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High temperatures can quickly become dangerous for dogs. This is especially true for brachycephalic breeds – that is, dogs with short snouts – who often struggle as soon as the weather gets warmer. So what can you do when the sun is blazing and boredom kicks in? Get inspired by these 7 summer activities for your dog!

1. How to Keep Your Dog Active and Safe in Summer
   1. Tip #1: Swimming and Splashing
   2. Tip #2: Dog Ice Treats
   3. Tip #3: Scent Games and Nose Work
   4. Tip #4: Teaching Tricks
   5. Tip #5: Treadmill for Athletes
   6. Tip #6: Alternative Walks
   7. Tip #7: Bike Rides – With Caution
2. Create a Cool Environment (for You and Your Dog)
3. Don’t Forget to Rest

How to Keep Your Dog Active and Safe in Summer

Summer, sun, and heat stress: high temperatures can pose a serious threat to dogs. Although some breeds tolerate heat better than others, once temperatures hit 30°C (86°F) in the shade, protection and safety should be your top priority – even for dogs from warm climates.

However, prolonged heat often leads to another problem: lack of mental and physical stimulation.

But: With the right approach, it’s easy to find safe summer activities for your dog.

Tip #1: Swimming and Splashing

Cooling off in water is a time-tested classic. Lakes or dog pools can double as a fun and enriching play area, especially with floating toys.

Depending on your dog’s size, kiddie pools or even a garden hose can be great alternatives. Water sprinklers can excite some dogs, while also helping to wet their coat and prevent overheating.

But remember: not every dog can swim, and they all need gradual exposure and training.

Tip #2: Dog Ice Treats

Many dogs (and humans) lose their appetite in summer. Fresh foods and frozen treats are usually still appealing. Homemade dog ice is a perfect solution and comes with several benefits:

• You choose the ingredients: Broccoli and carrots, liver sausage, yogurt, or banana? You know what your dog likes and can tailor the treat accordingly, ensuring it contains no harmful ingredients.
• Nutritional enrichment: Vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein – fresh ingredients contribute to your dog’s overall health.
• Control the calories: If your dog is overweight, you can make low-calorie versions – or go richer for dogs needing extra energy.
• Cooling + fun = enrichment: A frozen Kong, a smeared and frozen lick mat, or an ice cube to “hunt” across a bowl – licking and cooling off at the same time fights boredom and provides a soothing activity.

You can keep adjusting your recipes and techniques to suit your dog’s preferences.

Tip #3: Scent Games and Nose Work

Too hot to play outside? Offer a snuffle mat, hide treats, and let your dog use their nose.

Crumpled paper in a cardboard box is great for hiding small snacks.

These games don’t require much physical effort but offer mental stimulation and are fun for both of you.

Tip #4: Teaching Tricks

Sit pretty, walk on hind legs, cover eyes with a paw, shake hands, or do a high five – the list of tricks is endless. Learning new ones works best without distractions, making indoor training ideal for hot days.

You can also brush up on basic commands like sit, down, stay, or teach your dog to distinguish toys by name – all great indoor activities when it’s too warm outside.

Tip #5: Treadmill for Athletes

If the pavement is scorching hot, the air feels like an oven, and even the shade is uncomfortable, outdoor running is out of the question.

Some owners try cycling during the heat – making their dog run beside them – but this can severely overheat the dog, often leading to vet visits or worse.

If your dog needs exercise but can’t get it safely outside, consider a treadmill.

In a cool living room, basement, or garage, your dog can stay active without the heat risk.

Tip #6: Alternative Walks

Even in peak summer, temperatures often drop to tolerable levels in the early morning. Shift your walks to this time – just be ready to get up early.

If that’s not an option, try alternative walking strategies:

• Head to the forest: Forest trails stay significantly cooler, making longer walks possible even during the day.
• Visit shaded parks: Parks with thick tree coverage have a similar cooling effect.
• Use a dog stroller or trailer: These allow you to protect your dog from heat while getting to a shady area. But remember, hot air alone is already a strain.
• Go for a swim-walk: Instead of a walk, drive to a dog-friendly beach or lake. Swimming cools the body and is enjoyable for both dog and human.

Tip #7: Bike Rides – With Caution

Seeing someone bike with their dog running alongside at 30°C (86°F) or higher can be infuriating. Often there’s no paw protection, and these owners are never out biking during cool weather.

Still, you don’t have to skip summer bike rides entirely. With proper care, your dog can safely join you:

• Only let your dog run briefly and in the shade
• Use paw protection
• Make sure your dog is fit and not sensitive to heat
• Let them rest in a bike basket or trailer afterwards

This avoids burns, exhaustion, and heatstroke – and still gives your dog some movement and a cooling breeze.

Create a Cool Environment (for You and Your Dog)

Indoor activities only make sense if your home is noticeably cooler than the outside. If not, and the humidity is high too, you’ll be sweating just from sitting still.

Here’s how to improve indoor comfort:

• Ventilate correctly: Don’t leave windows open all day. Open them at night and close them in the morning to keep heat out.
• Insulate windows: Use reflective films and thermal curtains. They’re inexpensive but surprisingly effective.
• Avoid heat sources: Most know not to use the oven for hours in summer. But computers, TVs, and other electronics also emit heat. Turn them off completely when not in use.
• Invest in air conditioning: Especially in city apartments or attics, A/C might be the only practical solution to avoid turning your home into a sauna.
• Monitor humidity: How humans and dogs perceive heat also depends on humidity. Reducing it can make a big difference.
• Remove unnecessary textiles: Rugs, blankets, and cushion piles store heat and raise room temperature. Go for cool, light materials like silk and linen in summer.

Don’t Forget to Rest

As summer begins, many people increase their activity level – even in extreme heat. Sadly, this often includes their dogs, who don’t get a choice.

But if you look at nature and southern countries, you’ll see: neither animals nor humans choose the hottest part of the day or year to exert themselves. Even those adapted to the heat slow down and rest during these times.

You and your dog should follow this wise, natural instinct.