June 4, 2025 (AUSTIN, Texas)—While summer technically begins on June 20, pet owners don't need to wait until then to take the weather seriously. Thrive Pet Healthcare reminds dog owners that even moderate temperatures can become hazardous for dogs depending on their size, breed, age, and health condition.
To help dog owners protect their dogs during warmer months, Thrive Pet Healthcare provides a
simple chart that shows when it is advisable to take their dogs out and when indoor play is recommended.
"Pet owners may underestimate how quickly dogs can overheat, even in temperatures considered comfortable to people," says Dr. Tony Coronado, Vice President of Emergency Medicine at Thrive Pet Healthcare. "The chart helps identify when the risk of walking, playing, or exercising dogs outside is higher."
According to Thrive’s heat guideline chart, temperatures as low as 75°F can pose a potential risk for dogs. Extra caution is especially important for high-risk pets, including obese dogs, brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs and Pugs, senior dogs, and puppies under six months old, all of whom are significantly more vulnerable to heat-related issues. However, the risk can be reduced with access to shade and plenty of fresh water. Keep in mind that if your pet is not acclimated to the summer heat, even “safe” temperatures can be dangerous.
"Extreme heat emergencies can strike suddenly and quickly become life-threatening," Dr. Coronado said. "Understanding when it gets too hot and being able to act fast are key to avoiding tragedies."
Thrive Pet Healthcare provides further advice for the safety of dogs during warm weather:
Pavement Check: Touch the pavement with your hand for five seconds to check the temperature. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog's paws.
Timing: Exercise dogs during the cooler, early morning or evening hours and limit activity during midday.
Hydration: Provide water for your dogs and take frequent breaks.
Shady Walks: Wherever possible, opt for shaded, tree-lined paths.
Indoor Options: Try indoor doggy daycare, training sessions, or dog-friendly, indoor venues.
Dogs with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, breathing difficulties, and age-related susceptibility are at greater risk of developing heatstroke.
Dogs experiencing heatstroke or heat exhaustion may exhibit lethargy, excessive panting, dark red gums, and collapse. Any of these symptoms requires immediate veterinary attention.
If your dog appears overheated after exercise, cool it slowly by gently applying lukewarm water to its stomach and the inside of its groin and armpit areas. Then, seek immediate veterinary care.
“Pet safety during the summer is all about awareness and action,” Dr. Coronado said. “Preventative care through routine veterinary visits, understanding risk factors, and being savvy about outdoor activities will make our four-legged family members healthy and safe this summer and beyond.”
Visit
thrivepetcare.com to find a location near you that offers primary, specialty, emergency, and urgent veterinary care services, as well as participating Thrive Plus membership hospitals.
