Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine with your dog, but unfortunately, not every day is safe for outdoor adventures. During extreme heat, high temperatures and humidity can quickly become dangerous for pups, increasing the risk of overheating and heat exhaustion.

That said, when your dog’s energy levels are high, those zoomies are hard to ignore. So, how can you help your pup burn off energy safely when it is too hot to spend time outdoors? In this post, we cover:

INCLUDE MENTAL ENRICHMENT GAMES IN YOUR DOG’S DAY

Mental stimulation is a great way for your dog to keep their mind sharp and improve their problem-solving skills. Activities like teaching your pup new tricks, having them navigate treat and puzzle toys, or trying out a snuffle mat can all help your dog burn some energy and strengthen their mental muscle.  Rotate between activities every couple of days to keep things novel and to encourage your dog to remain engaged.

PLAY INDOOR GAMES THAT GET YOUR DOG MOVING

Indoor play can provide plenty of exercise without exposing your dog to dangerous temperatures. Some fun options can include:

  • Find the treat: Hide some of your pup’s favorite treats around your home and let them use their incredible sense of smell to find them. This doggy scent game can increase in difficulty as they get familiar with the act of finding each treat.
  • Indoor obstacle course: Using the items you likely already have around your home, you can build an enriching obstacle course that will help your dog burn energy in a safe, exciting way. The course can include dining room chairs to walk around, objects to weave around, broomsticks to jump over, and more.
  • Hide and seek: This activity offers a great way to strengthen recall skills, while combining physical movement with mental problem solving. Have your dog stay in one spot while you hide in a room, then call them to come find you. Increase the distance each time to help keep your pup active.

TIPS WHEN YOU NEED TO SPEND TIME OUTDOORS WITH YOUR DOG

Even on extremely hot days, most dogs still need to go outside for potty breaks and walks, so it is important to make those outings as safe as possible. Keep the following tips in mind:

  • Schedule brief walks and potty breaks during off-peak hours like early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature is cooler.
  • Avoid concrete or asphalt and stick to grassy and shaded areas where possible.
  • Before going out, test the concrete, such as on your driveway, using the back of your hand. If it’s too hot after a few seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s paw pads.
  • Bring fresh water with you, such as in a portable dog water bottle, to prevent dehydration.
  • Watch for signs of overheating in your dog, such as excessive drooling or panting, slow movements, rapid breathing, etc.
  • Keep frozen treats on hand like frozen lick mats or frozen fruit to help your pup cool off after spending time outside
A dog on the left side of the image eating apple slices in water and dog on the right side of the image eating a frozen dog treat
See also

Hydration Hacks: Creative Ways to Encourage Dogs to Drink More Water

BRING YOUR DOG TO DOGTOPIA FOR A DAY OF FUN

When outdoor play is not an option for your pup during extreme heat, indoor doggie daycare is the place to be! At Dogtopia, we climate-control our spacious playrooms, so it’s always a comfortable temperature while pups play, exercise, learn, and socialize with like-minded friends. You can rest assured that your dog will receive plenty of enriching activity throughout the day and safely expend energy without the dangers associated with being in extreme heat.

With supervised play by our team of expert Canine Coaches, scheduled rest breaks, agility-focused activities, brain games, and occasional themed events and treat days, your pup will have a tail-wagging fun time in our care and will come home ready to relax. Reach out to your local Dogtopia today to book a daycare visit.

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