The #1 Mistake Dog Owners Make During Summer Walks, According to Vets
Walking your dog is an essential part of their care. It's honestly a non-negotiable. After all, not only are walks a key way for your pup to get their steps in and burn off any excess energy, but walks also help them maintain a healthy weight and get some mental stimulation too. From the sniffs to the sights, walks are often easily a favorite part of your doggie's day.
However, during the summer, there are more risks when it comes to your daily stroll. With hotter weather and a higher ultraviolet (UV) index, walks can quickly become dangerous for your dog if you aren't mindful. Luckily, there are some simple strategies for keeping your walk safe during the hotter summer months.
To learn more about summertime walk safety for dogs, we spoke with Dr. Jordyn Zoul, a Georgia-based veterinarian at Seaside Veterinary Hospital on St. Simons Island and a vet advisor to pet nutrition and wellness company Spot & Tango. Here are the best ways to keep summertime walks safe for your dog, including the No. 1 mistake to avoid, what to pack your dog for their summer walks, the science of hot asphalt, signs of heatstroke in dogs and more.
The Dangerous Summer Habit You Need to Stop
If you're a pup parent, the dangerous summer habit you need to stop ASAP is walking when it's too hot outside or when the UV index is too high.
"The most common mistake people make walking in the summer with their dogs is walking in weather that is too hot or sun that is too strong," Dr. Zoul says. "Check the weather app for a UV index check, and try to walk when it is under 5."
The Pavement Problem: Why Your Midday Stroll Is a Mistake
A midday walk sounds great in theory, but during the summertime it can be dangerous for your pup.
"Another mistake owners make is letting their dog walk on hot pavement. Again, pavement temperatures will be highest during the hottest parts of the day, so the best thing you can do is walk in cooler temperatures," Dr. Zoul says.
Why Vets Beg You to Skip the Afternoon Walk
The afternoon is when temperatures tend to be the highest, which means the pavement is super hot during this time as well. This is why vets are begging you to skip the afternoon walk and reschedule your walks for other times of day.
Dr. Zoul says the best times of day to walk your dog during the summer are early morning when the sun hasn't fully risen and the air isn't too hot yet and late evening.
The Science of Hot Asphalt: What Happens to Paw Pads
"Even if it doesn't seem that hot out (75, 80 degrees), a strong sun can get asphalt temperatures up past 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause a burn to your dog's paw pads," Dr. Zoul says. "Within just a few minutes, your dog's paws can blister and become painful with first- or second-degree burns."
She says that if you absolutely cannot avoid hot pavement or sidewalks, you should get your dog walking booties and try walking on grass or dirt to help decrease the odds of hurt, burnt paws.
Why Dogs Process Heat Differently Than Humans
As it turns out, dogs process heat differently than we humans do, which is why you need to take special considerations for your four-legged BFF when it comes to summertime strolls. "Dogs can sweat, but not in the way that we do," Dr. Zoul says. "Their sweat glands work differently and rarely help with heat distribution. Rather, they help with scent. Their primary method of cooling off is panting via evaporation."
Combine this with the fact that dogs also have fur and other bodily mechanisms that contribute to higher temperature retention, and your dog definitely will get hotter faster than you do.
"They also undergo vasodilation, especially in their feet, when their blood vessels dilate and bring warm blood closer to the surface to be passed off into the environment and off the dog," Dr. Zoul says. "This can cause the paws to hold onto even more heat if they don't have a cooler surface to pass the heat off to. Don't forget they also have fur (some have thicker coats than others), and this can certainly trap heat in extreme temperatures."
Related: 7 Signs Your Senior Pet Is Still Full of Life (Even If They're Slowing Down)
The Early Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs
"Heatstroke in dogs is a severe, sometimes life-threatening emergency, and it of course happens more in the summertime," Dr. Zoul says.
Signs of heatstroke in your dog to look out for may include:
- Heavy panting
- Lethargy
- Dark pink to red gums
- Thick drool
- Seeming hot to the touch
How to Safely Schedule Your Dog's Summer Walks
Before you worry, there are still ways to take walks during the summer and keep your dog safe. One of the best methods is to schedule your doggo's walks during the cooler parts of the day.
"The best time to walk your dog in the summer is when it's the coolest out. This usually looks like early mornings and late evenings," Dr. Zoul says. "This is especially important for brachycephalic (flat- or squish-faced dog) breeds like bulldogs, Boston terriers, etc. Dogs who are overweight or have underlying respiratory conditions should also be prioritized for walking in the coolest weather."
Small adjustments to your daily schedule can help make safer walks possible. "Consider waking up 30 minutes earlier to fit a walk in before work, or having dinner earlier so you have time for an after-dinner walk," Dr. Zoul says.
Other considerations for scheduling your dog's walks include trying new routes that have more shade so you can take shelter from the hot sun as needed.
What to Pack for Your Pup
The most important thing to remember to pack for your dog on your summertime walks is water. "If you're going on a long walk in the summer, regardless of the time of day, bring a portable water bowl and water supply. You can find plenty of options for these online. Most are lightweight, making them easy to carry with you on your walk," Dr. Zoul says.
In addition to water and a bowl, you can bring other items that help keep your dog more comfortable in the summer heat, such as a portable fan, a stroller with a hood if you have a smaller dog or even a pet cooling mat.
Indoor Alternatives to Burn Energy on Scorching Days
The best option for burning energy indoors on hot days? Some good old-fashioned playtime!
"Inside play can be a great alternative for keeping activity levels up during the hot summer days. Consider getting some new toys to inspire interest in playing. Tug of war inside, if you have a large space, or even small, short bursts of fetch can be great," Dr. Zoul says. "If you're lucky enough to have access to a pool at your house, this is a great option for exercise, still keeping in mind that if your pool is in the sun, your dog is still at risk for heatstroke as they're exerting themselves swimming."
Keeping these important tips in mind, you can have a safe, fun and active summer with your furry best friend. Happy walking!
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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 7:44 AM.