☀️ How to Beat the Heat with Your Pup
by Brittany Wingfield
Make sure your dog is getting the right kind of exercise for their age and fitness level. Here are some great tips to keep them safe and happy during warmer weather:
- Determine what’s age-appropriate for your young dog by using this handy guide.
- Avoid hot pavement and the hottest part of the day by walking early in the morning. Pavement can get dangerously hot after hours in the sun. If you must walk later, use dog-safe boots to protect those paws.
- Bring water on your walks. We’re big fans of the AutoDog Mug for quick, easy hydration on the go.
- Pack high-moisture treats to keep your pup energized and cool. Great options include string cheese, hot dogs, canned chicken, watermelon, or berries. Pro tip: toss a Ziploc bag into your treat pouch for easy cleanup.
- Take breaks in the shade and offer plenty of time for sniffing. It’s a great opportunity to practice your “Go Sniff” cue while giving your dog a mental break.
- Acclimate your dog to the heat gradually. Just like us, dogs need time to adjust to higher temperatures. Don’t rush it!
- Keep walks short and fun. There’s no need to clock marathon miles in the July heat 🥵
- Explore new, cooler spots. Try locations with shade or a water feature for swimming and cooling off. We love using Sniffspot and AllTrails to find fresh trails and sniff-worthy spaces. New environments offer great mental enrichment and fresh smells!