Warm Weather + Dogs - Do's and Dont's - Learn about myths

Summer is just around the corner! While we love soaking up the sunshine, the blazing sun can be incredibly dangerous for our four-legged friends. Dogs don't sweat the way we do; they can only release heat by panting and through the few sweat glands located in their paw pads.

Because overheating (heat stress) can strike much faster than you think, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide. From warning signs to first aid, and how heat affects a Husky versus a short-haired dog - here is everything you need to know to keep your pup safe.

Important Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. If you suspect your dog is overheating, always contact a veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

The Coat Paradox: Double Coat vs. Short Hair

There are many misconceptions about which dogs can and cannot handle the sun. Let’s break down the two extremes:

1. The Double Coat (Huskies, Shepherds, Retrievers)

People often look at a Husky and think, "Look at that heavy winter coat, they must be boiling!" In the shade, this is actually not true.

How it works: A double coat acts like a thermos. The undercoat traps heat in the winter, but in the summer, it reflects environmental heat and keeps the skin cool.

The big danger: This system only works as long as the dog is resting. If a Husky starts running, playing, or experiencing stress in hot weather, their own body generates a massive amount of internal heat. Because of that thick insulation, they struggle to release that internal heat.

Golden rule: Never shave a double-coated dog! Shaving destroys their natural "air conditioning" system, exposing their skin directly to harsh UV rays, which leads to sunburn and rapid overheating. Simply avoid strenuous exercise when it's warm.

2. The Short-Haired Dog (Staffords, Dalmatians, Boxers)

You might assume short-haired dogs have it easier, but they face an entirely different set of risks in the sun.

No insulation: They lack the protective "thermos-like" undercoat. The sun beats down directly onto their thin fur and skin.

Sunburn: Dogs with thin, light, or white coats sunburn very easily-especially on vulnerable areas with less hair and pink skin, such as the bridge of the nose, ear tips, and the belly. This is painful, increases the risk of skin cancer, and accelerates the overheating process.

The Double Danger: Dogs Won’t Save Themselves

There is a widespread, highly dangerous myth that dogs with insulating coats (like Huskies) can handle the full sun indefinitely, or that a dog "will just move to the shade when they get too hot." This is completely false.

As owners, we must never leave this decision up to the dog. Here is why active management is required:

The "Thermos" turns into an Oven: While a Husky's coat insulates against ambient heat, direct, pounding sunlight changes the game. The dark or dense outer guard hairs absorb the sun's radiant energy. Once that intense heat penetrates the insulation layer, it gets trapped. The "thermos" effectively becomes an oven, cooking the heat in.

Dogs ignore their own limits: Dogs - especially high-energy working breeds like Huskies - have an intense drive to play, fetch, or simply be near their humans. Their adrenaline and "will to please" completely mask their internal temperature. They do not realize they are overheating until their body enters the danger zone.

Too late for the shade: A dog does not possess the cognitive ability to calculate heat stroke. Some dogs love baking in the sun and will stay there until their internal thermostat is broken. By the time a dog actively seeks out shade or collapses, it is usually already too late and a severe medical emergency has begun.

The Takeaway: You are your dog's brain and their air-conditioning controller. Never assume they will manage the heat themselves. You must actively force them into the shade, mandate rest periods, and bring them indoors.

Watch the Paws: Paw Pads in the Summer

Your dog's paws are incredibly important during the summer, but they are also highly vulnerable. They serve two critical roles:

Releasing Heat

Dogs have almost no sweat glands on their bodies, except on their paw pads. When a dog is hot, you might notice damp paw prints on the floor. This is one of the few ways they can cool down besides panting. However, if the ground they walk on is scorching hot, this cooling mechanism fails completely.

The Danger of Heat Burns

Asphalt, pavement, and sand can become brutally hot in the sun. Even if the air temperature is a comfortable 25°C (77°F), asphalt in direct sunlight can quickly skyrocket to 50°C (122°F)! Walking on this can instantly cause third-degree burns.

The 7-Second Rule: Place the back of your hand flat against the asphalt for 7 seconds. If it is too hot for you, it is absolutely too hot for your dog’s paws.

Symptoms of burned paws: Limping, holding a paw up, refusing to walk, licking or chewing at the paws, or paw pads that look unusually dark, red, or have peeling skin.

What to do for burned paws? Cool them immediately with lukewarm running water and always call your vet. The skin on paw pads heals very slowly and is highly prone to infection.

How to Recognize an Overheated Dog

If a dog's body temperature rises above 39.5°C (103.1°F), they are experiencing severe overheating (heat stress). Anything above 40.5°C (104.9°F) progresses into heat stroke, which is an immediate, life-threatening emergency. Keep a close eye out for these warning signs:

Heavy, frantic panting (often with the tongue severely extended and flattened at the tip).

Excessive drooling or thick, sticky saliva.

Dark red or very pale gums and inner lips.

Lethargy: The dog seems weak, responds slowly, or refuses to stand up.

Staggering: A wobbly, uncoordinated gait (acting as if they are disoriented or drunk).

Action Plan: What to Do if Your Dog Overheats

If you are in doubt, take action immediately. Every minute counts to prevent irreversible organ damage.

Prevention is Best: Tips for Your Doggo

With a few smart adjustments, you can guide your dog safely through hot summer days:

Adjust your walk times: Head out early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun's intensity has dropped and the ground has cooled down.

Stick to the grass: Avoid asphalt and concrete in direct sunlight. Stick to shaded forest paths or grassy parks.

Provide shade and fresh water: Ensure your dog always has access to cool drinking water and create plenty of shaded resting spots around the house.

Do you have the right gear to keep your pup cool this summer? Check out our collection for the best and safest summer essentials!