Beat the Heat: Summer Safety Tips for Your Dog

Summer in Tallahassee, Florida means sunshine, longer days—and serious heat. While many dogs love basking in the sun, hot weather can pose real risks to their health. At Wagland Kennel, your dog’s safety is always our priority, so we’ve put together some essential heat safety tips to keep your pup happy, hydrated, and protected all summer long.

☀️ 1. Know the Signs of Heatstroke

Dogs can overheat quickly, and it’s important to recognize the warning signs:

• Excessive panting or drooling

• Lethargy or weakness

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Bright red gums or tongue

• Collapse or unresponsiveness

If you notice any of these symptoms, move your dog to a cool place immediately and contact your vet. Heatstroke can be life-threatening and requires urgent care.

💧 2. Hydration is Key

Always make sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water—especially when outdoors. Add ice cubes to their bowl or carry a portable water bottle and collapsible bowl when out and about.

Tip: You can freeze low-sodium broth in ice cube trays for a cool and tasty treat!

🕒 3. Avoid Midday Walks

Plan walks during the cooler parts of the day—early mornings or evenings. Hot pavement can burn paw pads, and high humidity makes it harder for dogs to cool themselves. A good rule: if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.

🏖️ 4. Provide Shade and Ventilation

Whether at home, in the yard, or on an adventure, ensure your pup has access to shaded areas and proper airflow. Never leave your dog in a parked car—even for a minute. Temperatures can rise dangerously fast, even with windows cracked.

🍦 5. Cool Treats & Indoor Play

Help your dog stay cool with frozen treats, doggie popsicles, or food-dispensing toys filled with peanut butter and frozen banana. On especially hot days, indoor enrichment games are a great alternative to outdoor play.

🐶 6. Grooming for Comfort

Regular grooming helps remove excess fur and keeps your dog’s coat clean and breathable. But don’t shave double-coated breeds—it can actually make them less able to regulate temperature.

🏡 At Wagland Kennel, We Keep it Cool

When your pup stays with us, they enjoy climate-controlled spaces, constant fresh water, and attentive care from a team that watches closely for any signs of heat stress. We believe summer should be fun—not dangerous—for every dog.

Stay safe. Stay cool. Stay wagging.