As temperatures rise in Northern Virginia, many dog owners start to look forward to spending longer, sunnier days with their furry friends. However, walking your dog outside in the heat can be riskier than it seems. If your schedule makes it tough to walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day, hiring a professional dog walker is one of the safest and most effective ways to make sure your pet gets the exercise they need without putting them at risk.
Heatstroke is common in dogs during warmer months, and it can develop quickly, going from discomfort to a life-threatening emergency. To help prevent this, here are five essential tips to protect your dog from heat stress during walks.
1. Walk Early Morning or Later in the Evening
One simple way to protect your dog from the heat is to avoid walking them during the hottest parts of the day. Whenever you can, stick to early mornings (before 9:00 a.m.) or evenings (after 6:00 p.m.) when the sun is lower, and the ground and air are cooler.
Morning walks are not only safer but also more enjoyable for your pet. They feel more comfortable exploring, sniffing, and walking without the stress of intense heat.
2. Beware of Hot Surfaces
Extreme heat isn’t limited to the air. Pavement, asphalt, and even sandy trails can become dangerously hot in the sun. A good rule of thumb is that if the ground is too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Before heading out, press the back of your hand or bare foot to the surface for a few seconds. If it feels uncomfortably hot, stick to grassy areas or shaded parks. You can also use dog booties or choose cooler, shaded paths.
3. Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Dehydration can sneak up quickly during summer outings. While many parks and trails offer pet-friendly water fountains, they aren’t always clean, accessible, or operational. That’s why you should always bring a water bottle and portable bowl along on walks. Offer your dog water frequently—even during shorter walks.
4. Find Some Shade
Shade can offer important relief from the sun’s heat. Whether it’s a tree-lined path or the shady side of the sidewalk, picking a route with plenty of natural cover helps keep your dog’s body temperature down.
This is especially true for dogs with dark or thick coats, which absorb the sun’s rays more intensely. If your dog enjoys sunbathing but overheats easily, plan for shady rest spots during walks. Many professional dog walkers include this in their daily routines whenever possible.
For dogs visiting the beach or open parks with limited shade, wetting their fur, using a cooling vest, or dressing them in a lightweight white t-shirt to reflect the sun can temporarily reduce heat exposure.
5. Accommodate Your Dog’s Specific Needs
Not all dogs handle heat the same way. Breed, age, coat thickness, health conditions, and weight all influence your dog’s tolerance to summer temperatures. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like pugs, French bulldogs, boxers, and Boston terriers are especially at risk. Their shorter airways make it harder to pant effectively, which is how dogs cool themselves.
Overweight dogs, seniors, and dogs with health issues also face a higher risk of overheating. Be aware of your dog’s limits and don’t push them beyond what they can handle. Walks should be shorter, slower, and include breaks as needed.
Know the Signs of Overheating
One key part of walking in warm temperatures is recognizing when your dog might be in trouble. Dogs primarily release heat by panting, so excessive panting is the first warning sign that your dog is having trouble cooling down.
Additional warning signs include:
Excessive drooling- Lethargy or uncharacteristically slow walking
- Red or pale gums
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Collapsing or seeking shade suddenly
If your dog shows any of these signs, cut the walk short, offer water, and move them to a cool area. In severe cases, contact a veterinarian right away. Paw Pals’ professional dog walkers are trained to spot these signs and know how to respond quickly if your dog experiences heat stress during a walk.
Trust Paw Pals to Keep Your Dog Safe This Summer
Walking your dog in the summer heat needs more than just a leash and a water bottle. It takes awareness, planning, and responsiveness. At Paw Pals Pet Sitting, our experienced dog walkers understand the risks of summer walks and take every precaution to ensure your dog’s walk is safe, enjoyable, and suited to their individual needs. From adjusting schedules to closely monitoring your dog during walks, we’re here to keep your pet happy, hydrated, and healthy all summer long.
To learn more about our professional dog walking services and how we keep your furry family member safe in every season, contact Paw Pals today. Let us help you give your dog the exercise they love, with the safety and care they deserve.
