Summer Dog Care: 6 Must-Have Essentials
Summer has arrived in Portugal, and with it, the heat that puts your dog's routine to the test. Temperatures above 30 °C, scorching asphalt, and walks at the wrong times can turn a normal day into a real health risk for your dog. The good news: with the right summer dog care and some carefully chosen essentials, protecting your companion is simple.
We've gathered the 6 essentials we recommend to everyone who visits our store — selected by the Doggie team, not from a catalogue. Here's everything you can't do without.
Quick answer: dogs don't sweat like us — they cool down mainly through breathing. In summer, this means ensuring constant hydration, avoiding walks during the hottest hours, offering cooling snacks, and being alert to signs of heatstroke. The points below explain each in detail.
1. Constant hydration: the foundation of everything
In hot weather, a dog can drink up to twice the usual amount of water. The problem is rarely a lack of water at home — it's the water becoming lukewarm, stagnant, and unappealing, leading the dog to drink less than needed.
A water fountain solves this. Moving water stays cooler, oxygenated, and more attractive, encouraging the dog to drink more often throughout the day. It's one of the simplest upgrades with the biggest impact in summer.
👉 See our stainless steel water fountains — easy to clean and silent.
For walks and trips to the beach or park, a stainless steel travel bowl ensures your dog drinks wherever you are.
2. Cooling snacks: pleasure that also cools
There's a way to spoil your dog and help them cool down at the same time: frozen treats. They're the canine version of ice cream — and they're guaranteed to be a hit on hot days.
YowUp! frozen yoghurts are natural, rich in probiotics, and contain no added sugar. Serve them straight from the freezer, and your dog gets both a treat and refreshment in one go. Available in bacon, salmon, and chicken with apple flavours.
If you prefer something lighter for a walk, Tippy Taps dehydrated fruit snacks are 100% Portuguese, vegan, and perfect for carrying in your backpack.
💡 Doggie tip: freeze a little unsalted chicken broth in ice cube trays. Combined with a YowUp! yoghurt, you have a homemade "ice cream kit" for the hottest afternoons.
3. Walks at the right times (and be careful with the asphalt)
This is free and a lifesaver: avoid walks between 11 am and 5 pm. Go out early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is no longer at its peak.
There's a simple test before heading out: place the palm of your hand on the ground for 7 seconds. If you can't hold it, it's too hot for your dog's paws. Asphalt can reach 50–60 °C and cause burns to the paw pads — something we frequently see in summer.
On hotter days, opt for short walks, shade, and grass. Energy is still expended; health is protected.
4. Safe travel and holidays
Summer is holiday season — and more and more dogs are coming with us. But travelling in the heat requires preparation: never leave your dog alone in the car (the interior temperature skyrockets in minutes) and ensure safe, ventilated transport.
For the car, we recommend:
- A ventilated and lightweight carrier, made from recycled plastic and approved for travel.
- For small dogs, the KONG Travel booster seat provides comfort and safety in the back seat.
And if your dog gets anxious when travelling, Adaptil Transport spray uses calming pheromones to make the journey more peaceful — spray it in the carrier 15 minutes before setting off.
5. Outdoor play — without overdoing it
Summer is made for playing outside, but with common sense. Short sessions, always with water nearby and during cooler hours.
The KONG Reflex ball and the KONG Reflex Flyer disc are durable, float, and can withstand hours of fetch at the beach or park. Healthy, tiring play is also the best way to manage energy during long summer days.
6. Watch out for signs of heatstroke
This is the most important point of all. Heatstroke is a veterinary emergency and can be fatal. Knowing the signs allows you to act in time.
Look for:
- Intense and continuous panting
- Excessive salivation and thick drool
- Very red or purplish tongue and gums
- Weakness, disorientation, or tremors
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
If you suspect heatstroke: move the dog to the shade, offer fresh (not ice-cold) water, wet their belly and paws with room-temperature water, and contact a vet immediately.
Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers), elderly dogs, overweight dogs, or those with dense coats are the most vulnerable. For these, a hygienic trim appropriate for the season makes a real difference in comfort — one of the services we provide in our physical store.
Prepare your dog's summer with Doggie
Hydration, coolness, travel safety, and attention to signs: this is what you need for a peaceful summer. All the essentials in this article — and many more — are gathered in one place.
🐾 Explore the Doggie Summer Collection and use code VERAO15 for 15% off the entire collection until August 31st. We deliver nationwide.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE PROMOTION →
Have questions about what's best for your dog? Talk to us through the website or, if you're in Lisbon, stop by our physical store at Av. Óscar Monteiro Torres 29C. We advise based on what your companion needs — not what we want to sell.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times should a dog drink water in summer? There's no fixed number — the dog should always have fresh water available and drink as needed. In summer, consumption increases significantly. A water fountain helps keep the water appealing and encourages the dog to drink more throughout the day.
Can I give my dog ice? Yes, in moderation and for healthy dogs, there's no problem offering ice cubes or frozen treats like YowUp! yoghurts. The idea that ice is dangerous is a myth. Just avoid large quantities at once for very overheated dogs.
What is the best time to walk my dog in summer? Early morning (before 10 am) or late afternoon/evening (after 7 pm), when the asphalt has cooled down. Always do the 7-second hand test on the ground before going out.
How do I know if my dog has heatstroke? Signs include intense panting, excessive salivation, very red gums, weakness, and disorientation. It's an emergency — cool the dog gradually and contact a vet immediately.
ℹ️ This content was generated with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by a human. However, it may still contain some inaccurate information — we always recommend confirming before taking it as truth, especially regarding your pet's health. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian.