1. Time Your Walks Just Right

Early mornings and late evenings are your best friends.
Before 9 AM or after sunset means cooler pavement and cooler air for sensitive paws and noses.

🔗Pro Tip:🖐️ The Seven-Second Test

To ensure the pavement is safe for your dog, perform the seven-second test: place the back of your hand on the pavement, and if you can't hold it there comfortably for seven seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws. ​

2. Shade and Water Are Must-Haves

If you’re out and about, always plan stops in shady areas.
And don't forget fresh water — pack a collapsible travel bowl like this one:
🔗 Portable Collapsible Dog Water Bowl

Pro Tip: Freeze water in the bowl overnight for an extra refreshing treat!

3. Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car — Even for a Minute

Even with windows cracked, a car can heat up fast — like, dangerously fast.

🔗 Real numbers: In just 10 minutes, a car's interior can reach over 100°F even when it's only 75°F outside. (get the facts here)

If you’re running errands where dogs can’t come inside, it’s safest to leave them home.

4. Gear Up with Cooling Products

A little extra gear can go a long way toward summer comfort!

Some of our favorites:

• 🔗 Cooling Vests for Dogs (RUFFWEAR Swamp Cooler) — Reflects heat and cools through evaporation
• 🔗 Dog Paw Protection Wax (Musher’s Secret) — Helps protect paws from hot surfaces

(Your dog will thank you — and so will their happy little feet.)

5.  Splash Safely: What You Need to Know About Water Play

Water play is one of the best ways to beat the heat — but in Florida, we need to be extra careful.

A few critical rules:

• Freshwater ponds and lakes are never safe for dogs — alligators are present even when you don’t see them.
• Stay away from water’s edge at all ponds, canals, lakes, and slow-moving rivers.
• Safe water play means doggy pools in the backyard, or carefully monitored ocean visits when the water is calm and lifeguards allow.

Pro Tip: Always check beach advisories for rip currents, jellyfish alerts, and water quality before letting your pup swim.

🔗 Algae Alert: Blue-green algae can be dangerous to dogs! Always check local beach and park notices before any swim. (CDC Blue-Green Algae Safety)

Better safe than sorry — and there’s no better excuse for extra backyard sprinkler games or kiddie pool splashes!

Keep It Cool, Keep It Fun

The goal isn’t just surviving the summer — it’s making it one to remember.
With a little planning, a few frozen treats, and a lot of belly rubs under shady trees, you and your dog can have your coolest summer yet. 🐾☀️

Stay cool out there, friends!