Summer offers long bright days, green forests, and plenty of time outside with your dog. However, a dog in the summer heat is a combination that requires attention. Heat can affect dogs faster and more severely than most owners expect, and it's important to know what to watch for, when to stay home, and what you can do to keep your dog cool and safe.
When is the Heat Dangerous for Your Dog? Signs of Overheating You Should Know
Dogs don't sweat like humans. They regulate their body temperature primarily through panting, which is far less effective than sweating. At temperatures above 25 degrees, dogs can start to struggle, especially if the humidity is high or they are very active.
Overheating, also known as heatstroke, can develop surprisingly quickly. The first signs you should react to are:
- Heavy and laboured panting
- Lethargy or lack of response
- Excessive drooling
- Reddish or pale gums
- Unsteady walk or dizziness
- Vomiting
If it gets to this point, you should immediately move the dog to a cool place, give them water to drink, and cool them down with lukewarm (not ice-cold) water. Ice-cold water can cause blood vessel constriction and worsen the condition. Contact your vet if the dog doesn't improve quickly.
Breeds with flat faces, like French Bulldogs and Pugs, are particularly vulnerable. The same goes for overweight dogs, older dogs, and dogs with dark coats, as they absorb more heat from the sun.
Best Times for Walks and Forest Trips in the Summer
Taking care of your dog in the summer heat is largely about timing. The simple rule of thumb is to avoid the hottest hours of the day, typically from around 11 am to 4 pm, and instead schedule walks for the morning or evening.
An early morning walk between 7-9 am is ideal. The temperature is low, the asphalt is cooled from the night, and the dog can move freely without overheating. An evening walk after 6-7 pm, when the sun is setting, is the other good window.
Be mindful of asphalt and tiles. A simple test: Place your palm on the surface for seven seconds. If it's uncomfortably hot for you, it's too hot for the dog's paws. Overheated paws can burn and blister, and you might not notice until the dog stops wanting to walk.
Instead of short intensive runs, calm walks in the shade are much better in the summer. Dog parks with good tree coverage are perfect, as the forest floor stays significantly cooler than open areas.
Cooling and Water: Practical Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool
Water is the most important tool when dogs and hot summer weather meet. Always ensure you have plenty of fresh water with you, and let the dog drink regularly, even if they don't seem thirsty. Many dogs forget to drink when they're busy playing or exploring.
Here are some concrete measures that make a difference:
- Bring a collapsible water bowl on all trips over 20 minutes
- Freeze a water bottle the night before and pack it in your bag to keep the water cold
- Consider a cooling collar or cooling mat for home use
- Let the dog splash in a shallow tub or natural streams and lakes, if they are safe and clean
- Give the dog ice as a treat, such as frozen vegetables or homemade ice cubes with chicken
- Ensure the home is cool with curtains drawn or a fan
Never leave the dog in a parked car, not even for five minutes. The temperature in a car can rise to life-threatening levels very quickly, even on cloudy days.
Find Shade and Fresh Air in the Dog Park, and How the Hundeskoven App Helps
Although the heat can make it difficult to go out, a good dog park in the summer is actually one of the best places to take your dog. Here, you'll find dense forest cover, natural shade, cool forest air, and often access to water in the form of water points or natural water sources.
To find the right dog park, one with shade, good facilities, and easy access, you can use the Hundeskoven app for iPhone. You can filter by facilities and see exactly if a given dog park has a water point, parking, and waste stations before you set off. It saves you from driving in vain to a place that doesn't suit a hot summer day with your dog.
You can explore dog parks across the country, for example, dog parks in Central Jutland with plenty of forest cover and natural streams, or dog parks in the Capital Region if you live near Copenhagen and need a green oasis in the city.
Taking good care of your dog in the summer heat doesn't require great sacrifices. It's about planning a bit more consciously, having the right equipment with you, and choosing the right places to go. With the right precautions, both dog and owner can enjoy a fantastic Danish summer together, morning and evening, in the forest or by the beach.
