In summer, walks have to be earned. When the thermometer climbs above 25°C, your dog feels the heat far more intensely than you do — dogs barely sweat and regulate their body temperature almost entirely through panting.
Here are 7 habits to adopt so summer stays a lovely season of shared enjoyment.
- Go out at the right hours
Favour walks before 10am and after 6pm. Between those times, tarmac can reach 60°C — enough to burn your dog''s paw pads in just a few minutes. Simple test: place the back of your hand on the ground for 5 seconds. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for him.
- Always take water with you
Carry a bottle and a foldable bowl. A dog needs around 60 ml of water per kilo during a walk in hot weather. For a 30 kg Labrador, that is nearly 2 litres. Do not let him drink too quickly: offer small amounts every 15 minutes.
- Choose shade and cool surfaces
Woods, riverbanks, tree-lined parks — these spots stay much cooler than mineral city centres. In town, stick close to buildings and look for cobbled or grassy streets rather than tarmac.
- Recognise the signs of heatstroke
Excessive panting, thick saliva, unsteady gait, pale or reddish gums: these are the early signs of heatstroke. Move your dog into the shade immediately, wet his paws and belly with cool water (not iced), and call a vet without delay.
- Never leave him in the car
Even with a window cracked open, even in the shade: a car can reach 60°C in 20 minutes. It is illegal, it is dangerous, and it can be fatal. If you need to pop into somewhere without him, look for a dog-friendly terrace where you can stay together.
- Prefer breaks on dog-friendly terraces
Rather than a long, exhausting walk under a heatwave, opt for a short outing followed by a shaded break at a café or restaurant that welcomes dogs. Many dog-friendly places will even offer a bowl of water on request. Find addresses near you on the dogs-friendly.fr map.
- Adapt the intensity of the effort
A frisbee sprint at 30°C, no. A quiet walk in a tree-lined park, perfect. In summer, dial the intensity down — and favour water-based activities if your dog loves swimming.
Summer can be a wonderful season to share, provided you approach it with a bit of common sense. And if you are looking for a cool spot to take a break with your companion, our map shows you the nearest dog-friendly shops.