Beating the Heat: 5 Top Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe This Summer

Jun 28

Brought to you by Puptown Lounge—your trusted community doggie daycare, boarding, and grooming facility since 2008.

With summer temperatures climbing in Columbus and beyond, dog heat safety and preventing heat stroke in dogs become critical. Whether your pup is at our dog daycare or enjoying backyard play, these five hot weather dog tips will help you keep your dog cool and healthy all season long.

1. Prioritize Hydration for Your Dog

Constant Access to Fresh Water: At all Puptown Lounge locations—Upper Arlington, North Columbus on Kenny, Grooming House, and Hilliard—we provide chilled water 24/7 to prevent dog dehydration.
Portable Water Solutions: Carry a collapsible bowl and bottle of water on dog park outings, weekend road trips, or errands.
Cooling “Pupsicles”: Freeze low-sodium chicken broth or fruit-infused water in ice-cube trays for a fun dog cooling treat that helps regulate body temperature.

2. Schedule Walks During Cooler Hours

Avoid Peak Heat: Schedule daily dog walks and outdoor play before 9 AM or after 7 PM, when pavement and air temperatures are lower—key to dog paw protection and overall dog summer safety.
Short, Frequent Breaks: On extreme heat days, divide exercise into multiple brief sessions, alternating outdoor fun with cool indoor rest.

3. Create Shaded & Air-Conditioned Zones

Indoor Air-Conditioning: Our climate-controlled daycare lounges offer dogs a cool retreat away from the sun, reducing their risk of heat exhaustion.
Backyard Shade: At home, set up pop-up tents, umbrellas, or shaded doghouses to give your dog relief from direct sunlight.
Cooling Products: Use gel mats, cooling bandanas, or dog cooling vests—available at Puptown Lounge—to bring down your pup’s core temperature quickly.

4. Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car

Rapid Temperature Spike: Even with windows cracked, a car’s cabin can become dangerously hot in minutes, leading to dog heat stroke.
Safe Alternatives: If you need to run errands, drop your dog off at Puptown Lounge’s supervised, climate-controlled facility rather than risking their safety.

5. Recognize Signs of Overheating

Knowing the warning signs of canine heatstroke can save your dog’s life:

Heavy panting, drooling, or bright red gums
Lethargy, weakness, or unsteady gait
Vomiting, diarrhea, or a rapid heartbeat

Emergency Steps: If you suspect your dog is overheating, move them to shade or an air-conditioned area, offer small sips of lukewarm water, gently wet their paws and belly with tepid water, and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Trust Puptown Lounge for Summer Safety

Since 2008, Puptown Lounge has been Columbus’s premier doggie daycare, dog boarding, and professional dog grooming destination. We’re committed to dog safety and comfort—even in the hottest months.