Summer means more time outside with your dog. More walks, more park visits, more adventures. But it also means more heat, and heat changes everything about how your dog feels, how they perform, and what they need from their food and treats.
Most dog owners know the basics. Do not leave your dog in a hot car. Make sure they have water. Avoid the hottest part of the day. But there is a lot more going on under the surface when temperatures rise, and understanding it makes you a better advocate for your dog all summer long.
WHAT HEAT ACTUALLY DOES TO YOUR DOG
Dogs do not sweat the way humans do. They regulate body temperature almost entirely through panting, which evaporates moisture from the tongue, mouth, and upper respiratory tract. It is an effective system, but it has limits.
When the temperature and humidity are both high, panting becomes less efficient because the air your dog is breathing in is already warm and moist. The cooling mechanism starts to fall behind. Heart rate increases. Blood flow shifts toward the skin in an attempt to release heat. Energy is diverted away from digestion, muscle function, and cognition.
This is why a hot day can leave your dog looking tired and flat even if you did not do anything particularly strenuous. The effort of simply managing body temperature is exhausting.
On the more serious end, heat stress and heat stroke are genuine risks for dogs, particularly in certain breeds. Flat faced breeds like bulldogs and pugs have naturally restricted airways that make panting less efficient. Overweight dogs have a harder time cooling down because excess body fat acts as insulation. Older dogs and puppies both have less efficient thermoregulation. And dogs with thick double coats are working harder to manage heat even when they look comfortable.
Knowing your dog's individual risk profile is the starting point for a smart summer routine.
SIGNS YOUR DOG IS OVERHEATING
The earlier you catch heat stress, the easier it is to address. Here is what to watch for:
Excessive or labored panting, especially if it seems disproportionate to the activity level. Drooling more than usual, or thicker saliva than normal. Bright red gums or tongue. Lethargy, weakness, or difficulty standing. Vomiting or diarrhea. Glazed eyes or confusion.
If you notice any of these signs, move your dog to a cool environment immediately, offer small amounts of cool (not ice cold) water, and contact your veterinarian. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can progress quickly.
PRACTICAL SUMMER SAFETY TIPS
Walk at the right times. The ground surface holds heat long after the air temperature starts to drop. Watch the pavement. A simple test: place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it is uncomfortable for you, it is too hot for your dog to walk on. Early mornings and evenings are the safest windows for exercise in summer.
Provide shade and airflow. If your dog spends time outside, make sure they have access to genuine shade, not just a spot that is shaded part of the day. A shaded area with airflow is significantly cooler than a still, enclosed outdoor space.
Offer water constantly and consistently. Dogs that are active in the heat can become dehydrated faster than most owners expect. Fresh cool water should always be available, and on active days you should be proactively offering it rather than waiting for your dog to seek it out.
Be careful with water activities. Swimming and water play are great ways to keep dogs cool, but dogs that are not strong swimmers can tire quickly, especially in moving water. Supervision matters, and rinsing your dog after lake or river swimming removes bacteria and irritants from the coat and skin.
HOW SUMMER ACTIVITY CHANGES WHAT YOUR DOG NEEDS NUTRITIONALLY
This part often gets overlooked.
More outdoor time means more energy expenditure, more panting, more sweating through the paw pads, and more physical and mental effort from your dog's body. That increased demand is not just for water. It is also for protein.
Protein is the building block of muscle repair and maintenance. Dogs that are more active in summer are putting more stress on their muscles and joints, and the amino acids found in high quality animal protein are what the body uses to recover and rebuild. ¹
The treats you use for training, enrichment, and positive reinforcement throughout the summer are a genuine part of your dog's nutritional intake. This is especially true for dogs on structured training regimens or working dogs that are active every day.
The problem with many conventional dog treats is that they are high in fillers, artificial preservatives, and low quality protein sources that contribute calories without contributing much nutritional value. For a dog that is already working hard in the heat, empty calories do not serve them well.
WHY OSTRICH TREATS ARE A SMART SUMMER CHOICE
Ostrich is a lean, nutrient-dense protein that offers a clean nutritional profile without unnecessary additives. For dogs that spend more time outside in summer and need treats that actually support their activity level, it checks several boxes at once.
High quality protein without excess fat. Ostrich is naturally lean, which matters in summer when heavy, rich foods can be harder on a dog's digestive system in the heat. You are delivering protein and amino acids without loading your dog up with fat they do not need.
Novel protein for dogs with sensitivities. Many dogs with food sensitivities or allergies have been exposed repeatedly to the same protein sources, typically chicken or beef, which are the most common triggers. Ostrich is a novel protein for most dogs, which means it is less likely to provoke a reaction and can be a good option for dogs that do not tolerate more common protein sources.
Clean ingredients. At American Ostrich Farms, our pet treats are made with just one or two ingredients. No artificial preservatives, no fillers, no mystery ingredients. Just a protein source you can read, recognize, and feel good about.
Engaging and rewarding. Ostrich treats are high value for most dogs, which makes them effective for training and enrichment, particularly during the summer months when mental stimulation often needs to compensate for reduced physical activity on the hottest days. ²
HYDRATION AND FOOD IN HOT WEATHER
A few additional notes on how heat affects your dog's relationship with food and water.
Some dogs eat less in extreme heat, which is normal. Their bodies are directing energy toward temperature regulation rather than digestion. Do not force food if your dog is disinterested on very hot days, but do continue to monitor their water intake closely.
Wet food or adding water to dry food can contribute to hydration, particularly for dogs that are not reliable drinkers. This is a low effort way to increase daily fluid intake without changing your dog's diet significantly.
Avoid feeding a large meal immediately before or after vigorous exercise in summer. The digestive process generates internal heat, and combining that with physical exertion in warm temperatures can put additional stress on your dog's system.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Summer is one of the best times of year to spend time with your dog. More light, more outdoor time, more opportunity to explore and play together. But it also asks more of their bodies than any other season, and the small choices you make around heat management, hydration, and nutrition add up over time.
Keeping your dog cool, well hydrated, and fueled with clean, high quality protein is not complicated. It just takes a little more intention than the rest of the year.
Your dog will thank you for it, even if they can’t say so.
Explore our ostrich pet treats and find the right option for your active summer dog.
https://www.americanostrichfarms.com/collections/pet-treats
Sources
National Research Council. "Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats." National Academies Press, 2006. Available at: https://nap.nationalacademies.org
Becker, M. "The Power of Positive Reinforcement in Dog Training." Veterinary Practice News, 2019. Available at: https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com
American Veterinary Medical Association. "Heat Stroke in Dogs." Available at: https://www.avma.org
Burke, A. "How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Summer Heat." American Kennel Club, 2022. Available at: https://www.akc.org
