At Fitdog, we believe that daily activities and socialization helps your dog become the best they can be. We offer three unique programs to help you the most of your dog’s time, when your not there.
fitdog home
  • Asset 4 fitdog club
    • Services
    • Pricing
    • Assessment
    • Login
  • Asset 5 fitdog sports
    • Classes
    • Leaders
    • Sign Up
    • Login
  • Asset 3 fitdog training
    • Programs
    • Trainers
    • Get started
About
Blog: Off the Leash
Questions? Let’s Talk!
contact@fitdog.com (310) 828 - 3647
Follow us on Social Media:
Login to Club
Login to Sports
  • Club
  • Sports
  • Training
  • About
  • Blog
(310) 828 - 3647

Summer safety tips for dogs

Beat the heat with these tips, products, and activities

Collapse
More from

Off The Leash:

The 5 Best Dog Harnesses for Safety
February 23, 2023
Dog Parks: Harmful or Helpful?
December 12, 2022
Your Complete Guide to The Most Dog-Friendly National Parks
July 01, 2022
The Best Dog-Friendly Airlines and Their Pet Policies
June 09, 2022
How to stop your dog from digging
May 17, 2022
Five tips to follow when bringing a new pet home
November 04, 2021
Beginner’s Guide to Lure Coursing
November 03, 2021
Deadly Disease: Why Lepto Should be a Core Vaccine
July 21, 2021
Guide to Common Dog Diseases & Parasites
July 26, 2021
The 7 Best Podcasts for Dog Lovers
May 27, 2021
Avoid These Grooming Mistakes With Your Doodle
April 17, 2021
5 Benefits of Teaching Your Dog How to Swim
April 09, 2021
5 tips to re-socializing your dog after the pandemic
February 26, 2021
5 Animal Non-Profits to Donate to This Holiday Season
December 18, 2020
7 Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Foods
November 26, 2020
10 Best Dog Photography Tips
October 27, 2020
Importance of Developmental Based Dog Training
October 21, 2020
Complete guide to treating dog allergies
September 15, 2020
Overweight Dogs: COVID-19 Made My Dog Fat!
August 19, 2020
Best Pet Tech Products 2020
August 15, 2020
Best Backyard Activities for your Dog
July 30, 2020
Foxtails in dogs: A hidden danger on your hiking trail
July 23, 2020
7 Tips to Teach Your Dog How to Swim
July 15, 2020
How to modify your home for an elderly pet
July 09, 2020
Frozen Dog Treats for Summer: 4 Pupsicle Recipes to Treat your Dog
July 03, 2020
Dog scared of fireworks? Prepare your dog for 4th of July fireworks before …
June 26, 2022
Stop your puppy from biting with stuffables
June 17, 2020
Socializing Your Dog After COVID-19
June 14, 2020
Dog-Friendly Camping: 8 Pet Friendly Campgrounds in California
June 09, 2020
7 Best Easy DIY Dog Treat Recipes
May 26, 2020
Train and Play Philosophy
May 18, 2020
Andrea Servadio
Andrea Servadio
June 21, 2022

Hot Dog! It’s summertime already. Just like us, our dogs catch those summertime feels of longer days, sleepy afternoons, and overall excitement. That’s why we’re looking forward to a summer full of Group Classes, staycations, and plenty of fun. But with the pleasantries of summer also comes the heat! Make sure you’re ready to help your dog beat the heat with the following summer safety tips, product recommendations, activities, and more.

summer safety tips

But first, the ‘Do Nots’ of summer safety

Do NOT leave your dog in the car
Your dog should never be left in a car – not even for a quick trip inside a store! The temperature inside a car can rise to well over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes.

Do NOT walk a dog on hot pavement
Dogs absorb heat through their paws. Therefore, walking on hot pavement/cement is very uncomfortable for them. It may be 86-degrees out, but the asphalt could be up to 135-degrees. Press the back of your hand on the ground for at least 10 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.

Do NOT expose your dog to extended sun or heat
Just like humans, dogs can be easily exhausted after spending hours in the summer sun! Providing shade is most important between 10 AM and 4 PM, but remember that the sun’s angle changes during the day. Even in the shade, it can be too hot for a dog due to their fur. Your dog needs ample amounts of cool water while outside.

Do NOT leave a dog home without A/C
It is recommended that a dog is not left in a room over 81 degrees. Although this is a suggestion, there is no way for humans to actually determine at what temperature a dog begins to feel overheated. Also, contrary to belief, frozen water bottles and wet towels can’t replace the cooling power A/C and or fans! The safer option is to keep your house cool with your A/C on at all times.

Do NOT exercise your dog in the mid-day sun
Keep your dog cool by going for walks in the early mornings or late nights. Adjusting your walking schedule to this time will instantly decrease the chances of your pup overheating. Here are some additional tips you can use for walking your dog at night!

 

Summer safety tips for dogs

  • Keep pets indoors. Preferably in an air-conditioned room during hot days, and always provide fresh, cool drinking water. You can even place a second frozen bowl of water down that will thaw into a tasty treat for later.
  • Limit activity during the day. The long summer evenings make a great environment for a game of frisbee or a stroll around the block. Whenever possible, limit your dog’s outdoor activity between 10 AM – 5 PM, the hottest time of day. Also consider all the heat the asphalt absorbs in a day. That’s a lot of heat to release! Take advantage of the long summer evenings and exercise your dog at night.
  • Stay hydrated. Provide your dog with plenty of water! Keep in mind that darker coats absorb more heat than lighter coats. Also, overweight dogs are at higher risk for dehydration.

 

  • Provide a shaded spot. Just because it’s hot doesn’t mean your dog can’t enjoy the outdoors. However, you will want to ensure they have a cool space to go to while outside.
  • Keep your dog’s water bowl cool with these tips!
  • Know the signs of dog dehydration:
    • Excessive panting
    • Dark pink to red tongue lolling out of the mouth
    • Dry, tacky mouth and thick saliva
    • Frequent vomiting
    • Pale gums
    • Increased heart rate 

 

summer safety tips

Cool treats will also help your dog beat the heat. Check out our summer menu for inspiration!

Cool activities

Huntington Dog Beach, Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach and Leo Carrillo are all dog-friendly beaches in Los Angeles where your dog can cool off. The Pacific Ocean stays a refreshing 60 degrees even as the sun shines. Let your dog swim, splash, and play fetch in the water. Remember, though, once the water play is over, find some shade or pack up and head home. The beach with an unrelenting sun can be too hot for many dogs. Can’t make it to the beach? Sign your dog up for our beach excursions.

Check out our blog post for all the best Dog-Friendly Events in Los Angeles, updated every month. 

Many of us might not have the luxury of a backyard pool, but don’t let that stop your dog from enjoying some time poolside. Pick up a kiddie or doggy inflatable pool from your local kids store or online. (Prices range $32 to $199 on Amazon).

If you’re looking to make a sweet, refreshing treat to keep your dog cool and energized during the day, make some DIY frozen pupsicles!

Enroll your dog in Summer Camp with Fitdog! We offer small-group Sports, Adventure, and Training classes six days a week. Learn more here. 

Summertime safety products

Cooling Jackets: With temperatures reaching over 90 degrees, this is one invention for dogs that some people might wish came in human size. Cooling jackets are soaked with water and reflect heat and sun. It’s like walking around with A/C! Try our favorite cooling jackets, Ruffwear’s Swamp Cooler and Hurtta’s Cooling Vest.

Paw Protection: Did you know that at 86°F, black pavement temperatures can exceed 135°F?! Make sure your pup’s paws are protected. Dog boots and paw wax can help to protect them from rough or hot surfaces. Just remember that dogs release heat through their mouths and their paws, so only keep their feet covered when needed. If your dog has skin, nose, or paw allergies, check out the Natural Dog Company.

Cool Mats & Beds
Specialized mats provide your pup with a place to cool down quickly. From mesh to self-cooling to water-filled ones, there are countless options to best fit your and your pooch’s needs.

Please practice these summer safety tips in the upcoming months for the health and safety of your pup! From all of us at Fitdog, have a great summer!

Group Classes

Categories:
  • Health
What’s next?
Dog scared of fireworks? Prepare your dog for 4th of July fireworks before they happen

So many new dogs and puppies found loving families and homes over the quarantine period.  For many of them, they’ve only experienced quiet, peaceful lives while everyone has been telecommuting and staying at home.  Now we are creeping...

read more
More from Off The Leash:
The 5 Best Dog Harnesses for Safety
February 23, 2023
Dog Parks: Harmful or Helpful?
December 12, 2022
Your Complete Guide to The Most Dog-Friendly National Parks
July 01, 2022
More Fitdog
Fitdog Home
FAQ
Contact
Fitdog Club
  • Services
  • Pricing
  • Join the Club
Fitdog Sports
  • Classes
  • Leaders
  • Sign Up
Fitdog Training
  • Programs
  • Trainers
  • Get Started
Blog
  • Off The Leash
  • Resources
  • About
  • Become a Trainer
  • Employment Opportunities
contact@fitdog.com
(310) 828 - 3647
1712 21st Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions
© 2018 Fitdog. All Rights Reserved.
Designed and Developed by