Our Top Tips for Summer Walks: Keeping Your Dog Cool, Safe & Happy

Lisa McGrath
Jun 6
3 min read

At Weather or Not Dog Walkers, we’re committed to year-round pet safety—especially when the temperatures climb! Summer walks can be fun and enriching for your pup, but they also come with risks like heatstroke, burned paws, and dehydration. Here are our top tips for making every summer stroll a safe one.

Walk Early or Late

The coolest and safest times of day are before 10 AM and after 6 PM. While most of our mid-day walks are scheduled between 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM, we take every precaution to keep your pup safe. On especially hot days, we’ll shorten walk times as needed and stick to shaded areas or grass to prevent overheating and paw pad burns. Your pet’s health always comes first!

*Consider having one of the frozen treats listed below available for an after-walk treat.

The 5-Second Rule

Before hitting the pavement, place the back of your hand on the sidewalk. If you can’t hold it there for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. We’ll opt for shaded paths and grassy areas to protect those sensitive toes.

Hydration Is Key

We carry water and collapsible bowls on longer walks to keep your pup hydrated. For home visits, we also make sure their water bowl is full and fresh before we leave.

Shady Routes & Sniff Breaks

Sniffing isn’t just fun—it’s mentally stimulating and allows your dog to regulate their pace. We take frequent breaks in shady spots and let your pup lead the way (within reason, of course!).

Know the Signs of Overheating

Keep an eye out for:

Excessive panting or drooling
Bright red or pale gums
Lethargy or disorientation
Vomiting or diarrhea

If we notice anything concerning, we’ll immediately stop the walk, contact you, and follow emergency protocols.

Cool Off at Home: Frozen Treat Recipes for Dogs

Looking for a fun way to cool your pup down after a sunny adventure? Try these simple, vet-approved frozen treats you can make at home:

Frozen Bone Broth Treats for Pets

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon pawTree's Beef or Chicken Bone Broth
1 cup of water

Directions:

Mix bone broth and water together
Freeze in a silicone mold or ice cube tray

Berry Chill Cubes

Ingredients

1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup chopped strawberries
1 cup coconut water (no added sugar)

Directions:

Divide fruit into ice cube tray compartments.
Fill with coconut water.
Freeze overnight.
Drop into a bowl for a refreshing, crunchy treat.

Frozen Kong Fillers

Ingredients:

Wet food
A few pieces of kibble
Dash of pawTree's Beef or Chicken Bone Broth

Directions:

Mix ingredients and stuff into a Kong.
Freeze for several hours

*Great for calming, teething, or a cooling boredom buster!

Stay Cool Out There!

We love your pets like our own, and keeping them safe and happy during summer is our top priority. If you have any concerns about how your pet handles heat or want to customize your walk schedule, just let us know!

Let Us Help You Beat the Heat!

Looking for a reliable, professional dog walker who knows how to keep your pup safe in the summer sun? At Weather or Not Dog Walkers, we specialize in weather-smart pet care—from adjusting walk times to keeping paws cool and tails wagging.

Now accepting new clients for mid-day summer walks! Whether you're heading back to the office or just want peace of mind during the hottest part of the day, we’re here to help.