Summer should be tail wags, road trips, and lazy days in the shade. But for dogs, rising temperatures can bring more than just sweaty fur. The heat takes a toll—physically and emotionally—and many pet parents don’t realize how much their pups are dealing with behind the scenes.
Dogs don’t complain. They don’t text you from the backyard to say it’s too hot out there. But their bodies feel the strain. And if you’re not watching for the right signs—or giving them the right support—heat season can turn into health season.
This guide breaks down exactly what you can do to help. We’re diving into real-world tips plus targeted supplement support to help you build a summer care plan that’s proactive, easy, and effective.
Summer Heat is Hard on Your Pup: The Hidden Hazards
We all know to watch out for heatstroke, but the truth is, high temperatures can cause a lot of other issues for dogs, long before anything looks serious. Even on “just warm” days, your pup might be dealing with: [1,2,3]
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Low energy or trouble staying hydrated
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Itchy, irritated skin from allergens or the sun
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Stiff joints after extra activity
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Anxiety from fireworks, storms, or schedule changes
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Digestive upset from sneaky BBQ scraps, travel, or new foods
The trickiest part? Dogs rarely show obvious signs right away. What seems like laziness might be heat fatigue. That scratching or licking could be early skin irritation. And small changes—like dragging behind on walks or refusing dinner—can signal that something’s off.
Subtle Signs to Watch For
Heat-related stress often flies under the radar. Watch out for red flags like: [1,2,3]
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Seeking shade or sleeping more than usual
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Slowing down on walks
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Excessive licking or chewing at paws or joints
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Startling or hiding during storms or fireworks
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Gassy belly or irregular stools after outdoor events or parties
These signs might seem small, but they’re worth paying attention to. A little extra care goes a long way when the heat is high.
That’s why we believe summer care should be proactive! With smart daily habits and the right supplement support, you can help your dog stay happy, balanced, and comfortable all season long—even in the heat.
Enter PupGrade: 5 Summer Heatwave Hacks For Dogs!
Our summer tips and tricks are here to help support your dog’s well-being through every warm-weather challenge (and they’re paired with the right PupGrade support loved by thousands of pup parents who want real results!).
1. Hydrate & Energize: Keep Your Dog Cool from the Inside Out
What to do: Hydration isn't just about offering a bowl of water—it's about making sure your dog actually drinks it. Keep multiple water stations around the house and in shaded outdoor spots. Refresh bowls often, especially after play or walks. On really hot days, offer small amounts of cold water every 15–30 minutes to prevent overheating. You can also flavor the water with a splash of low-sodium broth or freeze small treats into ice cubes to boost interest.
Helpful gear:
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Portable dog water bottles for walks or hikes
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Pet-safe ice cube trays with bone broth
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Cooling bandanas or mats to help lower body temperature
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Fans or misting systems in outdoor areas
Want to freshen their breath while supporting hydration? Add a splash of Dental Care Solution to their water bowl. It’s an easy, no-brush way to help support healthy teeth and gums—perfect for pups who don’t love the toothbrush routine.*
Supplement Support: Daily Multivitamin – Formulated with a rich blend of vitamins, amino acids, and essential fatty acids to help keep pups in peak condition. A great baseline for pups who play hard, spend time outside, or need an overall wellness boost during heat waves.*
2. Soothe Seasonal Skin Struggles
What to do: Summer brings pollen, dry air, sun exposure, and irritants like salt and chlorine. Rinse your pup after beach or pool time to remove residue, and avoid midday sun to protect exposed areas (like bellies and noses). For dogs prone to allergies or flare-ups, wipe down their paws and underbellies after walks to remove outdoor allergens. Daily brushing keeps the coat healthy and minimizes overheating by reducing trapped fur.
Helpful gear:
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Anti-itch wipes or allergen-neutralizing paw pads
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Grooming mittens for sensitive dogs
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UV-protective dog shirts or shade covers
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Elevated cooling beds to reduce skin-to-surface contact
Supplement Support: Itch & Allergy OR Skin & Coat Soft Chews – Designed to soothe skin-related issues associated with seasonal allergies and promote overall skin health. With natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients, these soft chews may help provide support for skin and coat issues, like occasional dry skin, dullness, and itching.*
3. Calm the Chaos: Support for Summer Stress
What to do: Between fireworks, thunderstorms, road trips, and schedule shifts, summer can feel like chaos to a dog. Create a calm zone—a dark room with familiar smells, blankets, and minimal activity. Turn on white noise, calming playlists, or a fan to block outdoor noise. Keep routines consistent when possible, and avoid scolding your dog during signs of stress. If travel is involved, practice crate time and car rides well in advance.
Helpful gear:
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Covered crates with breathable fabric
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Lavender-scented diffusers (pet-safe only)
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White noise machines or dog-specific Spotify playlists
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Calming chews or lick mats for nervous chewers
Supplement Support: Calming Support – Crafted with various natural calming ingredients, this soft chew helps promote a sense of relaxation and mental alertness without drowsiness. Perfect for separation anxiety, helping to curb destructive behavior, and dogs exhibiting nervousness, hyperactivity, or discontentment due to stress.*
4. Support Their Joints After Active Days
What to do: Summer adventures are great for enrichment, but they can strain your dog’s joints, especially in older pets or high-energy breeds. Limit high-impact play (like chasing balls on hard surfaces) during peak heat. After activity, cool down with a short walk, light massage, or guided rest time. Watch for signs like stiffness, hesitation with stairs, or limping after activity, which could indicate soreness.
Helpful gear:
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Non-slip mats on hardwood floors
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Ramps for beds, cars, and decks
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Dog-safe cooling muscle rubs (vet-approved)
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Elevated orthopedic beds with joint-support foam
Supplement Support: Joint Support – Features a potent blend of ingredients like Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and Green-Lipped Mussel. Specifically formulated to support joint function and connective tissue for occasional discomfort, stiffness, and soreness that your furry companion might be silently enduring. Especially helpful for aging dogs, large breeds, or pups who are constantly on the go.*
5. Soothe Sensitive Summer Stomachs
What to do: Summer cookouts are fun—until your dog finds the dropped burger bun or licks a skewer clean. Avoid letting guests feed your pup, and post a polite “no feeding the dog” sign if needed. Stick to your dog’s regular food, and bring extra if you're traveling, so you don't have to switch brands. For dogs prone to sensitive digestion, avoid rawhide or fatty treats during heat waves, which can be harder to process.
Helpful gear:
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Travel-friendly food storage containers
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Foldable silicone bowls for water and meals
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Labeled “no scraps” dog bandanas for family BBQs
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Enzyme sprays or cleaners for quick tummy mishaps
Supplement Support: Digestive Support – Features a potent blend of Prebiotics, Probiotics, Pumpkin, and Mineral Oil. These ingredients work synergistically to support proper digestion and bowel health in your pup and help maintain proper gut flora, especially during seasonal changes, travel, or dietary indiscretions.*
Get 10% OFF with Code SS10!
Help your pup stay comfy, calm, and cool this summer—naturally.
We've gone ahead and enclosed a 10% OFF Coupon below for you to use in the store - remember, your puppy DESERVES to have the healthiest life! Click here to start shopping!
Shop the PupGrade Summer Survival Kit Today!
This information is intended for general purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or health routine, especially if you notice persistent or concerning changes in your dog's movement or behavior.
**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
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Resources:
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Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). Summer heat safety tips for dogs. Riney Canine Health Center. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/summer-heat-safety-tips-dogs
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Animal Emergency Service. (n.d.). Heat stroke in dogs: Symptoms, treatment and prevention. https://animalemergencyservice.com.au/blog/heat-stroke-in-dogs/
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Animal Emergency Service. (n.d.). Heat stress in dogs: What you need to know. https://animalemergencyservice.com.au/blog/heat-stress-in-dogs/#:~:text=What%20to%20do%20if%20your,until%20their%20symptoms%20have%20resolved
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