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 afternoons outdoors. But if you have a dog, you’ve surely experienced it more than once: you walk out the door, they touch the ground with their paw, and you see clearly how they desperately search for any patch of shade.
The truth is that summer in Spain is unforgiving. Unlike us, our furry friends don’t have the ability to sweat all over their bodies to cool down; they mainly regulate their temperature by panting and releasing heat through their paw pads. That’s why a walk at the wrong time in the middle of July or August can quickly turn into a bad experience.
To ensure you keep enjoying your outings together without scares or heatstroke, there are a couple of things worth keeping in mind.
The 5-second test (before walking out the door)
Sometimes we get overconfident because there's a light breeze on the street, but asphalt is like a sponge for the sun. Sidewalks retain a brutal amount of heat and stay burning hot even hours after the sun has gone down.
Before attaching the leash to head out, do this simple gesture: place the back of your hand directly on the ground and hold it for 5 seconds.
If it burns you or feels uncomfortable, it’s absolute torture for their paw pads. If this happens, there’s no way around it:
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It's time to change the route toward parks with grass or shaded, wooded areas.
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It's time to shorten the afternoon walk and save the long stroll for the first thing in the morning or late at night.
Harness or collar when the temperatures rise?
There is usually quite a debate here, but in summer, anatomy and common sense prevail.
The dog collar is great for a quick trip out to do their business or to carry their identification tag. But if you are going for a longer walk in the heat, a dog harness is much more comfortable.
Why? It's simple: when a dog gets hot, they need to pant with full lungs to cool down. If they pull on the collar for any reason, the pressure on their neck makes it harder for them to breathe and stresses them out even more. A good ergonomic, breathable harness distributes the force across their chest, leaves their trachea free so they can breathe comfortably, and doesn't trap as much sweat in their fur.
What you shouldn't leave out of your backpack these months
You don't need to leave the house loaded down as if you were going to walk the Camino de Santiago, but there are three basic things that save every afternoon:
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Fresh water always at hand: Get into the habit of carrying a bottle and a collapsible bowl. Offer them short sips from time to time, especially if you notice they've been panting steadily for a while.
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No pressure on the pace: If your dog slows down, sits in the shade, or moves slower than usual, don't force them to keep walking. Their body is telling them to stop, and you have to listen to it.
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The moisture trick: If you notice they are overheated, dampen their belly, groin, or paws with room-temperature water (not ice-cold water all at once). You'll see how they relax immediately.
Adapt and enjoy
Ultimately, walking in the summer is just a matter of changing your mindset: adjusting schedules, finding shade 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 on hand, and plenty of common sense are all you need to have 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!
