Table of Contents
Summary ✍️
Summer means more sunshine, more adventures—and more hidden dangers for our dogs. From overheating and dehydration to burnt paws and sunburns, hot weather can pose serious risks. This blog will walk you through the most common summer hazards and give you summer dog safety tips so you know exactly how to protect your bud during the heat. We’ll also share simple safety tips, expert insights, and Healthybud product recommendations to help you and your pup enjoy summer safely.
Key Takeaways 🔑
Hot pavement can cause paw burns—test with your hand or foot first.
Walk your dog during cooler hours and stick to shady, grassy areas.
Always provide fresh, clean water and consider hydrating frozen treats.
Dogs can get sunburned—especially those with light skin or thin fur.
Never leave a dog alone in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
Know the signs of heatstroke and how to act fast.
Water Bottle & Dog Bowl
$35.00 CAD
Keep yourself and your dog hydrated with our 2-in-1 water bottle with a detachable dog bowl base. • Easy-to-carry handle! • Removable silicone dog bowl base (great for water & food too!) • Made of 100% BPA-free tritan & silicone bowl • Healthybud branded bright blue… read more
How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Summer 🐕
The first day of summer marks the start of sunny walks, weekend hikes, and splashy adventures—but it also brings rising temperatures and hidden hazards for your four-legged friend. While humans can grab a cold drink or head inside when it gets too hot, dogs rely on us to keep them safe. Summer dangers go beyond sunburn and paw burns—they include heatstroke, dehydration, hot sand or turf, insect bites, and more.
That’s why we’ve compiled a complete guide to keeping your dog safe in the summer. Whether you’re heading to the park, hitting the trail, or just chilling on the patio, these tips will help your pup stay cool and healthy all season long.
Common Summer Heat Hazards for Dogs 🔥
Summer fun can quickly turn into a health risk if you're not aware of the common dangers warmer weather brings. Here’s what every pet parent should know when it comes to summer dog safety:
1. Overheating and Heatstroke 🥵
Dogs don’t sweat through their skin the way humans do. Instead, they pant to cool off. But when the temperature and humidity levels are high, panting alone may not be enough. This can lead to overheating or full-blown heatstroke—a serious, potentially life-threatening condition.
Signs of heatstroke:
Heavy panting or drooling
Rapid heart rate
Lethargy or confusion
Vomiting or diarrhea
Bright red gums or tongue
Collapse or unresponsiveness
What to do:
Move your dog to a shaded, cool area immediately. Offer small sips of cool (not cold) water. You can place cool, damp towels on their belly, armpits, or paws. Then contact your vet right away—heatstroke is a medical emergency.
Safety reminders:
Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
Provide plenty of shade and fresh water when outside.
Avoid strenuous exercise during peak heat hours (11 am–4 pm).
Know your dog’s tolerance—older dogs, puppies, and brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs) are more vulnerable.
2. Dehydration 💧
Even if your dog isn’t overheating, hot weather increases their risk of dehydration. Dogs need access to fresh, clean water at all times—especially after exercise or play.
Signs of dehydration:
Dry or sticky gums
Excessive panting
Sunken eyes
Lethargy or weakness
Loss of skin elasticity (skin stays tented when pinched)
Reduced urination or dark urine
What to do:
If your dog shows signs of dehydration—like dry gums, lethargy, or sunken eyes—move them to a cool, shaded area right away. Offer small amounts of fresh, cool water and let them drink at their own pace. You can add a splash of bone broth or a hydrating treat to encourage drinking. If symptoms persist or your dog won’t drink, contact your vet immediately.
Safety reminders:
Monitor water intake closely on hot days.
Carry a collapsible water bowl with you, and offer water frequently.
Limit intense exercise during heatwaves.
Use shaded rest areas during outdoor activities.
Boost hydration by adding water or broth to your dog’s regular meals (for example: mix Healthybud Meal Patties with water and mash) or offer hydrating treats such as frozen fruit or pupsicles.
Beef Meal Patties
$45.00 CAD
⭐️ New & Improved Formula! ⭐️ A complete & balanced freeze-dried raw meal packed with natural superfoods, pre-biotics, post-biotics and more! Healthybud’s easy to serve, rehydratable freeze-dried beef patties provide the powerful benefits of raw food with the convenience of kibble. Packed with delicious &… read more
3. Burnt Paw Pads 🐾
Asphalt, concrete, sand, and even artificial turf can become dangerously hot in the summer sun. If it’s too hot for your bare foot, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Signs of paw burns:
Limping or avoiding walks
Licking or chewing paws
Blisters or red, raw skin
Darkening of paw pads
What to do:
If your dog shows signs of burnt paws, immediately move them to a cooler surface to prevent further damage. Rinse their paws gently with cool water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Applying a veterinarian-approved paw balm or natural aloe vera gel can soothe irritation and promote healing.
Safety reminders:
Try the 7-second rule. Place your hand or bare foot on the ground for 7 seconds. If it feels too hot for you, avoid it.
Walk your dog early morning or late evening when surfaces are cooler.
Choose grassy or shaded paths.
Invest in paw protection like booties or paw balm / wax before heatwaves.
Check paw pads regularly during summer walks.
4. Sunburn ☀️
Yes, dogs can get sunburns—especially light-coloured or short-haired breeds like Pit Bulls, Dalmatians, and Bulldogs. Sensitive areas include the nose, ears, belly, and groin.
Signs of sunburn:
Scratching or rubbing the sunburned area
Sensitivity or discomfort when touched
Dry, flaky, or peeling skin
Swollen or blistered patches in severe cases
What to do:
If you suspect your dog has sunburn, start by moving them out of direct sunlight and into a cool, shaded area. Applying a cool compress can help soothe inflamed skin. Use only pet-safe sunscreen or aloe vera gel to calm the skin—never human products unless specifically approved by your vet. Keep your dog hydrated and prevent them from licking or scratching the affected areas to avoid irritation or infection. For mild sunburn, these steps usually help, but if your dog shows signs of blistering, swelling, intense pain, or if the sunburn covers a large area, contact your veterinarian promptly for proper treatment.
Safety reminders:
Limit sun exposure during peak UV hours (11 am–4 pm).
Apply pet-safe sunscreen to vulnerable areas before outdoor time.
Use protective clothing or lightweight UV shirts.
Monitor light-skinned or thin-coated dogs especially closely.
5. Bug Bites and Allergies 🐝
Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks thrive in the summer. So do bees and wasps. Insect bites can lead to allergic reactions or even anaphylaxis in rare cases.
Signs of bug bites and allergic reactions:
Redness, swelling, or irritation at the bite or sting site
Excessive scratching, licking, or biting the affected area
Hives or raised bumps on the skin
Swelling of the face, ears, or paws
Difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing (severe allergic reaction)
Lethargy, vomiting, or collapse in extreme cases
What to do:
If you notice mild symptoms like redness or itching, gently clean the area with mild soap and water and apply a cool compress to reduce swelling. Monitor your dog closely for any worsening signs. Use vet-approved flea and tick preventatives to minimize risk.If your dog shows severe symptoms—such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing—seek emergency veterinary care immediately, as this could indicate anaphylaxis. Never give medications like antihistamines without veterinary guidance.
Safety reminders:
Use flea, tick, and mosquito preventatives recommended by your vet.
Regularly check your dog’s fur and skin after outdoor time.
Avoid areas with high insect activity during dawn and dusk.
Keep your dog away from flowers or plants that attract bees and wasps.
6. Water Hazards 🌊
Dogs love to swim, but not all are natural swimmers. Always supervise near pools, lakes, or oceans.
Signs of water-induced distress:
Struggling to stay afloat or panic while swimming
Excessive coughing or choking after being in water
Vomiting or diarrhea after drinking from lakes, ponds, or puddles
Red, itchy ears or head shaking (signs of ear infections)
Lethargy or weakness following water exposure
Blue gums or difficulty breathing (signs of drowning or severe distress)
What to do:
Always supervise your dog closely when near any body of water, whether it’s a pool, lake, river, or ocean. If your dog is not a strong swimmer or is new to water, consider using a canine life jacket to keep them safe. If your dog shows any signs of distress while swimming, get them out of the water immediately and contact your veterinarian if symptoms persist or worsen.
Safety reminders:
Use a canine life jacket for swimming.
Rinse off chlorine or saltwater after swims.
Don’t let dogs drink from lakes or puddles (risk of giardia, blue-green algae, etc.).
Dry ears thoroughly after swimming to avoid infections.
Never leave your dog unattended near water.
Digging Deeper: More Expert Advice for Summer Dog Safety 🩺
In addition to the common summer hazards we’ve covered, the ASPCA highlights a few other important risks pet parents should keep in mind during warmer months.
Chemical Safety:
Be cautious when using herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers, and other lawn treatments. Always keep your dog away from treated areas until the products have dried or been safely watered in. Even if fertilizer exposure often results in mild stomach upset, it should be taken seriously. You should also keep citronella candles, tiki torches, and insect coils out of your pet’s reach to avoid accidental ingestion or burns.
Plants and Gardening:
Spending more time outdoors means your pup may encounter various plants, some of which could be harmful if ingested. It’s smart to familiarize yourself with the types of ornamental and garden plants in your yard and identify any that are toxic or cause stomach upset. Always supervise your dog outside, as even non-toxic plants can cause digestive issues if eaten in large amounts.
Food and Drink Hazards:
Summer festivities often include tempting foods and drinks that may be dangerous for pets. To keep your dog safe, stick to their regular diet and treats, and keep garbage and leftover food well out of reach. Be especially careful with alcohol—keep drinks away from curious noses and clean up any spills promptly.
Fireworks:
Never use fireworks near pets. The loud noises and bright flashes can cause severe stress, and the materials themselves pose burn and ingestion hazards. Many pets become frightened and disoriented during fireworks displays, increasing the risk of escape or injury. It’s best to keep your pet in a quiet, secure, and escape-proof part of your home during celebrations.
Summer Staff Picks from Healthybud 🍌🥩
We asked our team to share their go-to Healthybud products for keeping pups cool, happy, and energized all summer long. While all of our meals and treats are summer-friendly, these picks are staff favourites for a reason:
🍌 Banana Chips
Crunchy, low-calorie fruit treats with natural sweetness—perfect for sunny days! Use them to make refreshing pupsicles or sprinkle some on top of your dog’s meals. Bonus: they’re free from additives and preservatives.
🍖 Freeze-Dried Raw Turkey or Beef Meal Patties
These meal patties can be served dry or rehydrated with water for added summer hydration. They’re gentle on sensitive stomachs and packed with wholesome goodness.
😌 Calming Aid Chews
Hot days, loud noises, travel plans—summer can be stressful for some pups. Our Duck Calming Aid Chews are made with soothing ingredients like chamomile, reishi, ashwagandha to support relaxation and reduce anxiety. Whether it’s fireworks, road trips, or new routines, these tasty chews help your dog stay cool, calm, and collected all season long.
Duck Calming Aid
$16.00 CAD
For the Anxious Dogs Soft, chewy functional treats packed with calming superfoods, our Calming Aid treats are a natural way to help ease your dog’s anxiety. Whether it’s car rides, grooming, thunderstorms, or separation anxiety, these functional treats help your… read more
FAQ: Summer Dog Safety Edition 🤓
Q: Can dogs get heatstroke from being indoors?
A: Yes. If it’s hot and there’s no air circulation or A/C, dogs can overheat inside too.
Q: Is it okay to shave my dog in summer?
A: It depends on the breed. Some double-coated dogs should not be shaved. Talk to your groomer or vet first.
Q: Are ice cubes safe for dogs?
A: Yes—in moderation. Some dogs enjoy crunching on them, but don't give large chunks to dogs prone to choking.
Q: What’s the best way to cool my dog down fast?
A: Move to shade, offer cool water, and apply wet towels to paws, belly, and armpits. Avoid cold baths—that can shock their system.
Q: What’s an easy way to boost my bud’s hydration in summer?
A: Add water to their food—especially if you’re feeding freeze-dried raw like our Turkey or Beef Meal Patties! Rehydrating with cool water helps keep your pup nourished and hydrated. You can also offer pupsicles made with dog-safe fruit and water for a fun, refreshing treat.
Turkey Meal Patties
$45.00 CAD
⭐️ New & Improved Formula! ⭐️ A complete & balanced freeze-dried raw meal packed with natural superfoods, pre-biotics, post-biotics and more! Healthybud’s easy to serve, rehydratable freeze-dried beef patties provide the powerful benefits of raw food with the convenience of kibble. Packed with delicious &… read more
Conclusion 🌟
Summer should be all about fun, freedom, and fresh air—for both you and your pup. But rising temperatures, scorching surfaces, and dehydration can sneak up fast. By staying informed about summer dog safety, adjusting your routines, and using protective gear and nourishing treats, you can keep your dog comfortable all season long.
When in doubt, follow your dog’s lead. If they’re slowing down, seeking shade, or showing signs of distress, it’s time to rest, rehydrate, and cool off. You’ve got this—and we’re here to help.
🚨 Special Promo Alert
As a thank you for reading our blog, enjoy a 15% discount on all Healthybud products! Use code BLOG15 at checkout.
Author Bio:
