Hot Weather, Happy Paws: Keeping Your Dog Safe in the Heat

When the temperature climbs, our furry friends face some serious risks.From burned paw pads to heatstroke, dogs can struggle in summer more than we realise.

But while most owners know the basics—don’t leave dogs in hot cars, keep them hydrated, and avoid midday walks—there’s another hidden summer danger most pet owners completely overlook:

💩 Dog waste left in your garden.

That’s right. In hot weather, dog poop isn’t just an eyesore—it can become a serious health risk for both dogs and humans.

In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn:

• How to keep your dog safe, cool, and healthy during the hot months

• Why dog waste becomes more dangerous in the heat

• How Puppy Pal’s pooper scooper service is helping families across Surrey stay safe, clean, and stress-free all summer long

Let’s get into it.

PART 1: SUMMER HEAT AND YOUR DOG – WHAT EVERY OWNER NEEDS TO KNOW

☀️ How Heat Affects Dogs

Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat through their skin. They cool down mainly by panting and a little through the pads of their feet. This makes it harder for them to regulate body temperature—especially in hot, humid conditions.

Common summer risks include:

• Heatstroke

• Burned paw pads

• Dehydration

• Sunburn (yes, dogs can get it too!)

• 
  

🐶 Breeds Most at Risk

Some dogs are more sensitive to heat than others:

• Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus

• Thick-coated breeds like Huskies and Newfoundlands

• Older dogs and puppies

• Dogs with existing health conditions

If your dog falls into one of these groups, you’ll need to take extra care in the warmer months.

PART 2: 10 ESSENTIAL TIPS TO KEEP YOUR DOG SAFE IN HOT WEATHER

1. 🕒 Walk Early or Late

Avoid walks between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its peak. Early morning or late evening is cooler and safer for their paws and lungs.

2. 🚫 Skip the Asphalt Test? Think Again.

Before walking your dog, place your palm on the pavement for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pup’s paws.

3. 💧 Always Bring Water

Hydration is critical. Carry a water bottle and portable dog bowl wherever you go. Bonus tip: try frozen dog-safe treats like watermelon cubes!

4. 🏖️ Watch for Heatstroke Signs

Signs include:

• Excessive panting

• Drooling

• Lethargy or wobbliness

• Vomiting

• Bright red gums

If you spot these, act fast—cool them with wet towels, move them to shade, and call your vet.

5. 🏡 Create Shade in the Garden

If your dog spends time outside, make sure there’s a shaded area available at all times.

6. 🧊 Offer Cool Treats

Frozen peanut butter (xylitol-free), carrots, or commercial dog popsicles can keep dogs happy and cool.

7. 🌊 Use a Cooling Mat or Kiddie Pool

Set up a shallow kiddie pool or cooling mat under a shady tree. It’s a safe way for dogs to regulate their body temperature.

8. ✂️ Groom Smart—But Don’t Shave!

Trimming helps airflow, but shaving can expose their skin to sunburn. Check with a groomer before going short.

9. 🚘 Never Leave Dogs in Cars

Even for “just a minute.” Car temperatures can rise over 40°C in less than 10 minutes. Every year, dogs die this way.

10. 🧴 Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Yes, dogs can get sunburnt—especially on noses and ears. Use pet-safe sunscreen for light-coated dogs or breeds with exposed skin.

PART 3: THE GARDEN DANGER NOBODY TALKS ABOUT

💩 When Dog Waste Gets Dangerous in the Heat

Most people don’t realise this, but dog waste is classified as an environmental pollutant—same category as oil spills and toxic chemicals.

In fact, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dog waste can carry parasites, bacteria, and viruses that contaminate soil and water.

In hot weather, these problems multiply:

• Bacteria spreads faster in warm, damp conditions

• Smell intensifies, attracting flies and pests

• Parasites hatch sooner, including roundworms and hookworms

• Waste dries out, breaking into smaller particles that get tracked inside on shoes or paws

Add to that: dogs are more likely to explore their gardens in summer—meaning more risk of exposure, especially for kids and curious pups.

PART 4: WHY DIY SCOOPING DOESN’T CUT IT IN SUMMER

You might think, “It’s just poop, I can clean it myself.”

But the truth is, most owners underestimate the volume and hazard, especially in multi-dog households.

• Scooping every day is hard to keep up with

• Waste gets missed in tall summer grass

• Not all areas are safe to reach (e.g. behind sheds or under decking)

PART 5: ENTER PUPPY PAL – YOUR SUMMER HERO 🧼🐾\

That’s where Puppy Pal steps in.

We offer professional, discreet pooper scooper services for homes, flats, and businesses across Surrey—so you can enjoy a safe, clean garden without lifting a finger.

What We Do:

✅ Weekly or bi-weekly dog waste removal

✅ Affordable plans for single or multi-dog homes

✅ Fully equipped staff—no mess left behind

✅ Sanitisation options available

✅ Flexible scheduling around your routine

We’re not just about convenience. We’re about health, hygiene, and peace of mind.

Because you didn’t get a dog to spend summer stressing about poop.

You got one to enjoy more moments like this:

• Chilling in a clean garden with a glass of something cold

• Watching your kids and pets play in a safe space

• Hosting BBQs without worrying about ‘that smell’

• Actually relaxing on the weekends

PART 6: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DOG WASTE IN SUMMER

Q: Is dog waste really that dangerous in hot weather?

Yes. It can contain E. coli, salmonella, giardia, and parasites. Heat helps these pathogens multiply quickly.

Q: How often should I remove dog waste?

Ideally daily in summer—but that’s hard to keep up with. That’s why Puppy Pal’s weekly pooper scooper service is such a game-changer.

Q: Can dog poop damage my lawn?

Definitely. It can burn grass, attract pests, and kill patches. In warm weather, damage happens even faster.

Q: Will Puppy Pal clean up missed or old waste?

Yes! On your first visit, we do a full garden sweep, even if it hasn’t been cleaned for weeks.

PART 7: CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT – CLEAN GARDENS, HAPPY OWNERS

“We’re a two-dog family, and in summer the smell used to be unbearable…”

“After just one visit from Puppy Pal, the garden felt totally different. They cleaned up every hidden spot- even behind the bushes - and now we can actually enjoy the space again. We’ve booked them for the entire summer.” (Amanda, Weybridge)

“With two kids and a dog, we just didn’t have the time…”

“It was honestly such a relief to hand it off to someone else. The best part? No more arguing about who’s on ‘poop duty.’” (Jon & Ellie, Thames Ditton)

PART 8: FINAL THOUGHTS – SUMMER SAFETY STARTS AT GROUND LEVEL

You love your dog. You keep them cool, hydrated, and protected. But your job isn’t done until you’ve tackled what’s underfoot.

Because in summer, your garden can go from a safe haven to a bacteria bomb—unless you stay ahead of the waste.

And you don’t have to do it alone.

Puppy Pal is here to help with:

• Reliable pooper scooper service

• Hygienic dog waste removal in Surrey

• Flexible, affordable options to fit every household

So you and your dog can make the most of the sunshine—without the stink.

📞 Ready for a Cleaner, Safer Summer?

Don't wait until the flies show up.

👉 Book your first Puppy Pal visit today

✅ Professional pooper scooper service

✅ Weekly and bi-weekly plans

✅ Safe dog waste removal in Surrey

Click here to schedule your first clean-up.