13 Summer Safety Tips for Dogs

Many of us spend more time outside with our dogs in summer. These are the warm-weather dangers we think every dog owner should know about, and what to do about each. Most are uncommon, and all of them are easier to prevent than to fix.

1. Blue-green algae

Pond covered in a bright green blue-green algae bloom

Some ponds, lakes and slow creeks grow toxic algae blooms in warm weather, and they can kill a dog quickly. Dogs are at higher risk than people because they swim in the water, drink it, and lick it off their fur. A bloom can look like spilled paint, pea soup or scum on the surface, and you can’t tell by looking whether it’s toxic (PA DEP).

Keep your dog out of water that looks or smells bad, bring fresh water on hikes, and rinse your dog with clean water right away if they go in (CDC). If you think your dog was exposed, call your vet immediately. Our guide to blue-green algae covers what blooms look like and what to do.

2. Overheating and heat stroke

Dog wearing sunglasses, lying on a towel on a boat seat

Dogs don’t sweat to cool off the way we do. They rely mostly on panting, which works less well when it’s humid. Short-snouted breeds, dogs with thick or dark coats, overweight dogs, seniors, and dogs with health problems like heart disease overheat more easily (AKC).

Early warning signs include frantic panting, heavy drool or thick saliva, bright red gums or tongue, labored breathing, weakness, and vomiting or diarrhea. If you see them, move your dog somewhere cooler and wet their coat down to the skin with cool water, not ice-cold. Then call your vet. Get a checkup even if your dog seems to recover, since heat can cause damage you can’t see (AKC).

Ways to beat the heat:

On hot days, walk early in the morning or in the evening.
Bring water, and take breaks in the shade.
Keep walks shorter when it’s hot and humid.
At home, a cooling mat or a hard plastic splash pool helps.

3. Sunburn

Man crouching on a grassy beachfront with a small white dog

Dogs can get sunburned too, especially dogs with white or thin coats, light-colored noses and eyelids, and dogs who like to sunbathe belly-up. The spots most at risk are the bridge of the nose, ear tips, the skin around the lips, the groin and the inner thighs (AKC).

Use a sunscreen made for dogs, and skip any with zinc oxide or PABA. They’re toxic if swallowed, and dogs lick (AKC). Your vet can recommend one.

4. Hot cars

Car parked alone among desert sand dunes

Every summer, dogs die in hot cars, and it happens faster than most people think. On a 70°F day, the inside of a car can reach 89°F in 10 minutes and 104°F in 30. On a 90°F day, it can reach 109°F in 10 minutes and 124°F in 30. Cracking the windows makes very little difference (AVMA).

Please don’t leave your dog in the car, even for a quick errand. If you see an animal in distress in a hot car, call 911, and stay nearby until help arrives if it’s safe to.

5. Hot pavement

Your dog walks barefoot. When it’s 86°F out, asphalt can reach about 135°F (AKC). Before a walk, put your hand flat on the pavement for 10 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws (AKC).

On hot days, walk in the morning or evening, and stick to shade and grass where you can. Pavement can stay hot long after the sun goes down. Dog boots help, if your dog has time to get used to them (AKC).

6. Fleas and ticks

“Beware of ticks” sign on a forest trail, with hikers and a dog

Summer is busy season for fleas and ticks. Both are more than a nuisance: fleas can spread tapeworms, and ticks can carry Lyme disease and other illnesses that affect dogs and people. Ask your vet which preventive is right for your dog, and check for ticks after walks through tall grass or woods. Our hikes guide shows where to look.

7. Mosquitoes and heartworm

Mosquitoes spread heartworm, a parasite that can seriously damage a dog’s heart and lungs. They’re most active in summer, but the risk lasts much of the year, so ask your vet about year-round prevention. Along with monthly pills and topicals, there are injections that last six or twelve months, which can help if you tend to forget a monthly dose.

8. Stings and snakes

Dogs love to snap at buzzing things. Most bee and wasp stings cause a little swelling, but a sting in the mouth or throat, or a lot of stings at once, can be serious, and some dogs have allergic reactions. Call your vet right away if your dog’s face swells up or they have trouble breathing. If your dog has reacted to a sting before, ask your vet what to keep on hand.

On hikes, keep your dog on the trail and out of brush and rock piles, where snakes like to hide. If your dog is bitten, get to a vet right away.

9. Fireworks

July 5 is traditionally one of the busiest days of the year for animal shelters, because fireworks scare so many pets into running off (AAHA). Neighbors set off fireworks for days around the Fourth, so keep your dog leashed outside, check their ID tag and microchip, and keep them inside when the noise starts. Our fireworks guide has more on keeping a scared dog safe and calm.

10. Home grooming mishaps

Groomer trimming the fur on a terrier's face with scissors

Shaving your dog for summer often backfires. A double coat traps air that helps a dog regulate their temperature, and it protects their skin from sunburn and bug bites. Shaving takes that away (AKC). Regular brushing to clear out loose undercoat helps more. If a single-coated dog gets a summer trim, leave at least an inch of hair (AKC).

And put the scissors down. Even a calm dog can flinch at the wrong moment. Leave trimming to a professional groomer.

11. Lakes and rivers

Mountain lake with pine trees along the shore

Many dogs swim well, but currents, cold water, and a long swim after a duck can wear out even a strong swimmer, and not every dog is a natural swimmer. Think about your dog and the water before you let them in, consider a life jacket for open water, and check for algae first.

12. Pools

Never leave your dog alone at a pool. Many dogs can’t climb out without help unless they find the steps, and they can tire quickly. Show your dog where the steps are, and practice getting out together. Even a small wading pool can be a hazard for a small dog.

13. Boats

Dog riding on the bow of a small motorboat

Give your dog a safe spot on the boat and teach them to stay there, and have a plan in case they go overboard. A well-fitted dog life jacket matters most if your dog could fall in while the boat is moving. Look for one with a handle on the back, so you can lift your dog out of the water, and take the time to get the size and fit right.

A note on our walks

Our walks are one-on-one, for 20, 30 or 60 minutes, and you get photos, notes and the GPS route after every walk. If you’re away this summer, regular walking clients can book our drop-in dog sitting visits.

Every new client starts with a free meet & greet at home. Book a free meet & greet or call (267) 571-9373.