How to keep your dog cool during Atlanta's long, hot summer
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Kristal's dog Hannah takes a break in the shade after running around in the park for 10 minutes. Photo: Kristal Dixon/Axios
Last week's heat wave won't be the only one we'll experience this year, so now is the time to brush up on how to keep your pups safe during the summer.
Why it matters: Like us, our four-legged loved ones can overheat. Since dogs are people-pleasers, they can exert themselves beyond what's healthy just to keep their humans happy.
What they're saying: Kacey Joseph, a veterinarian with VCA Animal Hospitals, told Axios dogs have a hard time slowing down.
- "They love to keep us happy," she said, "and we like to hang out with them. So, they will stay out as long as we would like."
Zoom in: If your dog is like Kristal's Hannah and tends to pull a little on walks, signs that they are overheating could include your dog walking closer to your or even behind you, Joseph said.
- "Some dogs will go ahead and walk quickly in between the shaded trees and then lay down in the tree-shaded spot to try to cool themselves down," she said.
- Dogs also pant to cool themselves, but if you notice they are panting earlier than they normally do on your walks, that's a sign they could be overheating.
The intrigue: Joseph also said dogs "don't always have the best instinct" to drink water when they are hot or thirsty.
- In this case, it's best to not force them to drink, but allow them to find a cool surface where they can stretch out and cool off.
- You can place a bowl of water nearby in case they want to hydrate.
- You can also pour cool or lukewarm water on a dog's back to help them cool off faster. (Kristal tried this with Hannah after a walk and she didn't object.)
Threat level: The 2025 summer temperature outlook shows Atlanta has a 40% chance of the season being hotter than average, according to the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center.
- With that in mind, Joseph said challenging your dog's brain and nose indoors can help burn off extra energy.
- A 10-minute training session with simple commands can equate to a dog expending the same amount of energy they would on a one-mile walk, Joseph added.
- You can also buy things like sniff mats where dogs can hunt for treats (or portions of uneaten food).
- Or, sprinkle treats or food inside an old towel. Roll it up, tie it in a knot and give it to your dog to unravel.
The bottom line: It's best to walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest parts of the day. This can help prevent overheating, as well as the hot pavement damaging your dog's paws.
- If your dog needs a potty break during the day, take them out long enough for them to do their business and bring them back inside.