Summer is great for outdoor fun, but high temperatures bring serious risks for young dogs.
Hot pavement can quickly burn paws, and puppies overheat much faster than you think.
I’ve put together seven tips to keep the puppy safe when it’s hot.
Why Fresh Water Matters for Puppies
Giving the puppy fresh water is the easiest way to keep him safe during the summer.
Take my Sarplaninacs, for instance. They have a large yard to run around in.
We normally change their water three times a day, in the morning, at noon, and in the evening.
However, when temperatures hit 35°C, we have to be much more careful.
Between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm, we change the water every two to three hours.
Some Dogs Take the Heat Better Than Others
You need to know how the breed you have reacts to high temperatures. There is a lot of advice in Facebook groups, but the best thing is to just watch your dog’s behavior.
Sarplaninacs are livestock guardians dogs that prefer winter over summer.
When it’s hot, they naturally “slow down” to save energy.
The Sarplaninac will spend most of the day in the shade, quietly watching the property for any intruders.
Even young puppies figure this out quickly. After a quick play session, the puppy will find a cool spot to nap just to get out of the sun.
Sarplaninacs are very independent.
Watch Out for Hot Pavement
Asphalt and sand can get very hot during the summer, and it doesn’t take much to burn the puppy’s paws.
If the ground feels too hot for your hand, it’s definitely too hot for him.
The best way to avoid burns is to plan your walks for the early morning or late evening when the ground has cooled down.
During the hottest part of the day, it’s better to keep the puppy on the grass or in the shade.
Shade and Water for Big Puppies
When the sun is at its strongest, the puppy needs shade.
A simple cooling mat can also help if the ground is too warm.
On hot days, water is the easiest way to keep your puppy cool.
You can set up a small kiddie pool in the yard or take him for a swim if you’re near a lake or a dog-friendly beach.
Just keep an eye on him while he plays and make sure there’s always a bowl of fresh water nearby.
How to Entertain Your Puppy Indoors?
When it’s too hot to be outside, just keep the puppy’s playtime indoors.
High temperatures are tough on large puppies, so play brain games instead of making him run around.
Use that cool room for short training sessions or simple puzzles.
Teaching new commands or using treat toys will keep him busy.
Just make sure to turn on a fan or air conditioning so it’s about 5 to 7 degrees cooler than outside.
Summer Diet
Hot weather often reduces a puppy’s appetite and slows down his digestion.
During these months, it is better to give lighter meals that won’t sit heavy on his stomach.
For Sarplaninac puppies, it’s normal to see them eat less when it’s hot.
Don’t force him to finish every meal if he isn’t interested, and instead, try feeding him during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening.
If you’re not sure, you can always ask your breeder or vet for advice.
Never Leave Your Puppy in a Parked Car
Leaving the puppy in a parked car on a hot day is not a good idea.
Even with the windows cracked, the car gets hot in just a few minutes.
Puppies overheat quickly. They don’t sweat like humans and rely on panting to stay cool.
In a hot, enclosed car, panting alone isn’t enough to keep his body temperature down.
If you cannot take your dog inside with you, he is safer at home. Don’t leave him inside even for a quick minute!
Conclusion
I hope these tips help you keep the dog safe during the summer.
Just remember to give him fresh water, avoid hot pavement, and never leave the dog in a car.
Have a great summer with your dog!
