Best Times To Walk Your Dog In Summer

Learn the best times to walk your dog in summer heat and keep them safe from hot pavement, dehydration, and heatstroke with expert tips from Long Island Pet Services

Summer on Long Island brings beautiful beach days, longer sunlight hours, and unfortunately, intense heat that can be dangerous for dogs. While daily walks are essential for your dog’s physical health and mental stimulation, timing those walks correctly during the summer months is just as important as the walk itself.

At Long Island Pet Services, we prioritize your pet’s safety year-round, and summer heat is one of the biggest seasonal risks we see. Knowing when to walk your dog can help prevent heat exhaustion, burned paws, and other serious health issues.

Why Summer Heat Can Be Dangerous For Dogs

Dogs don’t sweat the way humans do. Instead, they regulate their body temperature primarily through panting, which is far less effective in high humidity and extreme heat. On Long Island, where summers can be both hot and humid, this makes dogs especially vulnerable.

Even when the air temperature feels manageable, pavement and sidewalks can become dangerously hot. Asphalt can reach temperatures well above 130°F on a sunny day, which can burn your dog’s paw pads in seconds.

 

Best Times of Day to Walk Your Dog

Choosing the right time for walks can make all the difference in keeping your dog safe and comfortable.

Early Morning Walks

The safest and most recommended time to walk your dog in the summer is early in the morning, ideally between 5:30 AM and 8:00 AM. During this window, temperatures are at their lowest, and surfaces like pavement and sand haven’t yet absorbed the day’s heat.

Morning walks also help your dog burn off energy early, making them more relaxed throughout the day.

Late Evening Walks

The second-best option is late evening, typically after 7:30 PM once the sun begins to set and surfaces have had time to cool down. Evening walks can be a great way to wind down the day, but it’s still important to check the pavement before heading out.

Midday Walks: Proceed with Caution

Midday walks, especially between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, are the most dangerous during summer. If your schedule requires a walk during these hours, keep it very short and stick to shaded areas or grassy surfaces.

This is one of the main reasons many pet owners on Long Island rely on professional dog walkers. At Long Island Pet Services, we adjust walk times and routes during heat waves to keep pets safe.

How to Check If It’s Too Hot

A simple rule: place the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 to 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

You should also watch for signs of overheating, including excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or difficulty walking. If you notice any of these, stop immediately, get your dog into a cool area, and offer water.

Tips for Safe Summer Dog Walks

• Always bring fresh water for your dog
• Stick to shaded routes whenever possible
• Walk on grass instead of pavement
• Keep walks shorter on extremely hot days
• Use protective dog booties if needed
• Avoid high humidity days, not just high temperatures

Why Hiring a Dog Walker Helps in Summer

Summer schedules can make it hard to avoid peak heat hours, especially for busy pet owners. A professional dog walker can ensure your dog gets safe, properly timed exercise even when you’re unavailable.

At Long Island Pet Services, we understand how quickly summer conditions can change. Our team carefully plans each visit around the weather, your dog’s needs, and safe walking practices.

Keep Your Dog Safe All Summer Long

Walking your dog is one of the best ways to keep them happy and healthy, but during the summer, timing is everything. By choosing early morning or late evening walks and staying aware of heat conditions, you can protect your dog from serious risks. If you ever need help keeping your dog on a safe and consistent routine, Long Island Pet Services is here to help. Your pet’s safety is always our top priority.

From daily dog walks and drop-in visits, to overnight stays and pet taxi services, we offer a full range of options to keep your routine running smoothly. Ready to get started? Click here to become a client today or give us a call at 516-247-6976.

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