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Summertime: the season so many of us look forward to — a time to get out and explore, often with our four-legged friends. But there are important things to keep in mind so your pup stays their healthiest and happiest through the warmer months.
Keeping Cool
When it's hot, dogs get much thirstier than we do. To cool down, their main options are drinking and panting — and because most of their sweat is through their paws, a standard fan won't help much if they overheat. Wet them down with a hose or let them splash in a kiddie pool. If that's not an option or your dog dislikes water, drape a water-soaked towel or cooling mat for them to rest on. You can also freeze low-sodium broth in an ice cube tray or make simple "pupsicles" to cool them from the inside out — add a little of our hemp tincture for extra wellness support.
Learn to spot when your dog has been in the sun too long. If they must be out for extended periods, ensure shade and plenty of water. When humidity climbs above about 70%, dogs struggle to cool themselves, so avoid long walks or extended time outside during the hottest parts of the day. For a full checklist, see the ASPCA's hot weather safety tips.
A Few More Tips for a Safe Summer
No Warm Cars
The well-known one — and still surprising how fast it happens. On an 85-degree day, the inside of a car with the windows cracked can hit 102°F within 10 minutes, and 120°F within 30. Never leave your dog in a parked car, even briefly.
Up-to-Date Parasite Prevention
As it warms up, make sure your dog is current on mosquito, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Watch for tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, whose signs include lethargy, limping, and loss of appetite — call your vet if you notice them.
Watch Them Around Water
With more time near water, supervision is critical. Warm months bring more blue-green algae blooms, which can cause serious illness if a dog drinks or swims in contaminated water. And don't assume a dog knows how to swim — keep new or unfamiliar swimmers away from deep water until you know their ability.
Protect Against Burns
Dogs can sunburn too. If your dog has a thin, light coat, ask your vet about pet-safe sunscreen for long days out. Their paw pads can also burn, so keep them off hot asphalt and metal — if it's too hot for your bare hand, it's too hot for their paws.
Full-spectrum hemp oil to support calm and comfort during travel, fireworks, and busy summer days — organically grown and third-party tested.
Shop Hemp for Dogs →Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs a dog is overheating?
Heavy or frantic panting, excessive drooling, bright red gums, weakness or stumbling, vomiting, and collapse. Move your dog to shade or A/C, offer water, cool them with wet towels, and call your vet — heatstroke is an emergency.
How hot is too hot for a walk?
Avoid walks during the hottest part of the day, especially above about 85°F or when humidity tops 70%. Walk early morning or evening, and test the pavement with your hand — if you can't hold it for 7 seconds, it's too hot for paws.
Can I use hemp to help my dog with summer stress?
Many owners use full-spectrum hemp to support calm around fireworks, travel, and busy summer activity. It supports a settled baseline rather than sedating — start low and check with your vet.
This content is for general wellness information and is not a substitute for veterinary care. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
