5 Things Phoenix Dog Owners Should Know About Summer Heat”

Written By Dillion Koch

When the temperatures rise in Phoenix, it can be very dangerous for your dog. These hot summer days require extra attention, smart strategies, and a little creativity to keep your canine companion safe, cool, and happy.

💧 Hydration is Everything

Dogs rely on water to regulate body temperature. Without enough of it, they’re vulnerable to heatstroke.

How Much Water Does Your Dog Need?

  • Small dogs (under 20 lbs): Around 1 to 2 full bowls of water per day

  • Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): 3 to 5 bowls per day

  • Large dogs (50+ lbs): 6 or more bowls daily, and even more if they’re active or spending time outside

Clean Water Tip: Keep water in the shade, use stainless steel bowls, and avoid plastic that can heat up and affect taste.

🌡️ What’s the Best Water Temperature for Dogs?

  • Cool, not cold. The ideal temperature is around 50°F to 60°F

Watch for Overheating Signs

Heat exhaustion can sneak up quickly, especially in brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds or overweight dogs. Recognizing the signs early can be the difference between life and death.

⚠️ Early Warning Signs to Watch Closely: Your dog may appear more tired than usual, pant heavily even while resting, or seek out shade constantly. You may notice excessive drooling, a deep red or purple tongue, glazed eyes, or a slow response to commands. Vomiting or loose stools can also be signs that the heat is overwhelming them.

🔥 Severe Signs of Heatstroke (Call the Vet Immediately): If your dog collapses, shows signs of confusion or disorientation, has seizures, or seems completely unresponsive, they may be in critical condition. These symptoms often come with a dangerously high body temperature (over 103°F) and can escalate quickly without intervention.

🚨 What to Do in an Emergency:

  • Bring your dog inside or to a shaded spot right away

  • Offer cool water in small sips (never force them to drink)

  • Gently apply wet towels to their paws, underarms, and groin area

  • Use a fan to help lower their body temperature

  • Get to the vet immediately — time is critical

🕐 Avoid Midday Walks

The concrete and asphalt can reach unbearable temperatures, even if it doesn't feel scorching to us.

  • 🔥 Fact: On a 95°F day, asphalt can heat up to 140°F (YIKES), hot enough to burn paws in under a minute. Dogs have sensitive paw pads that can blister or become severely injured after just a short walk on surfaces that are too hot.

  • 🐾 Tip: Walk your dog early in the morning before the pavement heats up, or in the evening once the sun has gone down and surfaces have cooled. Try walking on grass or dirt trails whenever possible.

Beat the Heat with Brain Games
Gameplan = switch to mental fatigue

1. Scent Search Game

Put your dog in another room while you hide treats in creative spots around your home — under a rug, behind a table leg, inside a cardboard box. Then let them sniff and search while you cheer them on. This taps into their natural scent-tracking instinct and burns mental energy.

2. Lick Mats or Frozen Treat Time

Spread a healthy treat like peanut butter, pumpkin puree, or plain yogurt on a textured lick mat. Freeze it for longer-lasting engagement. Licking has calming effects and helps your dog stay occupied in a safe, cool environment.

3. Obedience + Reward Routines

Build quick training sessions into your day: 5-minute routines where you reinforce basic commands like sit, down, stay, or “place.” Use calm, positive praise and mix in treats or toys for rewards. This strengthens your bond while giving their brain a workout.

Keeping your dog safe and happy during Phoenix’s extreme summers is all about awareness and preparation. From smart walking habits to indoor enrichment, these little steps go a long way.

Want more dog-parent wisdom like this? Follow us for fresh weekly tips, or schedule a free consultation to find out how we can help your dog thrive in the desert heat.

Dillion Koch
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