It’s August and it’s hot out! Hopefully you and your pups have been enjoying all summer has to offer! But what do you do when it’s just too hot for your pup to safely enjoy outdoor activities? Here are some things Link & the Adventure Pups like to do to avoid melting!

1. Early Morning & Evening Walks & Outings
   • Depending on your pup’s age, weight, health, & breed temperatures as low as 70 degrees can be too hot to exercise in
   • For most pups, 85 degrees is too hot and can lead to heatstroke when exercising (especially when overweight, elderly, or brachycephalic breed)
   • Feel the ground with the back of your palm to make sure it’s not too hot for your pup’s paws
   • Don’t forget how hot the inside of your car can get- if it’s only 70 out and you leave your pup in the car for half an hour, the inside of your car could be 105 degrees (even with all the windows down)
2. Water, Water Everywhere
   • Take your pup to dog friendly bodies of water so they have easy access to cool down- make sure the water is from a clean source before allowing them to take a dip
   • Human swimming pools contain chlorine, so be sure to rinse your pup after swimming in one (double the water! woohoo!)
   • Kiddie Pools are great things to have in the yard for your pup
   • Bring a portable water bowl and plenty of fresh water for you AND your pup- don’t rely on nature’s water, it can contain hazardous bacteria & parasites that could kill
   • You can both have fun running in the sprinklers while watering the lawn- some pups enjoy the mister hose attachments too
   • Wet bandanas around both yours and your pup’s necks keep you cool
3. Pupsicles & Cool Treats
   • Mix up some plain yogurt & your pup’s favorite berries/fruits/veggies/treats, pour the mixture into an ice cube tray & pop em in the freezer
   • Put peanut butter or squirt cheese in a Kong (feel free to mix in kibble or treats) and put in the freezer
   • Watermelon! That’s it… it’s delicious & refreshing
4. Fun in the Sun
   • Paddle boarding & Kayaking are great ways to bond with your pup- always make sure your pup wears a life jacket
   • Floaty toys are a great way to get your pup into the water, just be sure to throw them where you are able to fetch them yourself, just in case
   • Doing a river float is a relaxing way to hang out with your pup- have them wear a life jacket and give them breaks from swimming (even the most talented swimmers can drown!)

The main thing to remember is: your dog is more heat sensitive than you. Always make sure they have fresh drinking water, access to shade, and that they don’t overexert themselves!