Summer Safety Tips for Dogs in Missoula and Bitterroot Valley
Montana summers are made for adventure—hiking trails, floating rivers, backyard barbecues, and plenty of sunshine. But as temps rise across Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley, it’s important to make sure your dog is safe, cool, and set up for success.
At Off Leash K9 Training Missoula, we work with dogs all year long, and summer is the season when behavior challenges, heat risks, and overstimulation can sneak up fast. Here’s how to keep your dog healthy, calm, and ready to enjoy the season alongside you.
1. Know the Signs of Overheating
Montana’s dry heat can be deceiving—dogs can get overheated faster than you think.
Watch for signs like:
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Excessive panting
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Lethargy or disorientation
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Drooling or red gums
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Vomiting or diarrhea
If you notice any of these, get your dog to shade, offer cool water, and wet their body (especially paws and belly). In severe cases, head to the vet immediately.
2. Avoid Hot Pavement & Midday Walks
If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.
Pro tips:
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Walk in the early morning or evening
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Stick to grassy or shaded areas
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Check pavement temp with the 7-second rule
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Consider booties for urban walks
Remember: burns and heat exhaustion are common issues we see in dogs who aren’t acclimated to the heat.
3. Hydration is Non-Negotiable
Dogs can’t sweat like humans. They regulate heat by panting and drinking water—so don’t skip hydration.
Always bring:
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A collapsible water bowl
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Clean, cool water (don’t rely on creeks or rivers)
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Extra water for longer hikes or float trips
Make water breaks part of your training sessions during the summer—it teaches your dog to stay calm and take cues, even in exciting environments.
4. Use Shade & Structure on Hikes
Planning to hit the trails in Missoula or the Bitterroot?
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Choose shaded trails like Pattee Canyon, Rattlesnake, or Bass Creek
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Start early to beat the heat
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Use your dog’s place or down-stay command for rest breaks
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Watch out for snakes, foxtails, and rough terrain
We help dogs practice trail neutrality and recall, so they stay safe no matter what the hike throws your way.
5. Never Leave Your Dog in the Car—Even for “Just a Minute”
In summer, a car can go from 70°F to 100+°F in just a few minutes—even with the windows cracked. Every year, dogs across the country suffer or die from heatstroke in parked cars.
If your dog can’t go inside with you, leave them at home.
6. Manage Overstimulation at Events
Summer in Missoula means markets, breweries, festivals, and dog-friendly patios. But not every dog is ready for the noise, crowds, and excitement.
Train first, attend second:
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Practice place and heel around smaller groups
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Gradually work up to busy environments
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Monitor your dog’s stress signals—panting, scanning, hyper-focus, pulling
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Don’t be afraid to remove your dog if they’re overstimulated
We work on public neutrality in all our programs so your dog can confidently join you anywhere.
7. Keep Up With Training—Even in the Heat
It’s easy to skip training in the summer chaos—but this is when structure matters most.
Try:
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Shorter, more frequent sessions indoors or in the shade
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Practicing “place” with the fan on
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Combining mental stimulation (commands, puzzles) with physical walks
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Booking a board & train if your summer schedule is packed
Stay Cool, Stay Safe, Stay Trained
Your dog deserves to enjoy the summer just as much as you do—but safety and obedience go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re headed to the lake, a brewery, or the backcountry, we’ll help your dog build the skills they need to stay calm, focused, and responsive—no matter what the season brings.
📍 Contact us at 406-946-3037 or fill out the form below to get started with training that fits your summer lifestyle.
