How to Keep Your Dog Safe in Hot Weather

At Pura Vida Pet Care, we know how much our dogs love the sunshine—but when temperatures climb, it’s important to keep their health and comfort in mind. Hot weather can quickly turn dangerous for our furry friends, especially during the sweltering summer months. Dogs don’t sweat like humans do, which makes it harder for them to regulate their body temperature. Add in hot pavement and limited access to shade and water, and it becomes a recipe for heatstroke or paw injuries.

In this blog, we’ll share essential tips to help you keep your dog safe, cool, and comfortable during hot weather—from knowing how long they can stay outside to protecting their sensitive paws on hot pavement.

How Long Is Too Long Outdoors in the Heat?

Dogs love their daily walks and backyard adventures, but when temperatures rise above 85°F, you should limit their time outdoors—especially for high-risk dogs such as puppies, senior dogs, short-nosed breeds (like pugs or bulldogs), and dogs with thick coats.

General Guidelines for Time Outside:

Below 80°F: Most dogs can play or walk outside safely, especially in shaded areas with water.
80–85°F: Limit walks to 30 minutes or less and avoid peak heat hours (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
85–90°F: Keep outdoor time to 10–15 minutes and monitor closely for signs of heat stress.
90°F and above: Stick to potty breaks only and stay in shaded or grassy areas. Skip walks during this heat unless it’s early morning or late evening.

Even in the shade, heat and humidity can cause your dog to overheat quickly. Always monitor your dog’s behavior—excessive panting, drooling, sluggishness, and glazed eyes are early warning signs of heat exhaustion.

The Truth About Pavement Temperature

It might be 85°F outside, but did you know asphalt and pavement can reach over 130°F in the sun? If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Pavement Temperature Examples:

85°F air temp = 130°F pavement
90°F air temp = 140°F pavement
95°F air temp = 150°F pavement

Paws can burn within seconds at these temps. Always do the “7-second test”—place the back of your hand on the pavement. If it’s too hot to hold for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on.

How to Keep Your Dog Cool and Hydrated

Just like people, dogs need plenty of hydration and a place to cool off when the heat cranks up. Here are some easy and effective ways to help your pup stay comfortable:

1. Hydration is Key

Always provide fresh, cool water—whether at home or on the go.
Bring a portable water bowl on walks.
Add ice cubes to their water for a cooling treat.
For picky drinkers, try flavoring water with a bit of low-sodium bone broth.

2. Stay Indoors During Peak Hours

Walk early in the morning or after 7 p.m. when the ground has cooled down.
Let your dog burn off energy with indoor games like hide-and-seek or puzzle feeders.

3. Use Cooling Products

Invest in a cooling vest or cooling mat.
Set up a kiddie pool in the backyard with shallow water for splash time.
Wet a towel with cold water and lay it down for your dog to rest on.

4. Create Shade Outdoors

Use umbrellas, pop-up tents, or shade sails if your yard lacks natural shade.
Never leave your dog tethered in the sun or confined in a space with no airflow.

5. Frozen Treats

Make DIY frozen treats using peanut butter, yogurt, and fruit (no grapes or xylitol).
Stuff a KONG toy with wet food and freeze it for a long-lasting, cool snack.

Protecting Your Dog’s Paws from Hot Pavement

Your dog’s paw pads are tough—but they’re still vulnerable to burns and abrasions, especially on hot sidewalks or pavement.

Signs of Paw Burn:

Limping or avoiding walking
Licking or chewing at feet
Red, blistered, or peeling paw pads

Tips to Keep Paws Safe:

Walk on Grass or DirtChoose trails, parks, or shaded paths that are cooler and softer than concrete or asphalt.
Time Your Walks WiselyStick to early mornings or late evenings when the pavement has cooled off.
Protective Dog BootiesLook for breathable dog boots made for summer. Make sure they fit snugly but comfortably.
Paw BalmApply a protective paw balm before walks to help condition and shield paw pads from heat and abrasions.
Wipe Paws After WalksThis helps remove hot debris and allows you to check for signs of damage or irritation.

Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car

Even with the windows cracked, a parked car can become an oven in minutes. On a 90°F day, the inside of a car can hit over 115°F in just 10 minutes. Dogs can suffer heatstroke, organ failure, or death very quickly in these conditions.

If you’re running errands, leave your dog at home in the air conditioning. If you ever see a dog left in a hot car, contact local authorities immediately.

Know the Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If your dog shows these symptoms, get them to a vet right away:

Excessive panting or drooling
Vomiting or diarrhea
Weakness or collapse
Bright red gums or tongue
Rapid heartbeat
Confusion or disorientation

Until you reach the vet, move your dog to shade, offer cool (not ice-cold) water, and apply cool, wet towels to their neck, armpits, and paw pads.

Final Thoughts

At Pura Vida Pet Care, we know your dog is part of the family. By taking some simple precautions, you can keep your pup safe and happy, even during

the hottest days of the year. Limit outdoor time, protect those paws, and always keep fresh water on hand. Your dog will thank you with tail wags and happy licks.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and enjoy a safe, sunny season with your furry best friend!

Need pet sitting or dog walking services with heat safety in mind? At Pura Vida Pet Care, we tailor our services to the weather—ensuring your dog is walked during the coolest part of the day, has access to fresh water, and stays safe at all times. Contact us today to schedule a visit!