Protecting Your Dog from Summer Health Risks: Top Tips for Pet Parents
Georgia summers are no joke. With sweltering temperatures, high humidity, and scorching pavement, it’s not just humans who feel the heat — our dogs are at risk too. As a pet parent, your job gets even more important during the summer months. From heatstroke to parasites, there are several health risks that can affect your pup’s well-being.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top summer health threats for dogs and the smart, simple steps you can take to keep your furry friend cool, safe, and thriving — all summer long.
1. Heatstroke: The Silent Danger
Dogs don’t sweat like humans do. They rely on panting to regulate body temperature, which makes them far more susceptible to overheating. Heatstroke can come on fast — and it’s dangerous.
Warning Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs:
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Bright red gums or tongue
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Weakness, lethargy, or collapse
If you see any of these symptoms, get your dog to a cool area immediately, offer water, and contact your vet.
Prevention Tips:
- Avoid midday walks; stick to early mornings or evenings
- Provide shaded outdoor spaces
- Never leave your dog in a parked car — not even for a minute
- Always have fresh water available
2. Hydration Is Everything
Dehydration can sneak up on your dog quickly in the Georgia heat. Always bring water with you on walks, hikes, or trips to the park — especially if you’re headed somewhere like Roswell’s Big Creek trails or Smyrna’s dog-friendly outdoor markets.
Tips for Keeping Your Dog Hydrated:
- Use collapsible water bowls or bottles made for pets
- Add ice cubes to water for a cooling bonus
Try hydrating dog treats like frozen watermelon or ice cube pops with dog-safe ingredients
3. Hot Surfaces Burn Paws
Pavement, decks, and artificial turf can get dangerously hot in the summer. A good rule of thumb? Place your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.
How to Protect Their Paws:
- Walk on grass whenever possible
- Choose dog boots or paw wax if your walks must include pavement
- Stick to shaded paths or dirt trails in Alpharetta, Milton, and Duluth’s green spaces
Bonus Tip:
Keep your own yard safe and cool by scooping regularly — waste buildup can attract flies and raise surface temperatures. (Hint: That’s our specialty.)
4. Pesky Parasites Thrive in Summer
Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes — oh my. These bugs love the warm, humid Georgia climate and can transmit serious diseases like heartworm and Lyme disease.
Prevention Tips:
- Keep your dog on year-round flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives
- Avoid stagnant water sources
- Maintain your yard to reduce long grass and brush where ticks hide
- Schedule regular poop scooping (clean yards attract fewer pests!)
A clean yard isn’t just nice to look at — it’s one of the most effective ways to minimize parasite populations. That’s why our customers in Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, and Peachtree Corners rely on Clean Paws Scooping.
5. Sunburn? Yep, Dogs Can Get It Too
Light-colored or short-haired dogs are more prone to sunburn, especially on sensitive areas like the nose, ears, and belly.
Protection Tips:
- Use dog-safe sunscreen on exposed areas (never use human sunscreen!)
- Limit sun exposure between 10am–4pm
- Provide plenty of shaded areas for rest
Invest in a doggy sun shirt for long days outdoors
6. Food & Water Bowl Hygiene
Bacteria grow faster in summer, especially in outdoor bowls. Algae and mold can develop quickly in standing water or food remnants.
Keep Bowls Safe by:
- Washing food and water bowls daily
- Avoiding metal bowls that heat up in the sun
Pro Tip: Consider elevating outdoor bowls to prevent ants and grass contamination.
7. Yard Hazards You Might Overlook
Summer activities like barbecues and yard maintenance introduce new risks — from dropped skewers to toxic plants. Dogs are curious, and an unsupervised moment could turn dangerous.
Be on the lookout for:
- BBQ scraps like bones, corn cobs, or kebab sticks
- Mulch or fertilizer exposure
- Fireworks debris
Toxic plants like azaleas and lilies
Pro Tip: Doing a quick “dog-eye-level” sweep of the yard after each event can prevent problems before they start.
Final Thought: Let Your Dog Enjoy Summer — Safely
Summer can be full of fun, exploration, and lazy afternoons in the sun — as long as we’re mindful about safety. Keeping your pup cool, hydrated, and healthy doesn’t have to be hard, and the reward is a happy, energetic dog who’s free to enjoy the season with you.
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Clean Paws Scooping can help you protect your dog from parasites and heat-related risks by keeping your outdoor space fresh and waste-free.
