Enjoying the Bay Area Summer with Dogs
Summer is approaching, and in the Bay Area, there are a lot of fun activities to do with your dogs! There are a few things to consider to ensure your dog is safe during the summer, like temperature, safe water consumption, and foxtails.
What temperature is safe for dogs?
The Bay Area can get very hot during the summer, so it’s important to know how to take your dog outside safely, and understand what temperatures are safe for dogs. I generally won’t exercise my dogs if the temperature is above 90 degrees. If the temperature is between 80-90, I will make sure to exercise them on the grass (no pavement!), and somewhere where there is plenty of shade.
Generally this means taking my dogs hiking, letting them run at the park, or taking them to a lake or river to swim. If you take your dog off-leash anywhere, make sure they have the right training so they will reliably come to you when called, even around distractions. I try to exercise my dogs before 1:00 pm. Before 1:00 pm, even if it is in the 80’s, the pavement may be safe for your dog.
Make sure you can hold your hand on the pavement for 5-10 seconds before taking your dog out on pavement. If it’s too hot for you to keep your hand on the pavement for 10 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on it! Consider your dog’s breed as well when considering what temperature is safe.
A brachycephalic dog (shorter nose and flatter-faced dog), black dogs, and dogs with long or thick coats are going to heat up more quickly, and be less tolerant to hotter temperatures during summer in the Bay Area.
Remember to never leave your dog in your car during the summer!
Water consumption for dogs.
During the summer in the Bay Area, it’s important that your dog stay hydrated. Make sure they always have access to clean water throughout the day, especially if you are taking them outside. If your dog is breathing heavily, give them water slowly in small increments so they do not drink too much too fast.
Familiarize yourself with the signs of water intoxication in dogs, like nausea, vomiting, lethargy, excessive drooling, and a bloated belly. Understand that when your dog is swimming in the water or playing with the hose, they are likely consuming more water than you realize! It’s also important to make sure your dog is drinking safe water.
In the Bay Area, some water sources are filled with toxic blue-green algae. Make sure to check safety advisories and the status of whatever Bay Area lake or river you intend to take your dog to before you head out for a swim.
If you have a water-loving breed but can’t get your dog in the pool or lake, building your dog’s confidence and your relationship with your dog through training can help—you can even ask your local trainer to help you introduce your dog to the water!
Hillary (Hilly) and Kiyah the pitbull enjoying the dockdiving pool at the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers during a hot Bay Area summer.
Foxtails
If you live in the Bay Area, you are familiar with foxtails! There are a few varieties of these spiky plants that are very unsafe for your dog. Foxtails can easily get caught in-between furry paw-pads and be snorted up your dog’s nose when they are running around and sniffing. Foxtails can bury into your dog’s skin and require vet care to remove them.
If your dog has a coat that requires trimming, keeping them trimmed short during the summer, especially on their feet, can help minimize foxtails getting caught between your dog’s toes. If your dog loves to use their nose when you are hiking them or taking them for a walk, having them wear a foxtail mask or guard can allow them to run around and sniff while lowering their risk of snorting up a foxtail.
A common variety of foxtail found in the Bay Area during the summer.
