When the sun finally comes out, it's tempting to take your dog everywhere. From weekend hikes to afternoon strolls, summer feels like the perfect time to get outside. But while we can throw on a T-shirt and sweat to cool down, our dogs are wearing permanent fur coats and cool themselves very differently.
Because thousands of dogs end up in emergency veterinary clinics each summer due to heat-related emergencies, we wanted to get the facts straight. To help keep your pet safe, we spoke with Rachel Garbutt, a Vet Nurse at a Butternut Box. She told Penthouse Paws about some of the most common (and overlooked) summer hazards, along with practical ways to protect your dog when temperatures spike.
The 5-Second Pavement Test
You might think an early morning walk is the safest bet during a heatwave, but ground temperatures often stay blistering hot from the day before.
“A 7 a.m. walk on damp grass after a hot night can be more dangerous than owners realize,” says Garbutt. “Asphalt retains heat for hours — even when air temperature drops, pavement can remain hot enough to burn paw pads."
To check if the ground is safe, use Garbutt's five-second hand test:
- Hold your hand flat on the pavement for five seconds.
- If it hurts or feels uncomfortable to you, it will burn your dog's paws.
- Check the humidity as well; anything above 70% makes it incredibly hard for a dog to cool down.
“During extreme heat, limit walks to grass-only routes and consider indoor mental stimulation instead of physical exercise,” says Garbutt.
Beware of Indoor Heat Traps
Staying indoors seems like the obvious choice, but your house might be hotter than you think.
"The biggest shock for many owners is discovering that their own home can be a deadly heat trap," says Garbutt. "We see a surge in indoor heatstroke cases during extreme weather, with conservatories, upstairs bedrooms, and south-facing rooms reaching temperatures that can kill a dog within 30 minutes."
Grab a thermometer and check the rooms your dog hangs out in. If a space is hitting 78.8°F or higher, cool it down right away. Garbutt suggests blocking off those warmer rooms, shutting the curtains to block direct sunlight, and opening windows on opposite sides of the house to get a cross-breeze going.
"Never leave dogs unattended in upstairs rooms during heat warnings," warns Garbutt. “Keep in mind that breeds with thicker coats and brachycephalic (squashed face) breeds struggle more with heat, so providing them access to cooler rooms is especially important."
Travel Timing and Car Dangers
Taking your dog for a drive on a hot day requires careful planning, as things can go wrong incredibly fast in a hot vehicle.
"Car temperatures can rise by 36°F in just 10 minutes," warns Garbutt. “Never, ever leave a dog unattended in a car during hot weather — even with the windows cracked — as temperatures can reach dangerous levels within minutes.”
A dog's body will start showing heat stress once the inside of a car hits 90°F. If you park in the sun, the interior can reach that temperature before you even finish loading the trunk. Garbutt’s advice is to avoid driving with your dog between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on really hot days. If you do have to travel, run the AC for at least 15 minutes before letting your dog inside.
Early Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can turn into a life-threatening case of heatstroke in just 15 minutes. Dogs can't verbally tell us they feel sick, which means serious internal damage could already be happening by the time they look obviously distressed.
Garbutt tells owners to watch for a specific "triangle of concern": excessive panting, drooling, and restlessness. Spotting these three behaviors at the same time is a huge red flag.
"Take a rectal temperature if you suspect problems — anything above 103°F requires immediate veterinary attention," says Garbutt.
Cooling Method Mistakes & Proper Hydration
If the worst happens and your dog overheats, cooling them down the right way is essential.
"Cold-water immersion is proven to be the most effective way to rapidly cool a healthy, conscious dog without causing harm," says Garbutt. You should spray cool water directly onto their paw pads, inner thighs, and neck, and use a fan on them to mimic the cooling effect of panting.
Skip the ice baths or freezing cold towels. Extreme cold damages tissue and traps heat inside the body. If your dog's core temperature reaches 104°F, get to an emergency vet right away while you continue cooling them.
To avoid this entire scenario, focus on proactive hydration. "Encourage small, frequent sips of water," Garbutt advises.
We designed the Penthouse Paws Smart Wireless Water Fountain to help with exactly this. During the summer months, water sitting in a standard bowl gets warm and stagnant quickly. The continuous flow of our fountain keeps the water moving, oxygenated, and crisp all day long. This makes it far more appealing for your dog, naturally encouraging them to drink consistently and stay safely hydrated.