Walking your dog safely in summer: what no one tells you about heat and sidewalks
July arrives, the heat intensifies, and we all crave long evenings outdoors. But if you have a dog, you've probably experienced this more than once: they walk out the door, touch the ground with their paw, and you clearly see them desperately trying to find any shade.
And that's because summer in Spain is unforgiving. Unlike us, our furry friends can't sweat all over their bodies to cool down; they practically only regulate their temperature by panting and releasing heat through their paw pads. That's why a poorly timed walk in the middle of July or August can quickly turn into an uncomfortable experience.
To ensure you can continue enjoying your outings together without scares or heatstroke, there are a couple of things worth paying attention to.
The 5-second test (before going out the door)
Sometimes we get complacent because there's a slight breeze outside, but asphalt is a sponge for the sun. Sidewalks retain a brutal amount of heat and remain scorching hot even hours after the sun has gone down.
Before leashing them up to go out, do this simple gesture: place the back of your hand directly on the ground and hold it for 5 seconds.
If it burns or feels uncomfortable to you, it's sheer torture for their paw pads. If this happens, there's no turning back:
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It's time to change your route to parks with grass or wooded areas.
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It's time to shorten the afternoon walk and save the long walk for early morning or late at night.
Harness or collar when temperatures rise?
There's often a lot of debate here, but in summer, anatomy and common sense prevail.
A dog collar is great for a quick trip outside for them to do their business or to hang their ID tag. But if you're going for a longer walk in the heat, a dog harness will be much more comfortable.
Why? It's very simple: when a dog gets hot, they need to pant with full lung capacity to cool down. If for some reason they pull with a collar, the pressure on their neck makes it difficult for them to breathe and they become twice as distressed. A good ergonomic and breathable harness distributes the force across the chest, leaves their trachea free for comfortable breathing, and doesn't accumulate as much sweat in their fur.
What you shouldn't forget in your backpack these months
You don't need to go out loaded as if you were hiking the Camino de Santiago, but there are three basic things that save any afternoon:
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Fresh water always at hand: Get used to carrying a bottle and a collapsible bowl. Offer them short sips from time to time, especially if you see them panting continuously for a while.
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No pressure on the pace: If your dog stops, sits in the shade, or walks slower than usual, don't force them to keep walking. Their body is telling them to stop, and you need to listen.
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The humidity trick: If you notice they're overheated, wet their belly, groin, or paws a little with lukewarm water (no sudden ice-cold water). You'll see them relax quickly.
Adapt and enjoy
Ultimately, walking in summer is just a matter of changing your mindset a bit: adjusting schedules, looking for shady spots in your neighborhood, and equipping them with something cool and comfortable so they enjoy it as much as you do.
A good dog harness, water at hand, and plenty of common sense are all you need for a great summer together.
What time do you usually go for walks to avoid the heat? Tell us your favorite summer route in the comments!
