Most dog owners know not to leave their pet in a hot car. But summer throws up plenty of other risks that don't get talked about nearly enough. Burnt paw pads, skin flare-ups, dehydration and early-stage heatstroke can all catch you off guard on what seems like a perfectly normal warm day.

Rethink Your Walk Times

The simplest change you can make in summer is adjusting when you walk. Pavements absorb heat throughout the day, and by early afternoon, tarmac can hit 52°C even when the air temperature is only 25°C. That's hot enough to burn your dog's paws in under a minute.

Try to get out before 9am or after 7pm when surfaces have had time to cool. If you're unsure, use the five-second test: press the back of your hand flat against the pavement. If you can't hold it there comfortably, it's too hot for your dog.

On particularly warm days, shorter walks with more frequent water stops will do more good than one long outing. Carry a collapsible bowl and top it up often. Dogs lose moisture fast through panting, and most won't drink enough on their own once they're already overheated.

Paw Protection Beyond the Pavement

Burnt pads are painful and can take weeks to heal, so prevention matters. Grass is always the cooler option when it's available. Stick to shaded paths and grassy routes where you can, and avoid artificial turf, which heats up even faster than tarmac.

If your usual route is mostly paved, a protective paw balm applied before the walk will create a barrier between the pad and the surface. Dog boots are another option, though not every dog will tolerate them. Whichever you choose, check paws after every walk for redness, blisters or limping.

Summer Skin and Coat Care

Warm weather doesn't just affect paws. Hot spots, heat rashes and dry, irritated skin all tend to flare up during summer. The combination of higher temperatures, increased humidity and environmental allergens like pollen puts extra pressure on your dog's skin barrier.

Dogs with thick or double coats are especially prone to this, since dense fur traps heat and moisture close to the skin. Regular brushing will help air circulate through the coat, and rinsing your dog with cool water after walks removes pollen and dirt before they cause irritation.

Adding an omega-3 supplement to your dog's diet can also help. The EPA and DHA in salmon oil for dogs support skin hydration from within and have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce itching and redness. C