Summer is here, and while I am personally not its biggest fan, Benji absolutely is. He would sunbathe all day if I let him, flopped out in the grass with his belly soaking up every ray. But when it comes to keeping pets safe in hot weather, a little dog mom intervention goes a long way. Between the heat index, hot pavement, bugs, and humidity, summer requires a bit more planning before we step outside.
Before we get into it, quick note: this post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things we actually use.
Why Summer Calls for Extra Dog Care
Benji is a pit/lab mix, which means he has a short, thin coat and basically no belly fur to speak of. He is built for cuddles, not protection from the elements. Those little pittie paws are sensitive, and his exposed skin actually needs some shielding when temps climb.
We walk early, limit outdoor time when it gets above 85 degrees, and keep a close eye on how he is doing. He does not always know when to stop, so I have to be the one paying attention.
Walk Early, Walk Smart
Once the heat sets in, our morning walks happen before 8 AM. The pavement is cooler, the air is more forgiving, and honestly Benji seems happier for it. If you are heading out later in the day, do a quick pavement check by placing the back of your hand on the blacktop for five seconds. If you cannot hold it there, your dog should not be walking on it.
Hot asphalt can burn paw pads fast, and dogs will not always tell you something is wrong until real damage is done.
Protect Those Paws
Paw care is a year-round thing for us, but it matters even more in summer. We use a good paw wax before walks to protect against heat and rough surfaces, and I always check his pads when we get home.
- Look for redness, cracking, or tenderness after walks
- Keep pads moisturized between walks so they do not dry out
- Consider dog booties for midday walks when pavement is at its hottest
→ Musher’s Secret Paw Wax — a solid barrier wax for heat, cold, and rough terrain
Keep Them Hydrated
Benji gets fresh water refilled multiple times a day in summer. On walks, I bring a collapsible bowl and a water bottle. Dogs dehydrate faster than people realize, especially if they are moving around in the heat.
- Fresh water available at all times indoors
- Bring water on any walk longer than 15 minutes
- Watch for excessive panting, drooling, or slowing down
- Frozen treats or pupcicles make a great afternoon cool-down
We do not go overboard with frozen treats because too much can upset a sensitive stomach, but a small frozen snack in the afternoon goes a long way for morale.
Limit Sun Exposure for Short-Coated Dogs
This one surprises people, but dogs can get sunburned. Benji’s belly, ear tips, and nose are all fair game when he is outside for extended periods. We keep his sun lounging sessions short and make sure there is always shade available.
If your dog is a committed sunbather, consider dog-safe sunscreen on exposed areas. Your vet can point you toward a safe option.
Watch for Bugs and Pests
Summer brings out all of the fun extras: mosquitoes, ticks, biting insects, and the occasional bee situation. We keep Benji on year-round flea and tick prevention, but I also do a quick check after every outdoor session in wooded or grassy areas. Ticks like to hide in ears, between toes, and under collar areas.
- Check for ticks after every trail walk or backyard session in tall grass
- Keep your dog on vet-approved flea and tick prevention
- Know the signs of a bee sting or insect reaction
Fireworks and Summer Anxiety
If your dog is skittish around fireworks, summer is a tough stretch. The Fourth of July tends to catch people off guard because fireworks often start a week or two before the actual holiday. Get ahead of it by walking earlier in the evening, keeping windows closed, and having a safe, quiet space ready for your dog.
A white noise machine, calming supplements, or an anxiety wrap can help. Talk to your vet if your dog has a serious phobia. There are good options now, and your dog does not have to suffer through it.
Build a Simple Summer Safety Kit
We keep a small pet first aid kit at home and one in the car. Summer is not the time to be scrambling. Ours includes:
- Paw wax and a spare pair of booties
- Collapsible water bowl and a filled water bottle
- Basic wound care supplies
- Emergency vet contact and poison control number
- A cooling towel for hot days
→ Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Vest — an evaporative cooling vest for warm-weather walks
The Bottom Line
Summer with Benji is genuinely one of my favorite things, even if I personally melt at anything above 78 degrees. We just adjust. Earlier walks, more water, shorter sessions outside, and a little more attention to his comfort than we need during cooler months.
Your dog looks to you to know when it is safe to keep going. Pay attention to their cues, protect those paws, and make sure there is always a cool shady spot and fresh water waiting for them.
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