Dog Days of Summer: How to Keep Dogs Safe During a Heat Wave
When the temperatures climb and the sun is blazing, we all feel it—but dogs feel it faster. Whether you’re a brewery owner with a bustling patio, a dog trainer working outdoors, or a landscaper who brings your furry assistant along, hot weather safety for dogs is something every dog-friendly business needs to take seriously.
At Pet Waste Wranglers, we’re all about helping businesses create cleaner, safer environments for their customers and their pets. And with this summer’s heat wave in full swing, we’re sharing essential tips to help you protect the pups in your care—from paw burns to dehydration and everything in between.
☀️ Why Hot Weather Is Risky for Dogs
Unlike humans, dogs can’t cool down by sweating. They rely mostly on panting—and when it’s too hot, their bodies can’t regulate temperature fast enough. That can lead to overheating, dehydration, paw injuries, and even heatstroke.
As a dog-friendly business, keeping pets safe in the heat isn’t just the kind thing to do—it’s a great way to build trust with your customers and keep them coming back.
✅ 5 Simple Ways to Keep Dogs Safe in Hot Weather
1. Provide Plenty of Shade
Whether it’s a brewery patio or training yard, shade should be a top priority. Umbrellas, tents, shade sails, or natural tree cover all help give dogs (and their humans) a break from direct sun.
💡 Bonus Tip: Portable canopy tents are an easy, affordable option for pop-up shade that you can move as needed.
2. Make Water Freely Available
Hydration is everything. Always have fresh, clean water available—especially during events, outdoor work sessions, or busy hours.
🐶 Choose stainless steel or ceramic bowls—they stay cooler than plastic and are easier to sanitize.
3. Protect Those Paws
Sidewalks, asphalt, patios, and decking heat up fast. If it’s too hot for your bare hand, it’s too hot for paws. Encourage guests to use grassy areas, and try to schedule dog-friendly activities for early mornings or evenings when the ground is cooler.
👣 Rule of Thumb: Place the back of your hand on the ground for 5 seconds. Too hot? It’s time to shift to shade or grass.
4. Recognize Signs of Heat Stress
Educate your team to spot heat-related distress in dogs. Common signs include:
- Heavy panting
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy or weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Bright red or pale gums
If a dog shows these signs, encourage the owner to seek immediate shade, water, and vet care if needed.
5. Time It Right
If you host events or work outdoors with pets, consider adjusting your schedule. Midday sun (10am–4pm) is the most intense. Early morning or evening hours are safer and more comfortable for everyone involved.
☀️ Bonus: It’s also better for customer turnout—no one loves sweating through their IPA or training session.
💩 One Last Thing… Don’t Forget the Poop
It’s easy to overlook, but pet waste becomes a much bigger problem in the heat. In warm weather, poop breaks down faster, creating stronger odors and attracting flies and bacteria—none of which belong near your business or guests.
At Pet Waste Wranglers, we specialize in keeping your outdoor areas poop-free, fresh-smelling, and guest-ready. We work with breweries, cafés, trainers, and other dog-loving spaces to handle the mess discreetly and professionally.
Let us deal with the dirty work—so you can focus on creating great experiences.
