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Summer exercise tips to keep your pet safe in the heat
Wed, July 15, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Summer adventures are even better when you choose activities that help keep your pet cool, comfortable, and active.
Summer is the perfect season to get outside and spend quality time with your pet, but rising temperatures can make even routine exercise risky. While regular activity is essential for keeping pets healthy and happy, just as people adjust their routines during hot weather, it’s important to adjust your pet’s routine when temperatures rise. By choosing the right activities, exercising at the right times, and recognizing the warning signs of overheating, you can help your pet stay safe while enjoying everything summer has to offer.
Why summer heat is riskier for pets than people
Unlike humans, pets aren’t able to cool themselves as efficiently and can’t always communicate when they’re becoming overheated. Dogs primarily regulate their body temperature by panting and through their paw pads, while cats rely on grooming and limited sweating through their paw pads. When temperatures and humidity climb, these cooling methods can quickly become overwhelmed, putting pets at risk for heat exhaustion or even life-threatening heatstroke. Certain pets, including flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, senior pets, young puppies and kittens, and overweight animals, are especially vulnerable and may require extra precautions during outdoor activities.
Water play can be great exercise
One of the best ways to help your pet stay active in the summer is by incorporating water activities into playtime. Many dogs enjoy splashing through sprinklers, cooling off in a shallow kiddie pool, or swimming at a pet-friendly beach or lake. If you have a backyard pool, chances are your dog will want to take a dip, and that’s okay, as long as the pool is properly maintained and your pet is supervised
Both chlorinated and saltwater pools are safe for dogs to swim in, but it’s a good idea to rinse your dog with fresh water afterward to remove chlorine or salt from their coat and paws, which can help prevent skin irritation. Discourage your dog from drinking pool water, as swallowing large amounts can upset their stomachs
Swimming is an excellent low-impact workout that is especially beneficial for older dogs or those with joint issues. Always supervise pets around water and introduce them gradually if they’re inexperienced swimmers. Consider using a properly fitted life jacket when boating or swimming in deeper water. Remember that not every dog enjoys swimming, so let your pet set the pace and make water activities a positive experience
Try indoor exercise alternatives
On especially hot or humid days, taking exercise indoors can be the safest option. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, a game of indoor fetch in a hallway, hide-and-seek games, and short obedience training sessions all provide valuable physical and mental stimulation without exposing your pet to dangerous temperatures. Cats also benefit from interactive wand toys, laser pointers used responsibly, and climbing structures that encourage movement
Indoor enrichment helps keep pets mentally and physically engaged while strengthening the bond between you and your pet. It’s a great alternative when the weather isn’t cooperating
Choose shady parks and natural trails
If you’re planning to spend time outdoors, consider choosing shaded parks, wooded trails, or grassy areas instead of open sidewalks and parking lots. Trees provide natural cover that helps lower the surrounding temperature, while grass stays significantly cooler than asphalt or concrete
Plan walks during the early morning or in the evening when temperatures are lower, and bring fresh water so both you and your pet can stay hydrated. Taking frequent breaks in cool, shaded areas can also help prevent your pet from overheating during longer outings
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion
Knowing the signs of heat-related illness can save your pet’s life. Excessive panting, heavy drooling, bright red or pale gums, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, and difficulty walking are all warning signs that your pet may be overheating. If symptoms progress to collapse, seizures, or loss of consciousness, seek emergency veterinary care immediately
Move your pet to a cool, shaded area, offer small amounts of cool, but not ice-cold, water, and contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital as soon as possible. Early intervention greatly improves the chances of a full recovery
Summer adventures don’t have to come to an end when temperatures rise. They simply require a little extra planning. By choosing cooler times of day, seeking shade, incorporating indoor or water-based activities, and staying alert for signs of heat exhaustion, you can help your pet stay healthy and comfortable all season long. A few simple precautions can help ensure that every summer walk, hike, or backyard play session is both fun and safe for your four-legged family member
From our team at For Pet’s Sake, we hope you and your furry family members enjoy a fun, active, and safe summer together. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and make plenty of happy memories along the way! Learn more at www.drdevonsmith.com
