How to Manage the Boston Heat with Dogs: Keep Your Canine Safe This Summer

Summertime in Boston means sunshine, outdoor fun, and plenty of adventures with your dog! However, the hot and humid days can quickly become uncomfortable and even dangerous for our four-legged family members. Here's a few tips to manage the Boston heat with your dog.

Understanding Heat Risks for Dogs

Some dogs handle heat better than others. Short-nosed breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers, along with senior dogs, overweight pups, or those with health issues, can struggle significantly in the heat. Watch closely for signs of overheating such as heavy panting, excessive drooling, sluggishness, or unusual gum color. Knowing these symptoms will help you act fast and keep your dog healthy during Boston’s famously muggy summers!

When Is It Too Hot for a Dog in Boston?

As a general rule, once temperatures rise above 80°F, especially with high humidity, dogs are at increased risk. Hot pavement is another serious issue—heated asphalt can quickly burn sensitive paw pads. Try the 5-second hand test: if you can't comfortably keep your hand on the ground for a few seconds, it’s too hot for your pup’s paws.

Kyle at Peters Hill with Pearl, Bear & Henry

How Barkley’s Handles the Boston Heat With Our Dogs

At Barkley’s Pets, we have an intentional strategy for our summer walks! We love heading to the Arnold Arboretum at Peters Hill, where there’s ample shade, a refreshing breeze, and multiple dog-friendly water fountains. We regularly check pups' paws, shorten walks as needed, and transport our furry friends in air-conditioned vehicles, with the windows down slightly for fresh air and exciting city smells!

How To Help Your Pup Beat The Heat

Keep Dogs Cool

Hydration is key! Always bring along a portable water bottle and collapsible bowl on outings. At home, jazz up your dog's water bowl with ice cubes or a splash of low-sodium broth. Provide shaded outdoor spots, use cooling pads, and consider investing in a lightweight cooling vest or breathable harness to make summer outings more comfortable.

Choose the Best Walk Times During Boston Summers

Timing your walks is one of the simplest ways to protect your pup! Schedule longer walks early in the morning or later in the evening, ideally before 9 AM or after 6 PM, when temperatures are cooler and the sun isn't as strong. Also, keep an eye out for cloudy breaks or breezy periods during the day—these short windows can offer safer midday moments for a quick outing.

Fun Indoor Activities for Hot Days

When it's too hot to safely play outside, indoor activities can keep your dog entertained. Puzzle toys, games like hide-and-seek, and interactive feeders provide excellent indoor stimulation! Boston also has plenty of dog-friendly indoor spaces, such as pet cafés and indoor parks, where you and your pup can stay cool and have fun.

Cooling Treats and Simple Recipes

Frozen treats aren't just fun—they help your dog stay cool and hydrated during Boston's hottest days. Here are a few simple recipes to try at home:

• Frozen Broth Cubes – Mix any dog-safe liquid like unsalted low-sodium broth and freeze in ice cube trays for instant refreshment!

• Meat & Yogurt Freezer Cubes – Stir together grilled chicken, low-fat plain yogurt, a shredded carrot, and olive oil, then freeze in ice cube trays.

• ASPCA Banana‑Applesauce Pup Cakes – Blend ripe banana, unsweetened applesauce, wheat flour, baking soda, yogurt frosting, peanut butter, and honey for mini pup cakes.

• Homemade Dog Cookies – A baked recipe using whole‑wheat or oat flour, brown rice flour, oats, applesauce, egg, cheese, parsley, mint, and anise seed.

Fresh, local produce like strawberries or blueberries from Boston-area markets make tasty, nutritious additions to these treats!

Protecting Dog Paws from Hot Pavement

Hot pavement can quickly damage sensitive paw pads. Protective paw waxes or dog booties designed for hot surfaces offer reliable protection! Not all dogs tolerate booties well, so treat them as an option rather than a must-have. Slowly introduce booties indoors to help your dog adjust. In any case, applying paw balm regularly can help keep paw pads moisturized and more resilient against heat.

Grooming Tips for Hot Weather

Beignet at Peters Hill

Proper grooming helps dogs manage the heat, and different coat types need different care approaches:

• Double-coated breeds like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, or Newfoundlands should never be shaved. Instead, focus on regular brushing to remove undercoat and prevent matting, which can trap heat.

• Short-haired breeds like Beagles or Boxers benefit from regular brushing to remove loose hair and improve airflow to the skin.

• Curly or woolly-coated breeds like Poodles or Bichon Frisès should be trimmed routinely to avoid mats, especially around the belly and paws, which can affect cooling.

Schedule regular grooming sessions or brush your pup at home to keep their coat breathable and comfortable all summer long. (Remember to choose the correct dog  brush!)

What to Avoid

Never leave your dog alone in a parked car—even briefly—unless the engine is running with active cooling, fresh air flow, and supervision.  If you're running errands, it's always safer to leave your pup at home in a cool, comfortable space.

Also, avoid high-energy activities like fetch, long runs, or intense play during peak heat hours (typically 10 AM–4 PM). Instead, opt for short potty breaks in shaded areas and reserve more vigorous activity for early mornings or late evenings. Monitor your dog closely for signs of fatigue or overheating during any outdoor time.

Emergency Steps if Your Dog Overheats

If your dog shows signs of heat distress:

• Immediately move them to a cool or shaded spot.

• Apply cool (not cold) wet towels to their neck, underarms, and groin.

• Using a fan to blow cool air on them.

• If symptoms persist, quickly seek veterinary help or visit a local emergency center.

  
  

Millie, Beau, Hank & Milo enjoying group sniffs!

Enjoying a Safe Boston Summer

With these tips, you and your pup can safely enjoy Boston’s warm months! Keep an eye out for overheating signs, prepare with cooling gear and activities, and share these helpful tips with your fellow dog lovers. Let’s ensure every Boston pup enjoys a fun, safe summer!

Have a favorite shady trail or a summer safety tip of your own? We’d love to hear from you—join the conversation in the comments below!

Want your pup to enjoy safe, enriching walks with new friends? Check out our dog walking services!