Summer Dog Care: 7 Ways to Keep Your Pup Cool, Happy & Groomed This Season

Okay dog mamas and dog dads — can we talk about this heat for a second? Chicago is pushing 91°F this week. Denver is sitting at a toasty 96°F. And your dog? They're lying on the cool kitchen tile giving you that look. You know the one.

Summer is one of the most wonderful times to be a dog owner — longer days, outdoor adventures, park trips, and pure tail-wagging joy. But it's also the season that asks the most of us as pet parents, because our dogs can't exactly tell us when they're overheating, can they?

So consider this your warm-weather love letter from one dog lover to another. Here are seven essential summer dog care tips to keep your best friend safe, cool, comfortable, and looking absolutely fabulous all season long. 🐾

And if you're looking for a great groomer to help your dog beat the heat — find a verified groomer near you on DogBaths.com →

Your happy dog lying on cool kitchen tile in summer

1. Hydration is Everything — And Then Some

Here's the thing about dogs in summer: they pant to cool down, and panting burns through water fast. Add in a midwest heat wave and you've got a recipe for dehydration that sneaks up on you before you even notice it happening.

Think of yourself as your dog's personal hydration manager this summer. Here's what that looks like in practice:

• Always have two bowls going — one inside, one in a shaded spot outside. Top them up constantly. Warm water is a hard no for a hot dog.
• Add ice cubes to keep the water cool, but avoid straight-up ice water — the cold shock can actually spike their internal temperature. Room temperature with a few cubes? Chef's kiss.
• Carry water on every walk — a collapsible bowl and a water bottle are non-negotiable summer accessories. Offer water every 10 minutes on warm days.
• Frozen treats are your best friend — freeze low-sodium broth into ice cube trays, blend watermelon and pour into molds, or make dog-safe "pupsicles." They hydrate AND they buy you 20 minutes of absolute peace.
• Go to them — some dogs are too hot and too stubborn to walk to their water bowl. Take the bowl to them. No judgment. We've all been there.

If your dog's gums look tacky, their eyes are sunken, or they seem lethargic beyond their usual summer laziness, call your vet. Dehydration in dogs moves fast.

Ice cubes in the Bowl = Happy dog

2. Walk Smarter, Not Harder — The 5-Second Pavement Rule

This one is so important and so many dog owners don't know about it. When it's hot outside — and right now in Chicago and across the midwest it very much is — the pavement absorbs heat and can reach temperatures that will literally burn your dog's paw pads.

The 5-second rule: Press the back of your hand against the pavement. If you can't hold it there for five full seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws. Full stop.

What to do instead:

• Walk early morning (before 8am) or after sunset when pavement has cooled
• Stick to grassy areas, shaded paths, and dirt trails during peak heat
• Consider dog booties if your pup will tolerate them — they look ridiculous and they work perfectly
• After every walk, check paw pads for redness, blisters, or any sign of irritation

Signs your dog's paws have been burned: limping, licking or chewing at feet, visible blisters, or pads that look darker than usual. If you see any of these — vet, immediately.

Walking on grass to avoid hot the pavement in the summer

3. Know the Signs of Heatstroke — This Could Save Your Dog's Life

This is the section I want every dog owner to read twice. Heatstroke in dogs is serious, it moves fast, and it can be fatal if not treated immediately. The scary part? It can happen even in moderate summer temperatures — not just on blazing hot days.

Flat-faced breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Bulldogs), senior dogs, puppies, and larger breeds are especially vulnerable. But truly any dog can overheat.

The 8 signs of heatstroke to watch for right now:

• Heavy, excessive panting that won't stop
• Gums or tongue turning bright red or bluish
• Unusual lethargy or sudden collapse
• Drooling or foaming from the mouth
• Loss of coordination or stumbling
• Shaking or sudden muscle weakness
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Seizures

If you see any of these signs: Move your dog to shade immediately. Pour cool (not cold) water over their ears, head, and feet. Fan them gently. Offer small sips of cool water. And call your vet or an emergency animal hospital right now — do not wait to see if they improve on their own.

Dog panting in summer heat could be signs of heatstroke

4. Water Play — Yes! But With a Few Ground Rules

If your dog is a water baby, summer is basically their Super Bowl. A paddling pool in the backyard, a safe stream on a hike, a dog-friendly beach — absolute heaven for the right pup.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Check for blue-green algae before letting your dog swim in natural water — it's toxic and can be fatal
• Always have an exit point — make sure your dog can easily get out of any body of water
• Rinse them after swimming — rivers and lakes carry bacteria; a quick rinse protects their skin and coat
• Check their ears after every swim — moisture trapped in ears leads to ear infections, which are painful and very common in summer
• Never force it — if your dog doesn't love water, that's completely okay. Find their version of cool and run with it

Paddling pools are a wonderful investment for water-loving dogs. Fill with cool (not ice cold) water, keep it in the shade, and never leave it unattended.

Summer time fun

5. The Car Rule — Non-Negotiable, Always

I'll keep this one short because it's simple: never leave your dog alone in a car on a warm day. Ever.

Cars heat up extraordinarily fast — even with windows cracked, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 120°F within minutes on a warm day. Dogs develop heatstroke in enclosed spaces far faster than you'd ever expect.

If you spot a dog alone in a car in distress on a hot day, call 911 immediately. And always, always have a plan so your dog never needs to wait in a car.

If you must travel with your dog in summer heat:

• Pre-cool your car with AC before your dog gets in
• Use window shade covers to block direct sun
• Travel during cooler morning or evening hours
• Keep water accessible throughout the entire journey

Shop around to find the BEST one

6. Sunscreen for Dogs — Yes, It's a Real Thing

Does your dog love to sunbathe? Do they have white or light-colored fur, a pink nose, or light-colored ears? Then listen up, because dogs absolutely can get sunburned — and it's just as uncomfortable for them as it is for us.

Thin-coated and light-colored dogs are most at risk, but exposed areas like the nose, ear tips, and belly can burn on any dog during extended sun exposure.

• Limit sun exposure during peak hours (10am–4pm in most of the country right now)
• Apply dog-specific sunscreen to vulnerable areas — never use human sunscreen on dogs as many contain ingredients toxic to them
• Provide shaded areas and encourage them to rest inside during the hottest part of the day

Chicago Summer Grooming

7. Summer Grooming — The Secret Weapon Every Dog Owner Needs

Here's the tip that ties everything together, and it's the one closest to our hearts at DogBaths.com: a good summer grooming routine is one of the most powerful things you can do for your dog's comfort in the heat.

A clean, well-groomed coat actually helps regulate your dog's body temperature more effectively. Matted, tangled fur traps heat against the skin. Regular grooming removes dead undercoat (which acts like insulation you do NOT want in summer), allows the skin to breathe, and keeps your dog far more comfortable when temperatures spike.

Your summer grooming checklist:

• Book professional grooming appointments every 4–8 weeks depending on your dog's coat type
• Brush at home between appointments to remove loose fur and prevent matting
• Ask your groomer about a de-shedding treatment — especially valuable for double-coated breeds like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and Labs who are carrying a full insulating undercoat into the heat
• Consider a summer trim for long-coated dogs — but do not shave double-coated breeds, as their coat actually protects them from sunburn and regulates temperature in both directions
• Keep ears clean and dry — summer is peak ear infection season
• Check paw pads at every grooming session for cracks, burns, or embedded debris

Not sure how often your specific breed needs grooming in summer? A great local groomer can advise you on exactly what your dog's coat needs for the season. Find a trusted groomer in your area on DogBaths.com →

And if you're looking for the convenience of a professional coming to you — especially on those brutal 95-degree days when even the walk to your car feels like too much — browse mobile dog groomers near you →

Or if you want to give your dog a refreshing bath yourself between appointments, self-service dog wash stations are a wonderful option — professional tubs, shampoo, dryers, and everything you need, without the mess at home.

One More Thing — Your Dog Is Counting on You

Summer with your dog is genuinely one of life's great joys. Morning walks before the heat hits. Lazy afternoons in the shade together. Weekend adventures to dog-friendly parks and trails. There is nothing quite like it.

But the heat this week across Chicago, Denver, and much of the country is a real reminder that our dogs depend on us completely to keep them safe when temperatures climb. They can't tell us they're too hot. They can't open the fridge for a cold drink. They can't book their own grooming appointment.

That's where we come in. And honestly? That's the best part of the job.

Stay cool out there — you and your pup both. 🐾

Ready to find a great groomer this summer? Browse 1,800+ verified groomers across the US on DogBaths.com →

Frequently Asked Questions About Dogs in Summer Heat

How do I know if my dog is too hot?

Watch for heavy panting that doesn't stop, bright red or bluish gums, drooling, stumbling, or sudden lethargy. These are signs of overheating and potentially heatstroke — move them to shade, apply cool water, and call your vet immediately.

Should I shave my dog in summer to keep them cool?

For single-coated dogs like Poodles or Maltese, a summer trim can help. But for double-coated breeds like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Labs, and German Shepherds — never shave them. Their double coat actually insulates against heat and protects from sunburn. Regular brushing and de-shedding is the right approach for these breeds.

How often should I groom my dog in summer?

Every 4–8 weeks for most breeds, with regular brushing at home in between. Dogs with longer or thicker coats benefit from more frequent appointments in summer. Ask your groomer what's right for your specific dog.

What temperature is too hot to walk my dog?

When pavement temperature is the real concern — not just air temperature. Use the 5-second rule: press your hand to the pavement for 5 seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws. When in doubt, walk on grass or wait until evening.

Can I use self-service dog wash stations in summer?

Absolutely — they're actually perfect for summer. You can give your dog a cooling bath with professional equipment without heating up your own bathroom. Find self-service dog wash stations near you →

Where can I find a dog groomer near me this summer?

DogBaths.com lists 1,800+ verified groomers across all 50 states — salons, mobile groomers, and self-service wash stations. Search by city or zip code to find groomers near you →