what to do with dogs in hot weather

Imagine you’re in your Miami apartment, grabbing your keys to take your 1-year-old Pit Bull mix, Max, for a walk—you step outside, and the 98°F heat hits you like a wall. Max paws at the door, excited, but you notice his tongue is already slightly hanging out, and you hesitate: “Is this too hot for him? What do I even do with dogs in hot weather?” For new U.S. dog owners, especially in Southern states where summer heatwaves are brutal, this question is vital—keeping Max safe isn’t just about comfort; it’s about preventing life-threatening heat exhaustion.

First, let’s break down why hot weather is so risky for dogs: Unlike humans, dogs only sweat through their paw pads and cool down by panting. When the air is too hot (over 85°F for most breeds), panting can’t keep up—their body temperature spikes fast, leading to heat exhaustion (signs like excessive drooling, wobbly legs, or refusal to move) or even heatstroke. My neighbor in Miami had a 6-month-old Beagle last summer; she took him for a 30-minute walk at 2 p.m., and he collapsed from heat exhaustion—luckily, a nearby vet saved him. Brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs or Pugs) are even more at risk, since their short noses make panting less effective. The science is clear: Hot weather means adjusting your routine, not pushing through.

Here’s how to keep your dog safe, whether you’re in an apartment or out: Start with walk timing—stick to early mornings (before 8 a.m.) or late evenings (after 7 p.m.) when temperatures drop. Test the pavement with your hand first: If it’s too hot for you to hold your palm down for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for Max’s paws (burns happen fast!). For apartment days, keep the AC on (even if you’re out—set it to 75°F) and give him a frozen Kong stuffed with peanut butter to lick. Add a pet-safe cooling mat to his bed—reward him with a tiny freeze-dried chicken treat when he lies on it; positive reinforcement makes him use it willingly, instead of avoiding it. Never scold him if he’s lazy—lethargy is his way of staying cool, and punishment stresses him out (against U.S. animal welfare norms). If you have a balcony, don’t leave him there alone—glass and concrete trap heat, turning it into a “hot box.”

Don’t let heat safety skip U.S. rules and community manners. Even as you keep Max cool, keep his rabies vaccine up to date—Florida requires dogs over 4 months old to have it, and fines go up to $250 if you skip it. If he overheats and needs a vet, they’ll ask for current records. When you do walk him, always carry biodegradable poop bags—Miami fines $150 for leaving waste behind, and it’s respectful to your neighbors. In apartment buildings, avoid letting Max play in shared laundry rooms or lobbies with no AC—other residents (and their pets) will appreciate it too. Never leave him in a parked car, even with windows cracked—temperatures can hit 120°F in 10 minutes, and it’s illegal in most U.S. states (fines up to $1,000, plus jail time in some cases).

At its core, handling dogs in hot weather is about putting their needs first. With smart timing, simple cooling hacks, and following local laws, you and Max can enjoy summer—whether you’re cuddling in your air-conditioned apartment or taking a slow evening walk. You don’t need fancy gear—just awareness, and knowing when to say “we’ll walk later.”