As temperatures rise, daily walks with your dog also change. While a long forest walk is usually a joy, a heatwave can be dangerous. Dogs struggle to dissipate heat as effectively as humans, making them prone to overheating.
Fortunately, warm weather doesn't mean you have to stay indoors all day. With a little creativity, you can keep your dog safely entertained even during a heatwave. In this blog, we'll share the best cooling activities and useful tips to enjoy the summer together.
Why is a heatwave dangerous for dogs?
Dogs hardly sweat. They primarily regulate their body temperature by panting and through their paw pads. During a heatwave, this is less efficient, causing their body temperature to rise quickly.
Puppies, seniors, brachycephalic dogs (like a French Bulldog or Pug), and overweight dogs are especially at risk of overheating.
Watch out for these signs of overheating:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Sluggish or listless behavior
- Red or purple tongue
- Vomiting
- Unsteady gait
- Fainting
If you're in doubt, contact your vet immediately. Heatstroke is a medical emergency.
1. Take an early morning walk
During a heatwave, it's wise to shift your walks to the coolest times of the day.
The best times are:
- Early in the morning (before 9:00 AM)
- Late in the evening when the sun has set
This keeps the asphalt cooler and reduces the effort your dog needs to exert. Let your dog out for quick potty breaks, but it's best to avoid actual walks.
2. Organize a water playground in the garden
You don't need a swimming pool to offer your dog a cool down.
Consider:
- A dog pool
- The garden hose
- A sprinkler
- A large tub of water with toys and treats thrown in
Many dogs love running through the water or fishing toys out of a paddling pool.
3. Play indoor search games
Not all energy needs to be expended outdoors.
Hide kibble, dog treats, or toys around the house and let your dog use their nose. Sniffing requires a lot of mental energy and often tires dogs out as much as a long walk.
4. Make cooling dog popsicles
A summer treat is not only tasty but also helps cool them down.
Safe ingredients include:
- Low-fat yogurt (without xylitol)
- Banana
- Blueberries
- Seedless watermelon
- Carrot
- Pumpkin puree
Freeze the mixture in an ice mold or fill a lick mat or Kong with it.
5. Visit a shaded forest
Do you still want to take a longer walk? Then choose a forest with plenty of shade.
Trees often provide a temperature that is several degrees lower than open areas. Always bring plenty of drinking water and take regular breaks.
6. Go paddling together
Does your dog enjoy water? Find a safe spot where they can paddle or swim.
Check beforehand:
- If swimming is allowed.
- If the water is clean.
- If there are no blue-green algae present.
- If the current is safe.
Not every dog is a swimming champion. Never leave your dog unsupervised in the water.
7. Use a snuffle mat
A snuffle mat is ideal on warm days.
Hide small rewards among the fabric and let your dog calmly search. It's a relaxing activity where your dog uses their natural foraging instinct.
8. Learn a new trick
A few minutes of training is often enough.
Fun exercises include:
- High five
- Spin around
- Tidy up toys
- Tap your hand with their nose
- Walk around a cone
Short training sessions keep it fun and prevent overheating.
9. Create a cooling scavenger hunt
Place some treats or toys in the shade of your garden or living room and let your dog calmly track them down.
You can make it more challenging by using cardboard boxes, towels, or a food puzzle.
10. Build an indoor obstacle course
With a few chairs, cushions, and blankets, you can easily create a small agility course.
Let your dog calmly walk under a chair, turn around a cone, or lie on a rug. Keep the pace slow to prevent them from overheating.
11. Enjoy a quiet picnic together
Find a park with plenty of shade and bring a blanket, fresh water, and some dog treats.
Let your dog relax while you both enjoy a peaceful summer afternoon. Don't forget to bring a cooling mat or a wet (well-wrung) towel for extra comfort.
12. Allow your dog plenty of rest
During warm days, sleeping might be the most important activity.
Dogs often naturally adjust to the temperature and are less active during the day. Let your dog rest in a cool spot in the house and don't force long walks or strenuous games.
Extra tips to keep your dog cool
During a heatwave, these tips can make a big difference:
- Always provide fresh drinking water.
- Walk as much as possible in the shade.
- Avoid hot asphalt and tiles.
- Never leave your dog in a car, not even for a few minutes.
- If necessary, use a cooling mat or cooling vest.
- Brush the coat regularly, but don't shave a double coat unnecessarily. The dog's coat actually protects against the heat.
- Take plenty of water breaks during walks.
Which walking accessories are useful during warm weather?
Comfort plays a big role during summer walks.
Useful accessories include:
- A lightweight Y-harness that allows the shoulders to move freely.
- A comfortable dog leash that feels good in the hand.
- A collapsible water bowl for on the go.
- A water bottle for dogs.
- A cooling mat for home or on the go.
- A cooling bandana
By choosing light, well-fitting accessories, walking remains as comfortable as possible even on warm days.
Frequently asked questions
How hot is too hot for a dog?
At temperatures above 25 °C (77°F), extra caution is advisable. From about 30 °C (86°F), it becomes too hot for many dogs to walk actively during the day. Always consider humidity, the ground surface, and your dog's breed.
Can I take my dog to the beach during a heatwave?
You can, but preferably choose early morning or evening. Bring plenty of drinking water, seek shade regularly, and check if the sand is not too hot for their paw pads.
How do I check if the asphalt is too hot?
Place the back of your hand on the asphalt for five to seven seconds. If it's uncomfortable or too hot, then the surface is also too hot for your dog's paws.
Conclusion
A heatwave doesn't have to ruin your summer. By adjusting activities to the temperature, you and your dog can still fully enjoy yourselves. Opt for calm walks during the coolest parts of the day, offer plenty of shade and fresh water, and provide fun mental exercises or water games.
With a little preparation, you can turn warm summer days into a relaxing and safe time for both of you.
