Summer Safety for Dogs – Part 1: Environmental & Weather Hazards

Picture this: You’re excited for summer adventures with your furry best friend, longer walks, beach trips, backyard barbecues.

But while most pet parents protect their dog’s health by focusing on flea and tick prevention, they may not realize summer’s biggest dangers are literally right under their dog’s paws.

Today, we’re uncovering four environmental hazards that could turn your perfect summer day into an emergency vet visit.

Hot Pavement: The Silent Paw Burner

Before heading out for that afternoon walk, try the 5-second test: place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds.

If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Asphalt can reach a scorching 150°F when the air temperature hits just 87°F, hot enough to fry an egg and burn paw pads in seconds.

Warning signs of paw burns include:

  • Limping or reluctance to walk
  • Excessive licking or chewing of paws
  • Dark discoloration or blisters on paw pads

Protection strategies:

  • Walk during cooler hours (early morning or after dusk)
  • Invest in protective dog booties
  • Stick to grassy areas, dirt trails, or shaded paths

Pro tip: If you must walk on hot surfaces, apply paw balm beforehand to create a protective barrier.

 Sunburn: Yep, Dogs Get It Too

Think only humans need sunscreen? Think again.

Dogs with short coats, light-colored fur, or pink skin are particularly vulnerable to harmful UV rays.

Areas like the nose, ear tips, and belly, where fur is thinnest, are prime targets for painful sunburn.

Dogs at highest risk:

  • Short-haired breeds (Pit Bulls, Whippets, Boxers)
  • Dogs with light-colored fur
  • Dogs with pink or unpigmented skin

Choosing safe sunscreen: Never use human sunscreen on dogs… zinc oxide, PABA, and oxybenzone are toxic to pets.

Instead, choose sunscreen specifically formulated for dogs.

When shopping for dog sunscreen, look for products that explicitly state they’re pet-safe and avoid any containing the toxic ingredients mentioned above.

Most pet stores carry sun protection products for dogs or will be willing to order it for you if they don’t have it in stock.

Application tips:

  • Apply 30 minutes before sun exposure
  • Focus on the nose, ear tips, and any exposed skin
  • Reapply every 2 hours, especially after swimming
  • Start with small amounts to test for skin sensitivity

Pro Tip: You might also consider a cooling vest for longer outings, as it will help keep your pup from overheating and provide the benefit of skin coverage to help prevent sunburn.

 Pool Safety: Even Water-Loving Dogs Need Protection

Here’s a dangerous myth: “All dogs are natural swimmers.”

While many breeds love water, drowning is a real risk for ANY dog.

Pool walls are slippery, dogs tire quickly, and panic can set in fast… even for Labradors and Golden Retrievers bred for water work.

Why life jackets matter:

  • Provide buoyancy when dogs tire
  • Offer handles for easy rescue
  • Give peace of mind to anxious swimmers
  • Essential for dogs with short legs or heavy bodies

Pool safety essentials:

  • Never leave dogs unsupervised near water
  • Install pool ramps or steps for easy exit
  • Provide fresh drinking water poolside (chlorinated pool water causes stomach upset)
  • Rinse dogs after swimming to remove chemicals
  • Consider pool alarms for added security

Lifejacket fitting tip: You should be able to fit two fingers under the straps, snug enough to stay secure, loose enough for comfort.

Heat Stroke: The Invisible Killer

Dogs don’t sweat like humans; they rely primarily on panting to cool down.

When this system fails, heat stroke can develop rapidly and prove fatal within minutes.

Normal dog body temperature ranges from 99.5-102.5°F, and heat stroke occurs when temperature exceeds 105-106°F.

Early warning signs:

  • Heavy panting and rapid breathing
  • Excessive drooling
  • Bright red gums and tongue
  • Lethargy or weakness

Emergency symptoms requiring immediate vet care:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Pale or blue gums (indicating shock)
  • Collapse or loss of consciousness
  • Body temperature above 105°F

High-risk dogs:

  • Flat-faced breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers) – research shows these breeds have significantly higher heat stroke rates
  • Senior or overweight dogs
  • Dogs with thick coats or underlying medical conditions

Prevention strategies:

  • Provide constant access to fresh, cool water
  • Create shaded rest areas
  • Use cooling mats or vests during outdoor activities
  • Limit exercise during peak hours (10 AM – 6 PM)
  • NEVER leave dogs in parked cars… even with windows cracked

Your backyard and neighborhood walks aren’t the only places where summer dangers can be found.

Next week in Part 2, we’ll explore how your favorite summer activities – BBQs, fireworks, and picnics – can create unexpected hazards for your four-legged family members.

Your Pets are our Priority!

At the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), our number one priority is to promote the health and well-being of your pets.

That is why we created the NASC quality programs and the NASC Quality Seal, which helps you identify animal health and nutritional supplements that come from responsible suppliers committed to producing the highest quality, most consistent products available.

Visit our website to learn more and to see a list of NASC members who have earned the Quality Seal.