Summer in Florida isn’t just hot, it’s sweltering.

If you’re sweating the second you step outside, imagine how your dog feels in a fur coat! Sarasota, Florida dog owners need to be extra cautious during the summer months to prevent heatstroke, dehydration, and paw pad injuries.

Here’s how to keep your dog cool, safe, and thriving in the Florida heat:

1. Walk During Cooler Hours

The best times to walk your dog are early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures drop slightly. Midday sun can overheat your pup and burn sensitive paw pads on hot pavement.

Paw tip: Test the pavement with your hand, if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.

2. Hydration Is Non-Negotiable

Dogs need constant access to fresh, clean water — especially in summer. Carry a collapsible water bowl on walks and keep extra water bottles in your car and training bag.

Pro tip: Add ice cubes to their bowl or offer frozen treats like low-sodium bone broth pupsicles to keep things cool and fun.

3. Never Leave Your Dog in the Car — Even for a Minute

Even with the windows cracked, cars heat up fast. A 75°F day can become 100°F+ inside your vehicle in minutes. Leaving your dog in the car, even briefly, can be fatal.

4. Create Shade & Cooling Zones at Home

If your dog spends time outdoors, provide plenty of shaded areas, cooling mats, or even a splash pool to keep their body temperature regulated.

Florida dog hack: Use elevated beds to allow airflow under your dog while they rest.  These are my favorite ones used at my home and at the Dogsports4u academy  Kuranda chew proof beds

5. Know the Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs

Heatstroke can happen fast in Florida. Watch for:

• Excessive panting or drooling
• Lethargy or weakness
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Bright red gums or tongue
• Collapse or unresponsiveness

If you notice these signs, move your dog to a cool area immediately with ice and water and contact your veterinarian ASAP

6. Keep Training Fun and Safe

Hot weather doesn’t mean your dog’s routine has to stop. Indoor training, shaded obstacle courses, and short enrichment sessions can keep your dog mentally and physically active without overheating.

At DogSports4U, our climate-controlled training center and shaded outdoor fields offer a safe way to keep your pup active all summer long.

Summer Boarding or Day Training? Book Early!

If you’ve got vacation plans this summer, make sure your dog is taken care of. Our enrichment-based boarding and training programs give your pup a summer they’ll love, complete with social time, structured training, and cool-down breaks.

Spots fill fast, especially around holidays and long weekends - Reserve your dog’s spot now.

Let’s make this your dog’s coolest (and safest) summer yet.

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