How to Have a Safe and Fun Summer With Your Dog

Summer in Philadelphia is the perfect time to get outside and make memories with your dog. Whether you’re exploring local parks, planning a weekend road trip, enjoying a backyard barbecue, or planning a trip to the beach, the season offers countless opportunities for fun with your four-legged family member. As a Philadelphia pet photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how much dogs love summer adventures—but the warmer months also bring unique challenges, from staying cool in the heat to navigating holiday celebrations and dog-friendly vacation/travel plans. In this guide, you’ll find practical summer safety tips for dogs, ensuring you and your dog will be able to make the most of every sunny day together.

Keeping Your Pup Cool 

Adjusting your normal walk schedule might be your best bet. Usually, I find it best to schedule all of my dog’s walks in the early morning or in the evening, avoiding the worst of the midday sun. If it’s a really hot day, let them do a lot of sniffing whilst on the walk. Sniffing is a great way to get a decent amount of energy out, without using up too much physical exertion. You can also tie a wet bandana around their necks, or set up a kiddie pool or sprinkler in the backyard to keep them cool throughout a hot summer day. 

When on a walk, be mindful of the surfaces you walk on. A basic rule of thumb for keeping your dog safe and cool during the extreme summer heat is the 5-second asphalt rule. If you place your hand or foot on the bare asphalt/ground for about 5 seconds and it’s too hot and painful for you, then it’s definitely too hot for any pets. Asphalt can heat up rather quickly and start to blister against your dog’s paw, so it’s always important to keep the temperature in mind during the excruciating summer heat waves. For reference, if it’s anywhere from 75-87 degrees Fahrenheit, asphalt temperatures can reach up to 125-143 degrees! If, while on a walk, your pet starts marching or picking their paws up higher than normal, it could mean their paws are getting overheated, and it’s best to head back inside. If your pet’s paws do start to get overheated or burned, quickly take them back inside to rinse off the paws with slow-running, cool water. For added protection, you can also rub a pet-safe healing balm, like the natural ingredient Pet Paw and Nose Balm from Little Mac’s Snax. If they still seem to feel uncomfortable, consult your veterinarian. 

If your pup is a big fan of water and swimming, there are some key things to keep in mind to ensure they have the absolute best and safest water day. Check local notices for Algae blooms or bacteria. Always keep an eye on them near any body of water and never leave them unsupervised. Not all dogs are natural swimmers, and even if they are, anything could happen; and it’s better to be safe and diligent, rather than sorry. Keep a close eye and ensure they don’t ingest too much chlorinated / salt water or any harmful algae blooms. It can be easy to let time get away from us when we are having fun, but be sure to limit their swimming time and keep them constantly supplied with clean, fresh water to drink. Consider the toys you’re using as well, like tennis balls that will soak up the water. There are a ton of great toys designed specifically for water play- bonus, they float!

Grooming is another way to keep your pup cool during the hot summer months. Trimming your long-haired dog is always a plus, but veterinarians advise owners against completely shaving them. The layer of fur protects the dog from overheating and any potential sunburn issues. If you are concerned about sun damage or insects, you can always apply pet-labelled sunscreen or insect repellent to keep them safe during walks or even exploring your own backyard!

Best Summer Treats 

Summer sweet treats aren’t meant for just humans to enjoy; your dogs deserve a fun, yummy reward too! If you’re looking for a doggie-safe ice cream, there are endless options! Retailers like Purina, Dogsters, and even Ben & Jerry’s make dog-safe ice cream cups that you can buy online and in-store for your pup to enjoy. Alternatively, if you’re a DIY dog mom and love making treats from scratch, there are endless, easy recipes for you! Simply combine plain yogurt and any additional flavors (strawberries, bananas, oatmeal, honey, peanut butter, etc.) to make a fun flavor and freeze. Gemma’s Bigger Bolder Baking has some great flavor combination recipes to check out! If you’re looking to have a cute ice cream date with your pup in the city, definitely check out our Philadelphia Dog-Friendly Ice Cream Guide!

Some other easy cool-down treat options are placing frozen cubes of yogurt, peanut butter, etc., inside their kongs to cool them down, while keeping them occupied for a little while. Or we found a Pupsicle treat-dispensing toy that you can keep in the freezer, and whenever you’re ready to utilize it, you just place any treat (milk bones, calming treats, etc.) inside the ball and can throw it around for them to play with! 

Another great outdoor summer date idea to go on with your beloved pup is to have a cute watermelon picnic! Watermelon is a great, hydrating, and healthy snack for dogs! Pack some up and find a relaxing spot to enjoy with one another while enjoying the beauty of summer in Philadelphia. If you’re searching for a dog-friendly park, you can find some of my personal favorites in our Dog Photographer’s Guide to Philadelphia. 

Tips for a Relaxing Vacation 

I hate leaving my pup at home, so I frequently take my dog on mini-vacays and road trips during the summer months. Over the years, I’ve accumulated some tips and hacks that have made our travels go a lot more smoothly. Preparation is key. Before departing on the road trip, try to tire them out with a long walk earlier in the day. If that isn’t enough and you want to make sure they are comfortable for the ride, I sometimes give my anxious pup a Benadryl or Trazodone, prescribed by our Vet around one to two hours before the car ride to help her relax. Sometimes, a simple solution of a weighted blanket can be the answer to my anxious dog’s and my prayers! 

For the actual journey itself, make them as comfortable as possible. I usually set up a hard-bottom/seat extending dog seat cover for the backseat, which creates a kind of makeshift platform for the pups, so they have more of a support system and platform to sit on. Sitting or standing on the backseat can feel a little unstable, especially for bigger dogs. Sometimes, my dog prefers relaxing in the hatchback/trunk area, rather than the backseat, so I always make sure to keep the trunk as clear as possible in case that’s her preference that day. Even better would be a car-sized kennel for them. I try to time frequent stops throughout the road trip, usually equating to about 1 stop per hour, so they have the chance to go to the bathroom, sniff around, and stretch. Lastly, my most important go-to tip is to always know the nearest emergency veterinarian’s location closest to where you will be staying. That way, in case of emergency, you’re not trying to Google search to find one; you already have one in your notes/contacts!

At-Home Pet Tips 

Unfortunately, even staying at home does not guarantee a safe space from loud noises. I’m sure we’ve all had to experience our pup feeling anxious or uncomfortable due to fireworks throughout the summer. If you know instances where there will definitely be a fireworks display near your home, like on the Fourth of July, make sure you let your dog out to go potty earlier in the day, before all of the loud booms start and startle them. If you’re taking them on a walk, ensure that they are leashed and their collar fits securely, accompanied by all of their up-to-date tags in case they manage to accidentally slip out after becoming spooked. If everyone is safe and inside, give your pup any veterinarian-prescribed anti-anxiety medication, cover them with a weighted blanket, and try to mask the noise with a distracting TV. For instance, my dog loves a good Jurassic Park marathon on 98 volume every Fourth of July weekend; that’s just her personal preference! You can also check out and try a noise-cancelling product, like the Rex Spec’s Ear Pro.

If you have an at-home garden, always make sure to double-check that anything you plant is safe for your pets! Some plants and veggies can be harmful to your dog and can cause major issues. Always make sure to keep an eye out for your pup while they’re outside near any plants and try to prevent any unwanted issues by identifying what is in your backyard, or even just simply around your neighborhood.

Summer has a way of creating the moments we’ll remember long after the season ends—muddy paws after a hike, sandy noses at the beach, backyard naps in the shade, and endless games of fetch under the evening sky. By taking a few extra precautions and planning, you can help your dog stay safe, comfortable, and ready for every adventure. Most importantly, don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the little moments together. After all, our dogs are only with us for a part of our lives, but for them, we’re their whole world. Here’s to a summer filled with wagging tails, happy memories, and plenty of time spent with your best friend.

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