Summer is one of the best times of the year for dogs and their owners. Longer days, backyard playtime, hiking adventures, beach trips, and outdoor walks create endless opportunities for fun and exercise.

But rising temperatures can also become dangerous for dogs surprisingly fast.

Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat efficiently through their skin. They primarily cool themselves through panting and limited sweat glands in their paws. That means dogs can overheat much more quickly than many pet owners realize — especially during intense summer heat.

Whether you’re spending time at the park, walking your dog around the neighborhood, or relaxing outside in the backyard, keeping your dog cool during summer should always be a top priority.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• How dogs overheat
• Signs of heat exhaustion
• The best ways to keep dogs cool outside
• Summer safety tips every dog owner should know
• How enrichment and chew toys can help during hot weather

Why Summer Heat Can Be Dangerous for Dogs

Dogs are naturally more vulnerable to overheating than humans.

Certain factors increase the risk even more, including:

• High humidity
• Direct sun exposure
• Hot pavement
• Thick fur coats
• Brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed dogs)
• Overexertion
• Lack of shade or water

When dogs become too hot, they can quickly develop:

• Heat stress
• Heat exhaustion
• Dehydration
• Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a medical emergency and can become life-threatening very quickly.

That’s why prevention is so important.

Signs Your Dog May Be Overheating

Every dog owner should know the warning signs of overheating.

Common symptoms include:

• Excessive panting
• Thick drool or foaming saliva
• Bright red gums
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Disorientation
• Rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty walking
• Collapse

If your dog shows severe symptoms, move them to a cool area immediately and contact your veterinarian.

1. Always Bring Plenty of Fresh Water

Hydration is one of the most important ways to keep your dog cool outside.

Dogs lose moisture quickly through panting during hot weather, especially during exercise.

When spending time outdoors:

• Bring portable water bottles
• Use collapsible dog bowls
• Offer water frequently
• Encourage small drinks regularly

Don’t wait until your dog seems thirsty.

Some dogs become so focused on play or stimulation that they ignore dehydration until they’re already overheating.

2. Avoid the Hottest Part of the Day

Timing matters more than many people realize.

The hottest temperatures usually occur between:

• 11 AM and 4 PM

During peak heat:

• Pavement becomes dangerous
• Sun exposure intensifies
• Humidity rises
• Dogs overheat faster

Instead, try:

• Early morning walks
• Evening play sessions
• Shaded outdoor activities

Not only is this safer, but it’s usually more enjoyable for both dogs and owners.

If you’re planning summer adventures, check out our guide to dog-friendly hiking adventures for additional warm-weather trail safety tips.

3. Check Pavement Temperatures

Hot pavement is one of the biggest hidden dangers of summer.

Asphalt and concrete can become extremely hot — often much hotter than the surrounding air temperature.

If the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

A simple test:

• Place the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds.
• If it feels uncomfortable, avoid walking your dog on it.

Hot surfaces can burn paw pads quickly.

Safer alternatives include:

• Grass
• Dirt trails
• Shaded sidewalks
• Cooler evening walks

If you notice your dog licking their paws more during summer, you may also want to read Why Do Dog Paws Smell Like Fritos? to learn more about paw health and moisture buildup.

4. Create Shade Wherever Possible

Dogs should always have access to shade during outdoor activities.

Direct sunlight dramatically increases body temperature, especially for:

• Dark-coated dogs
• Thick-coated breeds
• Senior dogs
• Puppies

Good shade options include:

• Trees
• Covered patios
• Pop-up canopies
• Umbrellas
• Cooling tents

Even when relaxing outdoors, dogs need a cooler place to recover from heat exposure.

5. Use Cooling Accessories

Cooling products for dogs have become increasingly popular for a reason — many actually help.

Popular summer cooling accessories include:

• Cooling mats
• Cooling vests
• Elevated outdoor beds
• Portable fans
• Cooling bandanas

Cooling mats are especially useful because they provide dogs with a cooler resting surface after activity.

Some dogs naturally seek cool surfaces when they begin feeling overheated.

6. Never Leave Dogs in Parked Cars

Even for a few minutes.

Cars can become dangerously hot extremely quickly, even with cracked windows.

On warm days:

• Interior temperatures can rise by 20–40 degrees within minutes.
• Dogs can develop heatstroke rapidly.

If your dog can’t come inside with you, it’s safest to leave them at home.

If you do travel often with your dog, our guide to dog road trip essentials can help make summer travel safer and more comfortable.

7. Adjust Exercise Intensity During Summer

Many dogs don’t realize when they need to stop playing.

High-energy breeds especially may continue running and playing long after they begin overheating.

During hot weather:

• Reduce intense activity
• Take more breaks
• Shorten outdoor sessions
• Monitor heavy panting

Signs your dog needs rest include:

• Slowing down
• Seeking shade
• Excessive drooling
• Lying down suddenly

Summer exercise should focus on moderation and safety.

8. Know Which Dogs Are More Sensitive to Heat

Some dogs overheat much faster than others.

Flat-Faced Breeds

These breeds struggle more with cooling through panting:

• Bulldogs
• Pugs
• French Bulldogs
• Boston Terriers

Thick-Coated Breeds

Heavy fur traps heat:

• Huskies
• Malamutes
• Newfoundlands
• Chow Chows

Large Breeds

Larger dogs often retain more heat.

Senior Dogs

Older dogs may struggle regulating temperature.

Puppies

Young dogs can overheat quickly during play.

These dogs often need extra precautions during summer.

9. Offer Frozen Treats & Cooling Snacks

Cold treats can help dogs cool down while providing enrichment.

Popular summer dog treats include:

• Frozen peanut butter
• Frozen bananas
• Ice cubes
• Frozen broth treats
• Watermelon (seedless)
• Dog-safe frozen yogurt treats

You can also freeze treats inside enrichment toys for longer-lasting cooling entertainment.

Providing enrichment during hot weather is important because mental stimulation helps reduce boredom and stress. Learn more about why dogs need chew toys and how chewing supports healthy behavior.

10. Keep Dogs Mentally Stimulated Indoors During Extreme Heat

One of the best ways to protect dogs during very hot days is reducing unnecessary outdoor exposure altogether.

But high-energy dogs still need stimulation.

Indoor enrichment becomes especially important during summer heatwaves.

Some great indoor options include:

• Puzzle toys
• Snuffle mats
• Tug games
• Training sessions
• Durable chew toys

This is where long-lasting chew toys become extremely valuable.

If your dog tends to get restless indoors, you may also enjoy our guide on how to keep your dog entertained while working from home for additional boredom-busting ideas.

Why Durable Chew Toys Are Great for Hot Summer Days

Chew toys don’t just entertain dogs — they help burn mental energy.

During hot weather, durable chew toys can:

• Reduce boredom
• Prevent destructive behavior
• Encourage calm indoor activity
• Provide enrichment without overheating

For aggressive chewers especially, durable chew toys create a safer outlet for energy while avoiding intense outdoor activity during dangerous temperatures.

If your dog destroys ordinary toys quickly, check out our guide to the best dog chew toys for aggressive chewers.

Why Many Dog Owners Use Chew’ems During Summer

When dogs spend more time indoors during extreme heat, enrichment becomes even more important.

Chew’ems products are designed to:

• Keep dogs engaged longer
• Support healthy chewing habits
• Provide mental stimulation
• Reduce boredom behaviors
• Handle aggressive chewing

Because Chew’ems products are long-lasting and flavor-infused, many dog owners use them during:

• Afternoon indoor downtime
• Crate training
• Quiet time after walks
• Cooling breaks after outdoor activity

This helps dogs stay occupied without overexerting themselves in the heat.

You can also learn more about what makes Chew’ems dog chew toys different and why so many aggressive chewers love them.

Best Summer Activities for Dogs

Keeping dogs cool doesn’t mean eliminating fun.

Great summer-safe activities include:

• Early morning hikes
• Sprinkler play
• Kiddie pools
• Shaded fetch sessions
• Beach trips during cooler hours
• Indoor enrichment games
• Frozen treat challenges
• Backyard relaxation under shade

The goal is balancing activity with temperature safety.

How to Cool Down an Overheated Dog Safely

If your dog begins overheating:

1. Move them to shade immediately
2. Offer cool (not ice-cold) water
3. Wet paws and belly with cool water
4. Use fans or airflow
5. Stop all activity

Avoid:

• Ice baths
• Extremely cold water
• Forcing large amounts of water quickly

Severe overheating requires veterinary attention immediately.

Final Thoughts: Keeping Dogs Safe & Comfortable This Summer

Summer should be fun for dogs — not dangerous.

The good news is that with a little planning, dogs can still safely enjoy outdoor adventures while staying cool and comfortable.

The most important things to remember are:

• Prioritize hydration
• Avoid peak heat hours
• Provide shade
• Watch for overheating signs
• Use enrichment during extreme heat
• Adjust activity levels appropriately

And when temperatures become too intense outside, indoor enrichment tools like durable chew toys can help dogs stay mentally stimulated without risking overheating.

Because at the end of the day, keeping your dog cool isn’t just about comfort.

It’s about keeping them healthy, safe, happy, and ready for many more summers ahead.