1. Hydration Is Essential: Provide fresh, cool water at all times, including during walks with a collapsible bowl. Ice cubes or low-salt broth can boost appeal. Routine electrolyte drinks aren’t needed and may harm healthy dogs—water is the best option.

2. Shade and Ventilation: Whether indoors or outdoors, ensure your dog has access to shaded, well-ventilated spaces, like air-conditioned rooms or shaded backyards In car intervals, never leave dogs unattended—interior temperatures can rocket within minutes

3. Protect Against Pavement Burns: Asphalt and concrete retain heat—if you can’t touch it barefoot for 10 seconds, it’s too hot. Use grass, trails, or booties

4. Smart Exercise Scheduling: Avoid walks during peak heat; schedule them for early morning or evening. Reduce intensity and duration during hot weather and consider indoor or water play instead

5. Use Cooling Tools: Cooling mats, wet towels, spritzers, and splash pools can help lower body temperature—keep them available and damp.

6. Watch for Overheating and Heatstroke: Early symptoms: heavy panting, drooling, seeking shade, difficulty breathing. Serious signs include red gums, vomiting, seizures, collapse. Immediate response: move to a cool spot, offer lukewarm water, dampen body, use fan/air-conditioning, and seek veterinary care urgently.

7. Sun Protection and Fur Care: Thin, light-colored, or exposed fur areas (ears, nose, belly) can get sunburn. Use pet-safe sunscreen and UV-protective clothing. Avoid shaving—a trimmed coat helps regulate body temperature and shields from sunburn

8. Keep an Eye on Breeds at Higher Risk: Dogs with short noses (like Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers), overweight, elderly, or thick-coated breeds are more vulnerable.

9. Supervised Water Fun: Swimming and sprinklers are great, but always supervise. Use life vests where needed and rinse afterward.

10. Know Which Sunscreens Are Safe: Always use pet-specific sunscreen; human versions can contain toxic ingredients