🐾 Dog Safety Tips for the Heat: Keep Your Pup Cool and Protected This Summer

By Miley’s Mom Dog Training – Cranbrook Dog Trainer

Summer is a time for adventure — but when the temperature rises, our dogs are at serious risk of overheating. Dogs don’t sweat like humans do, and even a short walk on a hot day can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke. As a dog trainer in Cranbrook, BC, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly heat can affect our canine companions.

Here are essential dog safety tips for the heat so your pup stays happy, healthy, and cool all summer long in the East Kootenays.

☀️ 1. Walk During Cooler Hours

Avoid the midday sun. Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when the pavement and air are cooler. Hot sidewalks and trails in Cranbrook can burn paws — if you can't hold your hand to the ground for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog.

💧 2. Hydration is Non-Negotiable

Whether you're heading to the Cranbrook Community Forest or just walking around town, always bring water. Add ice cubes to their bowl or bring a collapsible bottle on hikes. (NOTE: only use a few ice cubes at a time as using too many can quickly lead to hypothermia by decreasing core temperature too fast). Dog dehydration is a common risk in Cranbrook’s dry summer heat.

🧊 3. Cooling Tools Are Your Friend

Keep your dog cool with:

• Cooling vests or bandanas

• Frozen treat toys (like Kongs with banana + peanut butter)

• Kiddie pools or sprinklers for backyard play

• Fans or cooling mats indoors

These are especially helpful for active dogs in the Cranbrook and Kimberley area who love being outside.

NOTE: when giving dogs peanut butter ensure that it is Xylitol free. Xylitol is a sweetener used in peanut butter, as well as other products that can be toxic to dogs. I always keep Xylitol free peanut butter in the house for both human and dog consumption so that I don't ever have to work about mixing up my peanut butter and the dogs peanut butter.

🚗 4. Never Leave Dogs in Cars

Even on a mild day in Cranbrook, a parked car can heat up dangerously fast. On a 21°C day, a car’s interior can reach over 38°C in minutes. If your dog can't come inside with you, leave them at home.

🏠 5. Create a Cool Retreat

Set up a shady, well-ventilated space for your dog at home. Indoors, close blinds and use fans or A/C. Outdoors, use umbrellas, shade sails, or tents — and never tether your dog in direct sun.

🐶 6. Know the Signs of Heatstroke

Heatstroke can be deadly. Local Cranbrook pet owners should watch for:

• Excessive panting or drooling

• Bright red gums

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Glazed eyes or collapse

If you suspect heatstroke, call a Cranbrook vet immediately. Move your dog to shade, wet them with cool (not cold) water, and seek emergency care. Miley and her mom highly recommend Steeples Veterinary Clinic. Add your Vet's phone number to your phone for quick access. In an emergency, taking even 30 seconds to look up a phone number can waste valuable time. Also, problem solving during an emergency, including looking up a phone number online can be more challenging and overwhelming.

🦴 7. Adjust Exercise Levels

Some dogs don’t know when to stop. Senior dogs, brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs), overweight dogs, and heavy-coated breeds (like Huskies) are most at risk. On hot days, swap your hike for indoor enrichment games, like puzzle feeders or training drills.

🐾 Stay Cool This Summer, Cranbrook!

With a few smart adjustments, you and your dog can enjoy summer safely. As a certified dog trainer in Cranbrook, BC, I’m always here to help you build routines that prioritize your dog’s safety, health, and happiness — in every season.

📞 Need help with training, enrichment, or building a heat-safe routine? Let’s connect!Visit www.mileysmom.com or call Celeste Goodhope at (250) 688-5392 for personalized dog training in Cranbrook and the East Kootenays.

Cranbrook Dog Trainer