Ask Dr. Kwane: Hot Weather + Hydration Tips for Dogs
Summer is great. Dogs in the sunshine? Excellent. Dogs living their best backyard sprinkler life? Even better.
But hot pavement, parked cars, and midday walks are where summer stops being cute and starts being risky. Dogs do not cool down the same way we do, which means warm-weather routines need a little extra attention.
So we asked Dr. Kwane Stewart, Kismet’s Chief Veterinary Officer, for his go-to summer safety rules. The goal is simple: keep your dog cool, hydrated, and happily out of the danger zone.
The essentials come first:
1. Skip the midday walk
“Skip the midday walk. If you have to go out, keep it short, shady, and offer water often.” ~Dr. Kwane Stewart
Early mornings and evenings are your best friends in the summer. When the sun is high and the ground is hot, even a quick walk can be a lot for your dog.
This is especially true for puppies, senior dogs, flat-faced breeds, overweight dogs, and dogs with heart, breathing, or other health conditions. Basically, if your dog already runs warm, summer is not the time to test their limits.
2. Check the pavement
“Asphalt and concrete hold heat longer than you think. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.” ~Dr. Kwane Stewart
Before heading out, press the back of your hand against the pavement for five seconds. If you cannot comfortably keep it there, your dog should not be walking on it.
Choose grass when you can, stick to shaded routes, and keep walks shorter on extra-hot days. Paws are tough, but they are not tiny superhero boots.
3. Never leave your dog in a car
“Not for a minute. Not with the windows cracked. Just don’t.” ~Dr. Kwane Stewart
This one is non-negotiable. Parked cars can heat up dangerously fast, even when the weather does not feel extreme.
If your dog cannot come inside with you, leave them somewhere cool and safe at home.
4. Help them cool from the paws and belly
“Wet their paws and belly. It helps the cooling process more than most people realize.” ~Dr. Kwane Stewart
After a warm walk or outdoor time, a little cool water can help. Focus on the paws, belly, and inner thighs. Use cool water, not ice-cold water, and let your dog rest somewhere shaded or air-conditioned.
A damp towel, a fan, or a cool floor can also help them settle back down.
Now the fun part: hydration treats
Keeping your dog hydrated does not have to mean constantly refilling their bowl while they look at you like, “Interesting. No thanks.”
A few easy additions to their routine can make a real difference on hot days.
1. Try water-rich snacks
Seedless watermelon, cucumber, and strawberries are water-rich, dog-friendly options when served in small pieces.
A few quick rules: skip seeds, pits, rinds, grapes, raisins, onions, and anything with added sweeteners. When in doubt, plain and simple wins.
2. Make freezer treats
Freeze dog-safe, low-sodium broth in an ice cube tray for an easy hot-weather snack. You can also add a few pieces of kibble or small fruit pieces before freezing to make it more exciting.
It is enrichment. It is hydration. It is also very cute to watch.
3. Add flavor to mealtime
Some dogs drink less when they are hot, distracted, or just being their mysterious little selves. Adding something tasty to their meal can encourage more interest around the bowl.
Kismet Toppers are an easy way to bring more flavor to their routine, and the extra sodium can encourage them to drink a little more before heading out.
Know the signs of overheating
Warm-weather safety also means knowing when your dog needs help.
Watch for heavy panting, drooling, weakness, bright red gums, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, collapse, or difficulty breathing. If your dog seems overheated, move them to a cooler place, offer small amounts of water, start cooling them with cool water, and contact your veterinarian right away.
Dr. Kwane’s summer bowl checklist
Before the next hot day, make sure your dog has:
- Fresh water available throughout the day
- A shaded place to rest
- Walks planned for cooler hours
- Pavement checked before paws hit the groun
- A bowl routine they actually enjoy
- A human who knows parked cars are never worth the risk
Summer should be fun, not frantic. Keep things cool, keep the bowl full, and when in doubt, choose shade.
Shop Kismet Toppers: Make hot-weather meals more exciting with easy add-ons dogs love.
Hydration helps on hot days. Gut-first nutrition helps every day.
Kismet’s complete & balanced dog food is clinically proven to improve gut health in 45 days, with real protein, prebiotics, probiotics, and freeze-dried Nugs in every bag. Shop Kismet Clinically Proven Food.
