dog suddenly shakes their head, sneezes nonstop, or licks a paw after a walk through dry grass, read our guide to grass awns and foxtails and see your vet.

How to keep your dog cool at home

Shade and airflow. Close blinds during the hottest hours and let your dog choose where to lie; many head for the tile in the bathroom or kitchen.
No sunny patios, balconies, or yards without shade, and never a closed garage or shed.
Cooling mats or a damp towel under your dog, never on top, since it traps heat as it warms up.
Fans or air conditioning. Puppies, seniors, flat-faced breeds, and overweight dogs need it most.
Brush, don’t shave. A double coat (Husky, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever) insulates against heat and sun, so brush often to remove dead undercoat instead. For long-haired breeds without an undercoat, such as Yorkies or Poodles, a trim that leaves an inch or so of hair is plenty.
Brain games instead of hard exercise on the worst days: sniffing games, puzzle feeders, or a frozen stuffed toy.

Two more summer hazards: cookouts, where cooked bones, corn cobs, and skewers can cause blockages or perforations, and fireworks around the Fourth of July. If loud noises terrify your dog, plan ahead with our guide for dogs afraid of fireworks and thunder.

Frequently asked questions

How hot is too hot to walk a dog?

There’s no single cutoff, because humidity, breed, weight, age, and shade all matter. As a general guide, cut back on exercise intensity above about 77°F (25°C), and above 86°F (30°C) keep midday outings to quick bathroom breaks. Be even more cautious with flat-faced breeds, seniors, and overweight dogs, and remember that high humidity makes any temperature more dangerous.

Should I shave my dog for summer?

Usually not. A double coat protects against sun and heat, and shaving it can lead to sunburn and patchy, uneven regrowth. Regular brushing to remove dead undercoat helps far more. For breeds with long, continuously growing hair, a trim that leaves about an inch of coat is comfortable and safe; ask your groomer to avoid going down to the skin.

Can dogs eat ice cream?

Regular ice cream isn’t a good idea. It’s loaded with sugar and lactose, which many dogs digest poorly, and some flavors contain chocolate, nuts, or xylitol, a sweetener that’s highly toxic to dogs. Make your own frozen treats instead with plain unsweetened yogurt, low-sodium broth, or blended dog-safe fruit, and serve them in small portions.

Can I leave my dog outside in the backyard in summer?

Only for short periods, and only with full shade throughout the day, plenty of fresh water, airflow, and a way to get back inside whenever they want. Yards without shade heat up fast, and patios and decks can burn paws. Many states and cities also have laws that require outdoor dogs to have adequate shelter, shade, and water.

Do dogs sweat?

Very little. The sweat glands that help with cooling are found mainly in the paw pads, and their effect is small, which is why you may see damp paw prints on hot days or when your dog is nervous. Their main cooling system is panting, which evaporates moisture from the tongue and airways. In very humid air that system loses efficiency, which is why humidity is as dangerous as heat.

Sources

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): guidance on pets, hot weather, and vehicles.
American Heartworm Society: heartworm prevention recommendations for dogs.
Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC): seasonal flea, tick, and parasite guidance.
Merck Veterinary Manual: hyperthermia, salt poisoning, and cyanobacteria toxicity in animals.