Is Your Dog Ready for Summer? Start Preparing During National Pet Preparedness Month
A June checklist for summer: hydration, cooling, paw care, heatstroke signs and indoor boredom busters.
Summer brings longer days, vacations and plenty of time outdoors. You might be counting down to it. Your dog, on the other hand, has to cope with high temperatures, hot pavement and fewer chances to get out and burn off energy, and those challenges are easy to overlook.
June is National Pet Preparedness Month, the perfect time to get ahead of the heat before the hottest days arrive. A few simple adjustments now help your dog stay comfortable, healthy and entertained all summer.
Get ready before the heat peaks: put water everywhere, freeze treats for cooling and enrichment, set up cool resting spots, walk early and late on grass, learn the signs of heatstroke, and plan indoor games for days too hot to go out. Never leave a dog in a parked car.
Why is summer harder on dogs?
Dogs do not cool themselves the way humans do. They rely mostly on panting and releasing heat through their paw pads, which makes them more vulnerable to heat-related problems when temperatures climb.
| Common summer risks | Dogs at higher risk |
|---|---|
| Heat exhaustion | Flat-faced breeds |
| Dehydration | Senior dogs |
| Burned paw pads | Puppies |
| Boredom from more time indoors | Overweight dogs |
| Anxiety and destructive behavior | Thick-coated breeds such as Huskies and Golden Retrievers |
Preparing early reduces the chance of an emergency later in the season.
How do I keep my dog hydrated in summer?
Hydration becomes one of the most important parts of summer care. Make sure your dog has:
- Several water bowls around the home
- A portable water bottle on walks
- Frozen treats, or a few ice cubes in the water bowl, for extra cooling
For a refreshing change, add pet-safe fruit such as watermelon or cucumber to the water bowl. Ice is fine in the bowl, but hard cubes are not a good chew. Our post on frozen treats and dental health explains why.
Are frozen treats good for dogs in hot weather?
Yes. Frozen enrichment treats help dogs stay cool while giving them mental stimulation. Fill your dog's Freezbone toy with their favorite ingredients, freeze it and serve. Try:
- Yogurt with blueberries
- Bone broth
- Peanut butter (check the label for xylitol)
- Banana slices
- Freezbone Bone Refills
These snacks do more than cool your dog down. They keep bored dogs occupied, soothe teething puppies and slow down dogs who eat too quickly.
“My dog loves the frozen sunflower dog chew. Use it after a long day outside - calms her and cools her off at the same time - thank you!”
Kimberly H., verified buyer
Need ideas? Our frozen dog treat recipes to beat the heat are built for summer.
How do I set up cool resting areas?
Even dogs who spend most of their time indoors need places to escape the heat. Helpful additions:
- Cooling mats
- Elevated dog beds
- Fans near resting spots
- Closed curtains during the hottest part of the day
- Access to cool tile floors
Never leave a dog inside a parked vehicle. Temperatures rise dangerously fast, even during short stops.
How hot is too hot for my dog's paws?
Hot pavement can cause painful burns in a matter of minutes.
Freezbone tip
Place your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog.
- Walk early in the morning
- Choose evening walks when temperatures drop
- Stick to grassy areas when you can
- Use paw balm for added protection
What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?
Heatstroke develops quickly and needs immediate attention. Watch for:
- Heavy panting
- Excessive drooling
- Bright red gums
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Confusion or disorientation
- Collapse
If you notice these symptoms:
- Move your dog to a cool area.
- Offer cool drinking water.
- Apply cool towels to the paws and belly.
- Contact your veterinarian immediately.
How should I adjust exercise in hot weather?
Summer is not the time for intense midday activity. Short sessions with regular breaks are much safer.
Safest times
- Early morning
- After sunset
- Short sessions with regular breaks
Avoid
- Afternoon hikes
- Long walks on pavement
- Extended games of fetch in direct sunlight
How do I keep my dog busy indoors on hot days?
When outdoor time drops, boredom often rises. Mental enrichment helps dogs stay calm, engaged and content even when the heat keeps them in. A simple daily routine:
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Morning | A short walk before the heat builds |
| Afternoon | A Freezbone filled with chilled treats |
| Evening | Indoor games or a quick training session with an empty Freezbone |
| Night | A relaxing chew or licking activity before bed |
Not sure what to fill it with? Our 5-minute frozen dog treat recipes cover the afternoon slot.
Indoor games for hot days
- Treat hunts. Hide treats around the house and let your dog search with their nose. It is mental exercise that satisfies natural instincts.
- Frozen puzzle toys. Frozen enrichment toys keep dogs occupied longer and cool them at the same time.
- Indoor tug or fetch. Use soft toys and keep sessions short to avoid overheating indoors.
- Quick training sessions. Practice stay, place, leave it, recall, shake or spin. Five-minute sessions are often enough to keep dogs engaged.
- DIY obstacle courses. Use blankets, chairs and pillows to build simple agility challenges.
Prevention makes all the difference
Most summer pet emergencies are avoidable. The best approach comes down to:
- Consistent hydration
- Cooling routines
- Mental enrichment
- Safe exercise schedules
- Awareness of heat-related risks
While you are getting ready, our guide to preparing an emergency kit for your dog is the other half of National Pet Preparedness Month.
More hydration, more enrichment, more comfort. Less boredom, less overheating, less stress. Summer should not be something your dog merely gets through. With a little preparation, it becomes a season they enjoy.
General information, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog is overheating, move them somewhere cool and contact your vet immediately.
Frequently asked questions
-
June. It is a good time to get your dog's summer routine, cooling setup and emergency plans ready before the hottest days arrive.
-
Place your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog's paws. Walk early or late and stick to grass.
-
Heavy panting, excessive drooling, bright red gums, weakness, vomiting, confusion and collapse. Move your dog somewhere cool, offer cool water, apply cool towels to the paws and belly, and call your vet immediately.
-
Flat-faced breeds, senior dogs, puppies, overweight dogs and thick-coated breeds such as Huskies and Golden Retrievers.
-
Yes. A frozen fill inside a rubber enrichment toy helps cool your dog down and keeps them busy on days too hot for long walks. Use dog-safe ingredients like yogurt, blueberries, banana and bone broth.
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