Summer hikes with your pooch can be legendary—think skinny-dipping in mountain streams, sunrise summit cuddles, and sunsets with their head on your lap. But the heat brings new challenges: hot paws, dehydration, and fast exhaustion. Before you hit the trails together, here’s what every dog owner should know to keep their four-legged sidekick safe, comfortable, and happy during the warmer months.
1. Before You Go: Know Your Dog’s Limits
- Breed & age matter—short-nosed breeds (e.g. bulldogs) and puppies generally handle heat poorly
- Fitness level—start with short walks and build up stamina, especially if you’re tackling ridges
- Body condition—monitor weight: every extra kilo in warm weather adds strain
2. Choose the Right Time & Route
- Avoid mid‑day sun—start early or hike late to skip peak temperatures
- Seek shade—woodlands and tree-lined trails give your dog cool breaks
- Water rules—plan routes near lochs, rivers, springs, or tarns for frequent dips and drinks
3. What to Pack for Your Pup
- Minimum 1L of water + a collapsible bowl
- Paw balm or booties to protect against hot or rough terrain
- Cooling vest or wet towel—great for hot rest breaks
- Harness & lead—ideal for control near livestock or in crowded parks
- Dog-safe sun cream—essential for short-haired or fair-nosed dogs
4. Spotting Heat Issues Before They Escalate
- Early signs: excessive panting, drooling, disorientation
- What to do: stop, cool down with water and shade, call off the hike if they don’t recover quickly
- Avoid: too much high-energy exercise like chasing balls—save that for the evening after
5. Stick to Dog-Friendly Etiquette
- Keep them leashed around livestock and wildlife habitats
- Clean up after them—yes, even in remote trails
- Check for ticks after every hike—remove immediately if found
- Leave no trace—no feeding wildlife, no disruption to natural scents
6. Ideal Trail Features for Hot Days
Choose routes that include:
- Regular shade or early tree cover
- Water access for drinking and cooling
- Manageable loops so you’re never too far from pitch start
- Pre-dawn or post-sunset windows—optimal in summer
7. Pro Tips for Happy Trail Pups
- Try dawn or dusk hikes—cooler temps and magical light
- Bring trail treats— keep their energy high, especially midday
- Rest first if they’re slowing—never push them past their limits, especially in warm weather
Final Thoughts
Summer hillwalking with your dog is one of the purest joys—just follow a few safety rules to keep them tail-waggingly happy. Hydration, paw care, shade, and water breaks are simple tweaks that make a huge difference.
Photo by Mitchell Orr on Unsplash
