Keeping Your Dog Cool on Hot Summer Walks and Hikes — Kodiak’s Tips
Hey Pack, Kodiak here! 🐾
I’m pretty lucky.
I live by the beach in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, so when it’s hot outside, me and my dad just walk along the water line in the ocean. The waves come in, I jump in, the waves go out, I shake it off, and we do it all over again. It’s basically the greatest thing that has ever existed.
But I know not every dog has an ocean to jump into.
So if you don’t have a beach nearby, here are my tips for keeping your pup cool and safe on hot summer walks and hikes.
Check the Pavement Before You Walk
Press the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot to keep your hand there, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Burned paw pads are no fun and take forever to heal. Try to walk early in the morning or after sunset when the ground has cooled down.
Watch for These Signs of Overheating
If your dog is doing any of these things, stop and find shade immediately:
- Excessive panting (more than usual)
- Slowing way down or stopping on the walk
- Drooling more than normal
- Wobbly legs
- Glazed eyes
When in doubt, rest in the shade and get them some water right away.
Water is Everything
This is the big one. Your dog needs water on every single walk or hike, no exceptions. My dad used to try to carry a big bottle and pour some into his hand for me — which was sweet but also kind of a mess.
Then he got me the Cibaabo Dog Travel Water Bottle and everything changed. It’s a travel bottle with a built-in bowl so I can drink properly on the go — no spilling, no mess, no drinking out of a human hand. It also has a food compartment for treats.
I highly recommend it. Actually I require it. It’s CDP-approved by me personally.
👉 Get the Cibaabo Dog Travel Water Bottle
🌊 If you don’t have an ocean, try out this dog pool
Stick to Shaded Trails
On really hot days, skip the open exposed trails and find routes with tree cover. Shaded canyon trails are usually 10-15 degrees cooler than open pavement. Your dog will thank you.
Keep It Short When It’s Hot
If it’s over 85 degrees, keep walks short. A 15-minute cool walk is always better than a 45-minute walk that ends with an overheated dog. You’ll make up for it on cooler days.
Take Breaks — For Real
Find a shady spot, sit down together, and just enjoy being outside without pushing it. I personally love this approach and think every dog parent should embrace it fully.
Stay safe out there Pack. Drink your water. Walk in the shade. And if you ever get the chance to live by the ocean — I highly recommend it.
The waves are waiting. 🌊
🐾 Stay cool, — Kodiak
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📖 Haven’t read Episode 1 yet? Grab Desert Rescue on Amazon and join Kodiak, Dash, Terry, and Steve on their first adventure!
