Keeping Your Dog Safe During Montana’s Hot Summer Days
Montana summers are nothing short of beautiful—blue skies, sunshine, and endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. But while you’re soaking up the sun, it’s important to remember that high temperatures can be dangerous for our four-legged companions. Dogs don’t sweat like humans do, and they can overheat much more quickly than we often realize.
To help you and your pup enjoy the season safely, here are some essential summer safety tips every dog owner should know:
1. Walk During Cooler Hours
The early morning and late evening are the best times to take your dog for a walk. These cooler parts of the day help prevent overheating and reduce the risk of paw pad burns from hot pavement. Not sure if the ground is too hot? Place the back of your hand on the surface—if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pup.
2. Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Dogs can become dehydrated quickly, especially when it’s hot. Always have clean, fresh water available—both at home and when you’re out. Consider using a collapsible water bowl or portable dog water bottle on walks, hikes, or road trips. Toss a few ice cubes into their water bowl for an extra cool treat.
3. Limit Midday Playtime
While dogs love to play outside, prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM) can be dangerous. If your dog needs time outside, keep it short and sweet—or create shaded spaces with access to cool water. A shallow kiddie pool in the yard is a fun and safe way to cool down, too!
4. Know the Signs of Overheating
Heatstroke can come on fast. Keep an eye out for symptoms like heavy panting, drooling, rapid heartbeat, lethargy, vomiting, or collapse. If your dog shows any of these signs, move them to a cool area, offer water, and contact your veterinarian immediately.
5. Keep the Coat (But Brush Often)
While it might seem like shaving your dog will help them stay cooler, it can actually do more harm than good—especially for double-coated breeds. Instead, regular brushing will remove excess fur and help their coat regulate body temperature more effectively.
6. Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car
Even if you’re stepping away for just a few minutes, the temperature inside a parked car can climb dangerously fast—even with the windows cracked. It’s one of the most common and preventable causes of heat-related illness in dogs.
7. Try Indoor Enrichment on Extra Hot Days
On extra hot days, skip the outdoor activities and focus on mental enrichment indoors. Puzzle toys, basic command practice, nose work games, and hide-and-seek can keep your dog engaged and happy without the heat risk.
Final Thoughts
Summer in Montana is a time for exploration, bonding, and making memories—but always with safety in mind. With a little preparation and a lot of love, you and your dog can enjoy everything this vibrant season has to offer, without the risks that come with rising temperatures.
Ready to Make the Most of Summer With a Well-Trained Dog?
At Off Leash K9 Training Missoula, we help dog owners just like you enjoy every season with calm, confident, and obedient dogs—whether you’re at the lake, around kids at a BBQ, or walking through a busy downtown street.
If you’re looking for training that sticks and results that last, now’s the perfect time to get started. We’ll guide you and your dog through every step of the training journey—no matter the weather.
📞 Call/text us at (406) 946-3037 or fill out the form below to schedule a free consult call. Let’s make this summer the one where your dog becomes the companion you’ve always dreamed of.
