Welcome to the wonderful world of summer walks with your furry companion! Whether you’re strolling through the park, exploring nature trails, or simply taking a leisurely walk around the neighborhood, these tips will help ensure you and your dog have a safe and enjoyable summer adventure together. Continue reading for more!
Unleash the Adventure: Discover the Perfect Paw-some Summer Walks with Dogs!
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Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine with your furry friend. However, the hot weather can be tough on dogs, especially during walks. Here are some tips to help you beat the summer heat and keep your dog happy and healthy all season long.
What is the best time of day for summer walks with your dogs?
First, one of the most important things to consider when keeping your dog comfortable during hot weather is choosing the right time to walk. It’s essential to plan and schedule walks during cooler times of the day. Early morning or late evening are usually the best times. They will enable you and your pup to have an enjoyable time walking.
Even if walking during the optimal times is not possible, you can still have an incredible walking experience. Just take your pup to shaded and/or grassy areas and shorten the distance you walk.
Rex and Isla normally get two walks a day during the summer. Walking your dog during the cooler times of day in the summer is an excellent way to ensure you spend quality time with your pup. Plus you are keeping them safe and comfortable. So, get ready to enjoy your walks this summer!
What about the pavement temperature?
Taking your dog for a summertime walk is a fabulous idea. But when the pavement is hot, it’s important to take special precautions to ensure your dogs safety and well-being. Remember, your dog’s paws are sensitive, and walking on hot pavement can cause burns and discomfort. It can take less than 60 seconds to burn your dog’s paws when the pavement temperature is 125 degrees.
To avoid any unnecessary harm to your furry friend, make sure to always check the pavement temperature before starting your walk. Don’t worry, it’s a super easy thing to do. We recommend using a laser infrared thermometer such as the following to check the walking surfaces.
However, if you don’t have a thermometer handy, simply place the back of your hand on the pavement for 7-10 seconds. If the surface is too hot for you, then it’s too hot for your pup. If the surface is too hot, it’s most likely a better option to move your walk to a different time of day.
By following this simple steps, you can confidently take your furry friend for a walk safely and comfortably.
What if our summer walks have to be when the pavement is hot?
While we typically schedule our walks outside of the hot pavement times, we understand that may not always be possible for you. So, if you do opt for a walk during those times, keep it short and limit your dog’s time out in the heat. Shady areas will also help to keep your pup cool.
And if you are walking when the pavement is hot, consider using dog booties to protect your furry friend’s paws from burning. The booties listed here are ones we recommend that have worked well for us.
Remember, it’s always essential to prioritize your dog’s safety and comfort. With these tips, you and your pup can still enjoy those summer walks with confidence!
Stay hydrated during your summer walks!!
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both of you, it’s essential to bring ample water. No need to worry as several pet waterers are available in the market for you to carry water with ease on your walks. We highly recommend two of my favorites that come with clips to attach to your leash for convenience.
However, if you don’t have a pet waterer yet, don’t panic – make sure to plan your walk accordingly. Ensure that there are accessible freshwater sources for your dog along your route. We have a neighbor a couple of miles away that leaves fresh water every morning for dogs. We carry water and most mornings try to plan our route so we can also stop at his house for an extra water stop.
And finally, if you don’t have a waterer and don’t have a water source on your route, simply opt for a shorter walk. With proper preparation, you and your canine companion will have a fantastic time exploring the great outdoors.
Is cooling apparel during our summer walks an option for my dog?
Living in hotter areas or taking longer summertime walks with your furry friend can be challenging. But, fret not, because there are several options to keep your dog cool. These options including cooling vests, cooling harnesses, and cooling neck gaiters.
*Ruffwear, Swamp Cooler Dog Harness
(We have not tried this yet. Let us know what you think if you have tried it.)
In Arizona, where it’s hot even during early morning walks, we use swamp cooling neck gaiters, and they work wonders for our dogs. We walk three to five miles every morning. I wasn’t sure if we’d be able to continue walking that far during warmer months, but the neck gaiters have kept our dogs cool.
We also know that cooling vests are popular among pet owners. Check out this helpful article if you’re interested in learning more about them: Do cooling vests help summer dogs?.
Finally, if you want to try a newer option, give a cooling harness a try and let us know what you think!
Does my dog need sunscreen during summer walks?
Some dog breeds and coat types are more prone to sunburn and certain circumstances like prolonged time spent outside may call for additional protection. It’s generally best to consult with your veterinarian if you believe sunscreen is necessary for your dog. If your veterinarian recommends sunscreen, make sure to use a product specifically formulated for dogs. Following the recommended protocol, including selecting a dog-specific sunscreen, protecting sensitive areas, and monitoring any negative reactions, will ensure optimal protection for your beloved canine.
It’s vital to remember that prevention is key. Always prioritize providing shade, limiting sun exposure during peak hours, and consider protective clothing such as lightweight shirts or hats made specifically for dogs for your furry pal.
What about summertime pests?
It’s summertime, and with warmer weather comes more bugs, insects and outdoor creatures. While some of these creatures can be bothersome, it’s important to keep an eye out for harmful pests that can be dangerous for both you and your dog.
Depending on where you live, harmful or irritating creatures can range from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes to scorpions, coyotes, rattlesnakes, and poison toads (Sonoran Desert Toads). If you’re unsure of the best way to protect your dog from fleas, ticks, or mosquitoes, don’t hesitate to consult with your vet.
We have to give our dogs heartworm medication during the summertime to protect them from mosquitos, but luckily we don’t have to worry about fleas or ticks in our area. When it comes to creatures such as scorpions, coyotes, rattlesnakes, and poison toads, it’s best to take precautions, such as walking at specific times and planning your route to have a better chance avoid them. And be very vigilant to keep a watchful eye for any dangerous creatures. Rattlesnakes, coyotes and especially poison toads are things we really have to watch for when walking with Rex and Isla.
Take breaks!!
Taking breaks during walks can help immensely with crazy dogs like Rex and Isla. Not only does it give us time to rehydrate and recharge, but it also allows us to appreciate our surroundings. It helps to teach them to be calm and it helps me to clear my mind. It has a relaxing and rejuvenating effect on all of us.
Additionally, these stops can prevent our furry friends from overheating. Paying close attention to their cues and body language is crucial. If they appear fatigued or are excessively panting, stopping in a cool area is critical. We highly recommend planning your walks so have a time and place to take a break.
Let's enjoy awesome summer walks with your furry friend and explore nature!
Summer weather can be one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Want to get away from the stress of the city? Take a summer walk with your dog! Want to explore your neighborhood and discover its hidden gems? Take a summer walk with your dog! Want to spend time and bond with your furry friend? Take a summer walk with your dog! Just remember it can also become a safety risk for your furry companions with the summer heat. So, it’s essential to keep our crucial tips in mind.
With these tips in mind, you and your furry friend can have enjoyable and safe walks during the hot summer months! Rex and Isla say summer walks are the best!!
WOW!!! What a terrific guide for walking safely with your dog in the summer. You covered a lot of ground in this article. Excellent information! I really like the TIOVERY water bottle. It looks like it has everything and more. That toad is something else! We have much smaller toads here. Although, we do have coyotes. Henry’s sitting next to me at the moment and he loves his cooling vest. Thank you for the shout-out! I’m sharing this guide with my readers. Great job, Kim!
Thanks so much for the feedback and sharing the article! The toads were new to us when we moved here, at least the poison ones were. Fortunately the dogs pretty much know they aren’t supposed to grab them. We still watch super carefully in the summer when they come out though. And they were the cooling neck gaters every morning and evening on their walks now that it’s super hot out. I do think they really help!