How We Keep Dogs Safe, Cool, and Happy on Summer Walks

Summer can be a wonderful time for dogs. Longer days, fresh air, and plenty of interesting smells. But warm weather also means we need to be extra thoughtful about how, when, and where we walk.

Keeping dogs safe, cool, and comfortable is always our top priority. Here’s how we do it.

🌞 We Walk at the Coolest Times of Day

During the warmer months, timing matters just as much as distance. Wherever possible, we schedule walks in the early morning or later in the afternoon, when temperatures are lower and the sun is less intense. Some days, we can start as early as 4am! These cooler periods help reduce the risk of overheating and make walks more comfortable and enjoyable for dogs.

Walking outside of peak heat also protects sensitive paws from hot pavement, concrete, and sand, which can quickly become uncomfortable or even cause burns in summer. We’re always mindful of surface temperatures and adjust routes and timing accordingly.

If conditions still feel too hot or unsafe, we don’t push through for the sake of routine. If it feels too hot for us, it’s definitely too hot for them, and that’s when we adapt our care to prioritise safety and wellbeing above all else.

🐾 We Protect Paws From Hot Ground

In summer, the ground can heat up far more quickly than the air, making footpaths, roads, and even sand dangerous for sensitive paws. Hot surfaces can cause discomfort, blistering, or burns in a matter of minutes, which is why paw protection is always a priority during warmer weather.

We carefully choose shaded routes and cooler surfaces wherever possible, avoiding exposed pavement and sun-soaked areas. Walk lengths and pace are adjusted based on the temperature, humidity, and how your dog is coping on the day. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

If conditions aren’t safe, we don’t take unnecessary risks. Walks may be shortened, modified, or replaced with gentle movement and enrichment in a cooler environment instead. Your dog’s wellbeing always comes first, and we’re guided by what’s safest and most comfortable for them at all times.

🌿 Our Summer Adventure Walks

On hot days, we love turning regular walks into gentle summer adventures that prioritise comfort and enjoyment. Rather than sticking to the same sun-exposed streets, we look for cooler, shaded environments that offer a refreshing change of scenery and a safer experience in warm weather.

This might mean a stroll through a shady park, a visit to a cooler green space, or time at a safe, dog-friendly swim spot where your pup can paddle, splash, or simply relax near the water. These outings provide both physical relief from the heat and valuable mental stimulation, helping dogs stay engaged without overexertion.

Every adventure walk is carefully chosen and tailored to your dog’s individual confidence, ability, and comfort level. Not all dogs enjoy water or unfamiliar environments, and we always respect their preferences and limits.

Summer adventure walks aren’t about pushing dogs to do more, they’re about adapting to the season and creating experiences that keep dogs cool, calm, enriched, and happy in a way that feels fun, refreshing, and safe.

🐶 Our Pop in and Plays

Extreme heat doesn’t mean your dog misses out on care. When walking conditions aren’t suitable, our pop in and play visits offer a safe and thoughtful summer alternative. Instead of exposing dogs to hot pavement and high temperatures, we focus on keeping them comfortable indoors or in shaded areas of their home.

These visits include fresh water top-ups, toilet breaks, gentle play, mental enrichment, and plenty of reassurance and affection. We tailor each visit to your dog’s age, energy level, and personality. Whether that’s a quiet cuddle, a game with their favourite toy, or some calm interaction to break up the day.

By adapting our care to the weather, we help ensure your dog stays cool, content, and well cared for, even during the hottest summer days.

💧 Hydration Comes First

Fresh water is essential during summer, and staying hydrated is one of the most important ways we keep dogs safe in warmer weather. Before and after every walk, we make sure dogs have access to fresh, clean water, and we actively encourage drinking rather than rushing straight into or out of activity.

During walks, we closely watch each dog for signs of thirst, fatigue, or overheating, and we take breaks whenever needed. For dogs that require extra care, such as seniors, brachycephalic breeds, or those less tolerant of heat, we adjust our approach with slower pacing, shorter distances, and more frequent rest stops.

By prioritising hydration and listening to each dog’s individual needs, we help ensure walks remain comfortable, safe, and enjoyable, even on warmer summer days.

🧠 Calm Walks, Not Overexertion

Summer walks aren’t about covering long distances or maintaining a fast pace. In warmer weather, our focus shifts to calm exploration, gentle movement, and mental stimulation rather than physical exertion. This approach helps dogs enjoy their time outside without placing unnecessary strain on their bodies.

Sniffing and strolling allow dogs to engage their senses, process their environment, and feel mentally satisfied. This is often just as effectively as a longer, more intense walk. We encourage frequent pauses, quiet time in the shade, and relaxed movement that lets dogs set the pace.

When conditions allow, we may also choose cooler routes or shaded areas, or adjust the walk to include brief, low-key outings that prioritise comfort over duration. By keeping walks calm and unhurried, we help dogs stay relaxed, enriched, and safe, even during the peak of summer.

🐶 Every Dog Is Different

No two dogs experience heat in the same way. Factors such as age, breed, coat type, fitness level, and overall health all influence how well a dog copes in warmer weather. What feels manageable for one dog may be uncomfortable, or even unsafe for another.

Senior dogs, puppies, and flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds often need extra care during summer, as they can overheat more quickly and recover more slowly. Dogs with thick coats, underlying health conditions, or lower heat tolerance may also require gentler routines and closer monitoring.

That’s why we tailor every walk to the individual dog. We adjust timing, pace, distance, and activity levels based on how your dog is feeling on the day, ensuring they remain happy, comfortable, and stress-free. By listening to each dog and adapting our approach, we help make summer walks safe, enjoyable, and suited to their unique needs.

💛 Comfort Over Convenience — Always

Sometimes the safest choice is a shorter walk, a shaded wander, an adventure to a cooler location, or extra cuddle time instead of pushing on…and that’s okay!

Because a good summer walk isn’t about ticking a box, it’s about making sure your dog comes home cool, calm, and content.

If you ever have questions about summer walks or whether an adventure walk is right for your dog, we’re always happy to chat. 🐾💛