Summer in Minnesota brings long sunny days, weekend adventures, and plenty of outdoor fun—but it also brings intense heat and humidity. For us humans, it might just mean sticky skin and an extra bottle of water, but for dogs, it can be a lot more dangerous. Whether you live in St. Paul, Minneapolis, or nearby neighborhoods like Eagan, Mac-Groveland, Prospect Park, or Falcon Heights, it’s crucial to understand the risks of leaving your dog outside too long in the summer heat.

The Hidden Dangers of Summer Heat for Dogs

Dogs don’t sweat like people do. Instead, they primarily cool off by panting, and when the air is hot and humid—as it so often is in Minnesota summers—their ability to regulate body temperature is greatly reduced. What feels like a warm afternoon to us can quickly lead to heat exhaustion or even heatstroke for a pup.

Even shaded areas can be deceivingly hot, especially if there’s little airflow. Asphalt and sidewalks absorb and retain heat, putting dogs at risk for burned paw pads or worse. Dogs with thick fur, short snouts (like bulldogs and pugs), or underlying health issues are especially vulnerable in these conditions.

That’s why it’s so important to limit outdoor play and walks during the hottest parts of the day—and why we’ve built Dogtopia of Saint Paul to be the safest and coolest place for your pup to stay active and social all summer long.

Climate-Controlled Comfort for Dogs in Every Season

At Dogtopia of Saint Paul, we take the safety and health of your dog seriously. Our dog daycare, dog boarding, and dog hotel services are all based in a state-of-the-art, climate-controlled facility. That means no matter how hot it gets outside, our indoor playrooms stay comfortably air-conditioned and safe for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and energy levels.

Dogs need exercise and socialization year-round—and just because it’s hot outside doesn’t mean they should miss out. In our temperature-controlled environment, dogs can run, play, and engage in enriching activities without the risk of overheating. Our trained Canine Coaches closely monitor all playgroups to ensure every pup is having fun safely.

Summer Fun Done Right: Doggy Pool Parties and More!

We don’t stop at just keeping things cool—we make summer exciting, too! Our themed pool parties are a fan favorite, giving dogs a chance to splash, play, and stay cool in a fun and supervised setting. These water play sessions are a great way to beat the heat while still letting your pup burn off energy.

Our summer activities are carefully curated to give dogs the mental and physical stimulation they crave. From enrichment games to seasonal events, there’s always something happening at Dogtopia.

A Safe, Fun Dog Daycare Near You

Whether you’re heading out of town and need dog boarding, or you’re just looking for reliable dog daycare in St. Paul, Minneapolis, or surrounding neighborhoods like St. Anthony Park, Merriam Park, or Desnoyer Park, Dogtopia is your trusted local option.

We know how important your dog is to your family—and we treat them like part of ours. Our facility is designed to feel like a home away from home, with cozy nap spaces, engaging playgroups, and staff who are passionate about providing the highest level of care.

When you drop your dog off at Dogtopia of Saint Paul, you can rest easy knowing they’ll stay cool, safe, and happy—while having the time of their life.

Ready to Beat the Heat?

Minnesota summers don’t have to mean staying stuck indoors with your pup or risking their health for a walk around the block. Let us help you keep them cool, active, and thriving all season long.

Visit us at Dogtopia of Saint Paul and discover why local families across Saint Paul, Minneapolis,  Eagan, Mac-Groveland, Prospect Park, and beyond choose us for top-quality dog daycare, dog boarding, and dog hotel services.

Because when it comes to summer safety, cool dogs are happy dogs!