Heat and your dog: safe walks in warm weather
, by Michael van Wassem, 4 min reading time
Summer days are wonderful, but they also pose risks for your dog. Overheating can happen more easily than you think, especially during walks. This blog explains how to ensure your dog enjoys a summer walk safely and what to watch out for in high temperatures.
Why heat is dangerous for dogs
Dogs cannot sweat like humans. They primarily lose heat through panting and their paw pads. On hot days, this may be insufficient, especially if they have to walk on hot surfaces such as asphalt or paving stones. Overheating, paw burns, and dehydration can result.
The best times to go for a walk
Take your dog for a walk early in the morning or late in the evening . It will be much cooler outside then, and the ground won't be hot from the sun. Avoid the hottest part of the day (between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM) for longer walks.
Test the ground with your hand.
A handy tip: hold your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it feels too hot for your hand, it's also too hot for your dog's paws. In that case, choose a route through the woods or over grass where your dog can cool its paws.
Always bring water with you.
Make sure your dog can drink enough water on the go. A good travel water bottle is essential. Check out our selection here:
👉 Water bottles for on the go
Choose the right running surface.
In hot weather, it's better to use a lightweight harness instead of a thick collar. A well-fitting and breathable dog harness prevents excessive pressure and provides a better fit during leisurely walks. View our collection:
👉 Harnesses
👉 Collars
👉 Belts
👉 Roller lines
Tip: Retractable leashes are handy during quiet times of the day when you want to give your dog some extra freedom of movement without letting him run off-leash.
Recognize signs of overheating
Pay close attention to the following signals:
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Breathing heavily and rapidly.
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Sluggish or unsteady gait
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Red tongue or gums
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Vomiting or diarrhea
As soon as you notice this, immediately seek shade and give lukewarm water. If you suspect heat stroke, call the veterinarian immediately.
Don't leave your dog alone in the car.
Even if it seems convenient for a moment: never leave your dog in a parked car , even with a window slightly open. The temperature can rise to life-threatening levels within minutes.
Keep it short, cool, and mindful.
On hot days, quality trumps quantity. A short walk in the shade and plenty of water are better than a long walk in the sun. Your dog doesn't always need to go for a long walk; relaxing together in the garden or by a stream is just as enjoyable.
Enjoying the summer together.
At Fidello, we provide products to help your dog walk comfortably and safely, even in summer temperatures. From harnesses and collars to handy water bottles for on the go : discover everything you need on the following pages:
🔗 Harnesses
🔗 Collars
🔗 Belts
🔗 Rol Guidelines
🔗 Water bottles for on the go
Do you have any tips for walking your dog on hot days? Share them with us on Instagram using #fidellofamilie or send us a message. We're curious about your summer adventures!
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