10 Things to Do With Your Dog During a Heat Wave
When temperatures soar, keeping your dog safe becomes the top priority. While many dogs still want to run, play, and explore, hot pavement and high temperatures can quickly become dangerous. Heat exhaustion and burned paw pads are very real risks, especially for thick-coated breeds like my German Shepherd, Nova.
The good news? There are plenty of fun ways to keep your dog cool, mentally stimulated, and entertained without risking their health.
Here are my favorite ways to beat the heat with your pup!
1. Visit a Dog-Friendly Beach 🌊
This is hands down my favorite summer activity.
If you’re lucky enough to live near a dog-friendly beach, take advantage of it! Nova and Turbo absolutely live for beach days. They loves splashing through the waves, digging in the sand, and cooling off in the water.
Just remember to:
- Bring plenty of fresh drinking water.
- Take breaks in the shade.
- Avoid the hottest part of the afternoon.
- Rinse your dog off afterward to remove salt or sand.
If your dog enjoys swimming, this is one of the best ways to exercise them while staying cool.
2. Find a Private Swimming Spot with Sniffspot
If you have a reactive dog like Nova, crowded beaches and dog parks aren’t always enjoyable.
That’s why I love Sniffspot. It allows you to rent private yards, fields, and even swimming areas where your dog can safely run and play without worrying about other dogs.
It’s a fantastic option for dogs who need space or simply enjoy a quieter adventure.
3. Rent a Pool Through Swimply
Did you know you can rent someone’s backyard pool by the hour?
Swimply is basically Airbnb for swimming pools—and many hosts welcome dogs!
It’s an awesome way to cool off together while giving your pup a safe place to swim and burn energy without the crowds.
➡️ Try Swimply here for $25 towards your 1st swim: https://swimply.com/referral?ref=Njc5Njgx&r=g&utm_source=link&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=679681
4. Set Up an Outdoor Water Fountain
One of Nova’s absolute favorite summer toys is her outdoor water fountain.
She can chase the water, splash around, and entertain herself for ages while staying cool.
If your dog enjoys water, I can’t recommend this enough!
👉 Outdoor Water Fountain:
https://amzn.to/459HPiB
5. Add a Dog Pool (and Maybe a Splash Pad!)
A simple dog pool can provide hours of entertainment.
Whether your dog likes to splash, lay in cool water, or dunk their toys, it’s a great investment during hot weather.
For even more fun, consider adding a splash pad.
Dog Pool:
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Dog Splash Pad:
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6. Save Walks for Dawn and Dusk
This is one of the most important tips.
During a heat wave, limit walks to early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
Before heading out, always do the 7-second pavement test:
Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can’t comfortably hold it there for seven seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Remember that asphalt can be much hotter than the air temperature.
7. Make Frozen Treats with Puzzle Bowls or Lick Mats
Frozen enrichment is one of the easiest ways to keep dogs occupied indoors.
Spread plain Greek yogurt, pumpkin, peanut butter (xylitol-free), or canned dog food onto a lick mat, then freeze it.
Not only does it cool your dog down, but licking is naturally calming.
My favorite lick mat:
https://amzn.to/4fkImUG
8. Challenge Their Brain with Indoor Puzzle Toys
Mental exercise can tire dogs out just as much as physical exercise.
Food puzzles keep your dog engaged, encourage problem-solving, and help prevent boredom on days when it’s simply too hot to be outside.
One I recommend:
https://amzn.to/4pHQPVw
9. Practice Indoor Training Sessions
Heat waves are the perfect excuse to brush up on obedience or teach new tricks.
Spend 5–10 minutes working on commands like:
- Stay
- Place
- Spin
- Shake
- Leave it
Keep training fun and reward your dog with tasty treats.
These are some of my favorite training treats:
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10. Grab a Pup Cup!
Sometimes the simplest outings are the most fun.
Head to your local ice cream or coffee shop and surprise your pup with a pup cup. Nova and Turbo get so excited every single time we pull into the drive-thru—it has become one of our favorite summer traditions.
Just remember that pup cups should be an occasional treat, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Final Thoughts
A heat wave doesn’t have to mean a boring week for your dog. With a little creativity, you can keep them cool, safe, and entertained while avoiding dangerous temperatures.
Whether you’re planning a beach adventure, renting a private pool, freezing enrichment treats, or simply enjoying a pup cup together, your dog will appreciate the extra fun without the risk of overheating.
What does your dog love doing during hot weather? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas to try with Nova!
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