7 Mistakes Dog Owners Make During Dog Days Of Summer (And How to Fix Them)
Hot pavement, parked cars, missed heatstroke signs: seven common summer slip-ups and the fix for each.
Summer with a dog should be the good part of the year. But one hot afternoon can turn into burned paws or heatstroke, and the mistakes behind it are easy to make, even for owners who love their dogs like family.
They do not come from not caring. They come from "it'll never happen to us" thinking. Here are seven summer mistakes dog owners make, and a simple fix for each, so the dog days of summer stay fun.
Walk before 10 AM or after 7 PM, and test the pavement with your hand for 7 seconds. Keep shade and fresh water everywhere, use dog-safe sunscreen on the nose, ears and belly, and never leave your dog in a parked car. Learn the signs of heatstroke, and keep your dog busy indoors on the hottest days.
Mistake 1: Walking in the heat of the day
The risk: burned paw pads, heatstroke and lasting damage.
The fix: walk before 10 AM or after 7 PM. Pavement gets far hotter than the air.
| Air temperature | Pavement temperature |
|---|---|
| 82°F | 101°F |
| 91°F | 125°F |
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Fill and freeze a Freezbone the night before. After a cool early-morning walk, it is waiting as the reward.
Mistake 2: Forgetting shade and fresh water
The risk: rapid dehydration and heat exhaustion. A game of fetch can tip into trouble faster than you expect.
The fix: set up shaded zones and keep several water bowls out. A few ice cubes in the water add extra cooling.
A frozen fill helps too. Stuffed and frozen, a Freezbone keeps your dog entertained and cool for up to 45 minutes. Curious why frozen treats have taken off? Read about America's frozen dog treat craze.
Mistake 3: No paw protection
The risk: burned, cracked and infected paw pads.
The fix: do the 7-second test with your palm before every walk. Use paw balm, and stick to grass or dirt paths where you can.
When it is simply too hot for outdoor play, bring the fun inside with a frozen treat. Our 5 summer treats your dog will love are easy places to start.
Mistake 4: Skipping sunscreen on sensitive areas
The risk: sunburn and skin cancer, especially for light-colored and short-haired dogs.
The fix: use a dog-safe sunscreen on the ears, nose and belly.
- Choose a dog-safe SPF
- Reapply every 2 hours
- Avoid the midday sun
Mistake 5: Leaving your dog in the car, even "just for a minute"
The risk: heatstroke, and death within minutes.
The fix: never leave your dog in the car, even with the windows cracked. A car can reach 120°F in 10 minutes, and air conditioning left running can fail.
Not for a minute. Not with the windows cracked. Not with the engine running.
Mistake 6: Missing the signs of heat stress
The risk: seizures, organ failure and death. Heatstroke is easy to mistake for a dog who is simply tired.
The fix: learn the warning signs, and give your dog a cool, calm spot to rest before they overheat.
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Bright red gums
- Confusion
- If you see these, move your dog somewhere cool and call your vet straight away
A frozen toy is for prevention and downtime on hot days. It is not a treatment for heatstroke.
Mistake 7: Forgetting mental stimulation indoors
The risk: anxiety, boredom and destructive behavior. A dog stuck inside with nothing to do will find something, and it may be the couch.
The fix: use enrichment toys and games to keep your dog engaged indoors. Stuff a Freezbone with healthy treats, freeze it, and your dog has up to 45 minutes of calm, focused work.
“This one has been Flints favorite since we brought him home. Simple as throwing some ice and minnows in and he is cooled down and loving life!”
Destiny S., verified buyer
Want a plan for the whole week? Our Freezbone treat planner maps out a different fill for every day.
The short version
- Walk early or late, and test the pavement first.
- Shade, fresh water and a frozen fill on every hot day.
- Sunscreen on the nose, ears and belly.
- Never leave your dog in a parked car.
- Know the signs of heatstroke and act fast.
For more ways to enjoy the season together, see our guide to summer activities and keeping your dog cool.
General information, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog is overheating, contact your vet immediately.
Frequently asked questions
-
Walk before 10 AM or after 7 PM, when the pavement has had time to cool. Avoid the middle of the day.
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Do the 7-second test: press your palm to the pavement. If you cannot hold it there for 7 seconds, it is too hot for paws. On an 82°F day, pavement can reach 101°F.
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No. A car can reach 120°F in 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked. Heatstroke can kill within minutes.
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Excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums and confusion. Move your dog somewhere cool and call your vet straight away.
-
Light-colored and short-haired dogs especially can burn. Use a dog-safe sunscreen on the nose, ears and belly, and reapply every 2 hours.
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