The Dog Days of Summer: 
Why Warm Weather Wellness Matters for Your Pup

Summer is here! The season of sun-soaked hikes, backyard barbecues, and all the tennis balls your pup can chase. It’s a magical time for dogs and humans alike—but as we slather on sunscreen and hydrate like it's our job, our favorite canine companions need special care too.

By: Chef Justine Kelly

Date: May 28, 2025

Summer is here! The season of sun-soaked hikes, backyard barbecues, and all the tennis balls your pup can chase. It’s a magical time for dogs and humans alike—but as we slather on sunscreen and hydrate like it's our job, our favorite canine companions need special care too.

 

But as temperatures rise, so do the health considerations for dogs. From heat safety to extra hydration, flea prevention to mental enrichment, summer offers unique opportunities and challenges for your pup’s wellness. Whether you’ve got a sun-worshipping senior, a splash-happy Lab, or a bulldog who’s more into the AC than the SPF, here’s why hot season care matters—and how to make the most of the summer months together. :)

Hydration Station

Did you know most cats and dogs are made up of about 70% water? On average, that’s about 10% more than the average human, so keeping up the liquid intake should be top tier ritual status (bipeds and quadrupeds alike—it’s hot out there, people!). According to veterinarians, hydration is vital to overall health by transporting nutrients around the body, supporting healthy organ function, flushing out toxins, easing digestion, balancing energy levels, maintaining the elasticity of skin cells, and more. But sometimes it can be hard to take a break and chug a glass of agua. Same goes for our pets.  To make sure we keep our furry loved ones hydrated from the inside out, toss them some Puppops! They get nutrition boost and cooling hydration all at the same time to keep things balanced.

Dogs Feel the Heat Differently

Unlike us, dogs don’t sweat through their skin. They primarily regulate body temperature by panting and, to a lesser degree, through their paw pads. That means they’re more prone to overheating, especially breeds with short snouts (like pugs, bulldogs, and boxers), thick coats (hello, huskies!), or other health concerns.

Signs of overheating in dogs include:

  • Excessive panting
  • Lethargy
  • Drooling
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Collapse

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), heatstroke can occur in just 15 minutes in extreme conditions—and it can be fatal if untreated (AKC, 2023). That’s why summer wellness starts with heat awareness.

 

Pro tip: Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are a tad cooler, and always do the “five-second test” on the pavement. If it’s too hot for the BACK of your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.

Hydration Is Everything 

(Especially When It's Hot Enough to Fry an Egg on the Sidewalk)

You know that sluggish, parched, “I need a drink and a nap” feeling you get on a sweltering day? Dogs get that too—only they can’t open the fridge or ask for a LaCroix. Hydration isn’t just a nice-to-have in summer—it’s the cornerstone of canine health! Most people know that dogs primarily cool themselves by panting, but did you know they lose moisture every time they do it? Combine that with higher activity levels and increased exposure to heat, and you’ve got a recipe for dehydration if you're not proactive.

 

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, a dog needs about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day—but that amount can increase significantly with heat, exercise, or diet (PPH, 2022). So your 40-pound pup might need upwards of 50 ounces or more on hot days. For those of you too lazy to do the conversion, that's more than 6 cups every day! ;)

Here’s how to keep your pup hydrated and happy:
  1. Always provide access to fresh, cool water—indoors and out. On hot days, check bowls often, especially after walks, hikes, or playtime at the park.
  2. Add water to their meals. Mix a little bone broth or water into kibble or sprinkle some on top of wet food to boost moisture.
  3. Offer dog-safe hydrating snacks like cucumber slices, seedless watermelon chunks, and even plain ice cubes can be refreshing.
  4. Use a collapsible water bowl when you're out adventuring. They’re lightweight and perfect for park days, road trips, or beach visits.
  5. Consider moisture-rich diets. Wet food, raw, or gently cooked meals often contain higher water content than dry kibble. 

...And for a super cool (and ridiculously easy) hydration win?

Treat your pup to a hydrating Puppops frozen supplement!
Puppops are specifically designed to support hydration in addition to the functional purpose of each pop. They’re packed with good-for-them and hydrating ingredients like grass-fed bone broth, organic fruits, and nutritious veggies. 

 

Unlike DIY frozen treats that require planning, prep, and can be expensive when sourcing high-quality functional ingredients—Puppops are dosed, ready-to-eat, and conveniently stored in your freezer. Hand one over on a hot afternoon for instant tail wags, "trick" a dog who rarely drinks enough water on their own, or quickly cool down a pup after exercise and play on a hot summer day!

Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes–Oh My!

Summer isn’t just beach weather—it’s bug weather. Warmer temperatures bring out pests that love to nibble on your dog, and some of them carry diseases like Lyme (from ticks), heartworms (from mosquitoes), and tapeworm (from fleas). Make sure your pup is protected with a vet-approved parasite prevention plan. Whether it’s oral meds, topical treatments, or collars, consistency is key. According to the CDC, heartworm cases are found in all 50 states, and instances spike in summer due to increased mosquito activity in warm months (CDC, 2023).

 

Pro tip: Keep grass trimmed short, avoid areas with stagnant water, and check your dog daily for ticks—especially if you’ve been out hiking.

Physical Activity That Fits the Weather

Summer is a prime time for outdoor play, but just like you wouldn’t run a marathon at noon in August, your dog needs safe, weather-appropriate exercise.

 

Some fun and safe summer activities include:

  • Swimming at local watering holes (especially for breeds like Labs, Goldens, or Newfies)
  • Indoor fetch in a cool space
  • Puzzle toys or treat-dispensing games
  • Early-morning trail hikes
  • Doggy playdates in shaded yards or dog parks

Exercise is crucial for a dog’s physical and mental health, but during summer, it’s important to adapt. If your pup loves water, let them splash around in a kiddie pool or hose off together. If they’re more of a shade-dweller, enrichment toys inside with the AC running can be just as valuable.

 

Pro tip: Try a cooling vest or wet bandana for longer outdoor sessions—just be sure to monitor and re-wet as needed.

Nutrition That Supports Summer Wellness

Just like you might crave lighter, cooler meals in the summer, your dog’s diet can also benefit from seasonal tweaks. 

 

While you should always consult your vet before making changes, here are a few general tips:

  • Hydrating foods like raw veggies (carrots, cucumbers, green beans) can supplement hydration
  • Omega-3s from healthy oils help with itchy, dry summer skin. The algal oil in One Fish, Two Fish has a perfect omega boost!
  • Frozen supplements like Puppops offer enrichment, hydration and cooling support all-in-one

Healthy treats = happy tails! :)

Don’t Forget the Mental Enrichment

When it’s too hot to romp around outdoors, boredom can set in fast. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise—especially for high-energy or working breeds.

 

Try:

  • Enrichment feeders like Woof's Pupsicle. PS: YES, our Puppops frozen supplements fit in this popular enrichment toy! 
  • Frozen Puppops-stuffed KONGs
  • Scent games or hide-and-seek indoors
  • Basic training refreshers (always a good time to work on “leave it!”)

Enrichment isn’t just for rainy days—it keeps your pup sharp, satisfied, and less likely to chew on your sandals. 🙂

 

Pro tip: Rotate toys weekly to keep things fresh and exciting.

Summer = Travel Time

If you’re planning a summer getaway, don’t forget to prep for your pup too. Whether you’re road-tripping to a cabin or jetting to a beach town, your dog’s wellness goes with them.

Be sure to bring:

  • A pet first aid kit
  • Their usual food (avoid tummy upsets!)
  • Copies of vaccination records
  • Updated ID tags and microchip info
  • A comfy travel crate or seatbelt harness

Some dogs love to travel while others prefer their own backyard. Knowing your dog’s personality helps you plan a summer trip they’ll actually enjoy. If your dog gets anxious on in planes, trains, and automobiles, our anti-anxiety frozen supplement, Chill Pill, is the perfect travel companion to help soothe your nervous nelly's nervous belly!

Finally, Let’s Make Summer Sweet, Safe, and Special! :)

Summer with your dog should be full of tail wags, muddy paws, and sunbeam naps. But it’s also a time to be extra mindful of their needs. Heat, bugs, hydration, and boredom can all impact your dog’s well-being—and as their favorite human, you have the power to keep their summer paws-itively perfect.

 

Here’s to beach days, belly rubs, and all the memories made under the sun. Now go grab that leash, and let the summer adventures begin.

 

Sources:

Disclaimer: It’s important to remember that all dogs are different so please be sure to consult your veterinarian before introducing any new supplements into their dietary routine.

shop all puppops
Title

about the author

chef justine kelly

Completely dog obsessed, Chef Justine Kelly, brings over 25 years of experience in the culinary world to every wellness recipe at Puppops, Inc., so your fur babies can eat like family (because they are.) Her career includes co-founding renowned meal kit company, Sunbasket, and as the Executive Chef at San Francisco's James Beard Award-winning restaurant, The Slanted Door. Her pup, River, is her second favorite daughter.