They're Hot Too: How to Help Your Dog Survive Summer Without the Drama

Summer is wonderful. The sea, watermelon, bare feet, laundry that dries in 12 minutes, and that feeling that the day lasts a little longer than usual.

But then you look at your dog lying on the tiles like a pancake and realize you're not the only one who's hot. He is, too.

The only difference is he can't explain that he's had enough, that the asphalt is burning his paws, or that he doesn't want to walk anymore. He'll often pretend he can keep going. A little more walking, a little more sniffing, one more round with the ball, just to that tree over there.

But he really can't. He just doesn't know when to stop.

That's why in the summer, we have to be the reasonable part of his crew. The one who says, "That's enough, let's go find some shade." And yes, he might look at us as if we've just ruined his life, but he'll survive. Dramatically, of course, but he'll survive.

Walks are great, but not when the sun is acting like a grill pan

The simplest rule for summer with dogs is this: walks early in the morning and late in the evening.

Not just a quick one around noon.

Not a quick trip to the store.

Not just for five minutes.

Because those five minutes in extreme heat can be too much, especially for older dogs, puppies, dogs with short snouts, thick fur, extra weight, or any health issues.

Mornings are great. Evenings are great. Everything in between is more of a short potty break before heading back to the cool indoors, not a serious walk.

I know, some dogs look ready for a hike even when it's 35°C (95°F). Of course, they are. They'd go anywhere if there's a chance to sniff something new.

But in the summer, we don't always ask for their opinion. In the summer, we have to be the slightly boring adult.

Asphalt isn't just a little warm. It burns.

This is one of those things people often forget because we have sneakers, sandals, flip-flops—something. They have their paws directly on the ground.

And asphalt, concrete, tiles, and even sand in the sun can get brutally hot.

The easiest test is to place your palm on the asphalt. If you can't hold it there for a few seconds without it being uncomfortable, then your dog shouldn't be walking on it.

And it doesn't always have to look dramatic. A dog might not yelp. He might just speed up, hop around, pull towards the grass, or act strangely. Paws can get hurt without a big scene.

So, in summer, choose grass, shade, dirt paths, and shorter routes. If you have to cross asphalt, make it the shortest possible stretch.

Paws aren't made for walking on a frying pan.

Water, water, and a little more water

It sounds trivial, but water is half the battle in summer.

• Fresh water at home.
• Water in the yard.
• Water on the patio.
• Water on walks.
• Water on the road.
• Water always somewhere handy.

Some dogs drink normally. Some drink as if water is their personal enemy. Some wait for you to make a presentation, offer the bowl at the perfect angle, and coax them a little.

If your dog belongs to this stubborn crew, you can offer him water more often, place bowls in multiple spots, or toss a few ice cubes into his bowl just to make it more interesting. You don't have to turn it into a spa, but little tricks can sometimes work.

The important thing is that water is always available and doesn't sit in the sun all day, becoming as warm as soup.

Shade isn't a luxury, it's a plan

When it's hot, shade isn't a nice-to-have. It's essential equipment.

If your dog is outside, he must have a place where he can truly get out of the sun. Not just a little bit of shadow at 8 a.m. and nothing later, but real shade throughout the day.

At home, you can help by lowering the blinds, creating a draft if it's safe, or turning on a fan or AC if you have one—just make sure it's not blowing directly on him like he's on an airport runway.

A wet towel can help, but not every dog will be a fan. A cooling mat can be great if he likes it. The tiles in the bathroom are a classic. For many dogs, that's their five-star summer apartment.

And don't be offended if you buy him a lovely bed, and he lies down on the coldest piece of floor next to the toilet. It's summer. We all have our survival methods.

Never in the car. Not even for a minute.

This really needs to be said without much philosophy: we do not leave dogs in a car in the heat.

• Not with the window slightly cracked.
• Not in the shade.
• Not while you just pop in somewhere.
• Not even if the AC was on two minutes ago.

A car heats up very quickly, and it can become dangerous for a dog inside much sooner than we think. This isn't a "nothing will happen" situation. This is a "simply don't" situation.

If you're going somewhere the dog can't go with you, it's better for him to stay at home where it's safe, cool, and he has water.

I know it sounds strict, but this is one of those things where there's really no room for improvisation.

Grooming: Sometimes yes, sometimes not so much

In the summer, people often think their dog must need a very short haircut because it's hot.

But not all fur is the same, and not every trim is a good idea.

For some dogs, a shorter cut can help. For others, their coat actually serves a function, protecting their skin from the sun and overheating. Especially with double-coated breeds, it's not wise to play hairdresser without advice from a groomer or vet.

What almost always makes sense is regular brushing. Dead hair, knots, and matted fur don't help anyone. It's like putting on a sweater over another sweater in the middle of summer and convincing yourself everything is fine.

So, not every dog needs a summer buzzcut, but a well-groomed coat is always a good idea.

Signs your dog isn't doing well

This isn't a section for panic, but for knowing how to react if needed.

Signs of overheating in a dog can include:

• heavy panting
• excessive drooling
• weakness
• staggering
• restlessness
• vomiting
• very red or pale gums
• confusion or collapse

If you suspect your dog is overheating, immediately move him to a cooler place, offer him water if he can drink, cool him gradually with lukewarm to cool water, and call your vet. Don't wait to see if it passes. With overheating, speed is truly essential.

And no, ice and shocking the body with cold are not smart moves. The goal is to cool the dog down, not to create additional drama for a body that's already under stress.

Dogs who pretend they can keep going

There is a special category of dogs. The ones who would keep going even when their tongue is hanging down to the floor.

These dogs don't know how to say "enough." To them, life is a walk, a ball, a scent, you, a little more, come on, let's go, just one more thing. And it's adorable. And completely unreasonable.

That's why we have to pull the handbrake.

• No throwing the ball in the peak sun.
• No running alongside a bike when the asphalt is burning.
• No "just one more round."
• No pushing it just because the dog seems happy.

He can be happy in the shade. He can be happy sniffing around early in the morning. He can be happy with a toy at home, a frozen treat, or just by lying next to you, pretending to be the saddest creature in the world because he didn't get his 45-minute walk.

He'll survive. I promise.

The little things that really matter

You don't need to overcomplicate it.

You don't need a whole summer strategy in an Excel spreadsheet. You just need a little awareness, some common sense, and that feeling when you look at your dog and realize that today, you need to take it slower.

• Early morning instead of noon.
• Grass instead of asphalt.
• Shade instead of sun.
• Water within reach.
• Never in the car.
• Less high-intensity play.
• More lounging.
• A slower pace.

And that's it.

Summer is beautiful, but it's not equally easy for everyone. We feel the heat, and it's often even harder for them because they depend on us and our decisions.

Be the person who carries water.

Be the person who tests the asphalt with their palm and looks a little weird, but who cares.

Be the person who knows that sometimes a dog really wants more, but can't handle more.

Because loving them isn't just about cuddles, treats, and asking "who's the best boy in the world?"

Love is also when you say that's enough for today.

And believe me, that means a lot to them.