Safe Summer with Your Dog

Summer is a time of increased activity, vacations, sunshine, and warmth for many of us. We’re more eager to spend time outdoors, go on long hikes, enjoy the beach, or head out of town. However, for many dogs, this season comes with increased risks — overheating, sunburns, dehydration, and skin injuries become real threats, not only on vacation but also in the concrete jungles of cities. That’s why it's especially important to take appropriate precautions during this time.

Risk Factors

All dogs can suffer from heatstroke, but some breeds are particularly vulnerable. Contributing factors include:

• Body structure – muscular or compact dogs heat up faster,
• Coat type – short fur without an undercoat doesn’t protect against UV radiation,
• Skin and fur color – dark colors absorb more radiation,
• Skull shape – brachycephalic breeds have less efficient cooling due to shallow breathing.

The Chongqing Dog, with its short coat, no undercoat, black skin, muscular build, and shortened snout, falls into the high-risk group. However, this doesn’t mean Chongqings can’t enjoy summer activities. A little common sense is all it takes to make the most of summer with your four-legged friend.

Fur – Natural Thermoregulation

While we may think long-haired dogs suffer more in the heat, the reality is different. A dense undercoat works like insulation — it protects from both cold and excessive summer heat. Think of it like home insulation. It creates an air layer that limits heat exchange with the environment and slows down deep tissue warming.

In humid conditions, however, it can hinder skin cooling and trap dirt and parasites. Breeds from hot regions — like the Chongqing Dog, Xoloitzcuintli, Thai Ridgeback, or Peruvian Hairless Dog — often have sparse, short fur or none at all. This adaptation helped with faster heat and moisture release.

Short fur comes with risks too: no UV protection, more mechanical injuries and burns, and faster evaporation of sebum — the skin's natural barrier.

Summer care tips for owners:

• Don’t shave the fur – even short fur offers protection,
• Don’t bathe too often – and if you do, use dog-specific products (dogs have different skin pH than humans),
• Use UV protection – especially on exposed skin areas.

Breeds without undercoats adapted to specific climates. Today, it’s up to their guardians to help them adjust to modern living conditions.

How Dogs Cooled Themselves Before Air Conditioning?

The Chongqing Dog survived for centuries in the hot, humid climate of Sichuan — without air conditioning, cooling vests, UV filters, or special diets. How? Instinct:

• They sheltered in clay homes or burrows,
• Dug cool, shaded holes in the ground,
• Avoided activity in the heat — resting during peak hours,
• Stayed close to humans — in shaded yards or interiors.

Today, concrete and asphalt have replaced nature. Now it’s our responsibility to provide the comfort that nature once did.

Walk Smart – Don’t Test Your Dog

The golden rules of summer walks apply everywhere — the beach, the mountains, the park, or city streets:

• Go out early in the morning or late in the evening — not at noon,
• Check the pavement with your hand — if it burns you, it burns your dog,
• Shorten walks — save long workouts for cooler days,
• Stick to shaded routes and spots with water access,
• Bring water on every walk,
• Use UV filters and paw protection,
• Maintain your dog’s fitness year-round — active dogs tolerate heat better due to higher endurance.

Dogs don’t really sweat — their sweat glands are only in paw pads and noses. Their main cooling mechanism is panting, which evaporates moisture from the mouth and tongue, cooling the blood. It’s effective but quickly overwhelmed in hot, humid air.

Cooling – Safe and Effective

Don’t spray your dog with a hose or toss them in a pool — sudden cooling can cause thermal shock, circulatory issues, and panic. Sadly, this still happens.

Instead, use safe methods:

• Cooling mats with gel – activated by pressure, no fridge needed,
• Evaporative cooling vests – lower body temperature during walks,
• Wipe your dog with lukewarm water – especially the belly, groin, and paws,
• Spray a fine water mist around the dog – supports natural evaporation.

Again — don’t use cold water. Sudden skin cooling constricts blood vessels, making it harder to release internal heat.

Skin Protection

Dark skin absorbs UV better — meaning it heats up faster. Burns may not always be visible, but the risk is real.

Especially vulnerable areas:

• Nose and bridge,
• Ears – outer and inner edges,
• Belly and groin – often hairless,
• Back, forehead, and tail – in some dogs sparsely furred or exposed.

To protect your dog, use:

• Pet-safe UV filters – fragrance-free, zinc-free (human products can be toxic),
• UV-protective clothing – like lightweight shirts or scarves,
• Limit bathing – frequent washing removes sebum, the skin’s natural barrier.

Abrasions and Injuries – What Can Be Used?

For irritated paw pads:

• Ointments with zinc oxide, allantoin, dexpanthenol – soothing and regenerative,
• Protective paw balms – applied before walks to create an insulating layer.
• Healing gels with antiseptic and regenerative properties – help with superficial wounds, abrasions, or scratches by keeping the area moist and clean, supporting faster healing. Look for veterinary formulas designed specifically for animals.

Important: Zinc is toxic if ingested — secure paws with a bandage or bootie if your dog licks. Always consult a vet for injuries.

Don’t use human cooling ointments with menthol, camphor, or eucalyptus — these monoterpenes are toxic to dogs, irritating to skin and mucosa, and easily absorbed.

Use only pet-safe products.

Heatstroke – Symptoms and First Aid

Common symptoms:

• Heavy panting, drooling,
• Lethargy, weakness, no response to name,
• Hot body, red gums,
• Staggering, vomiting.

What to do:

• Move your dog to shade or a cool room immediately,
• Give water in small portions,
• Wipe groin, belly, and paws with lukewarm water,
• Don’t use ice or cold compresses – avoid shock cooling, remember?
• If there’s no improvement after 10–15 minutes – call your vet.

Summary – Less is More

Summer isn’t the time for pushing limits or breaking records – it’s a time for vigilance and care. Your dog won’t tell you something’s wrong – it’s your job to notice.

Ensure shade, water, and skin and paw protection. Skip a workout if it’s too hot – that’s not weakness, that’s responsibility.