Sarasota is a fun dog-friendly city, with plenty of outdoor areas to explore. Whether you are taking your dog to play at Lake View Dog Park, having lunch at O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill, or taking a stroll through Bayfront Park, it’s important to be mindful of the summer heat and humidity. To help keep your dog safe and comfortable during Sarasota’s hot, humid months, we’ve put together this guide on heat safety tips for dogs.
Talk to your vet
We always recommend discussing heat safety for dogs with your vet if you have any questions about your dog’s health.
Puppies, older dogs, overweight dogs, or dogs with respiratory or heart conditions are more vulnerable to overheating.
It’s important to remember that Brachycephalic dog breeds, including Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers, are especially vulnerable to heat. They can overheat more quickly, even during light exercises.
Dogs need sunscreen, too.
Just like humans, dogs can get sunburnt. Dogs with thin and light coats (including Dalmatians, Greyhounds, and Xoloitzcuintli) are more susceptible to UV rays, particularly around the nose, eyelids, and bellies. Dogs don’t regulate their body temperature like humans do; instead, they release excess heat through panting and sweating from their paws.
To protect your dog from sunburn, we recommend using a dog-safe sunscreen that meets the following criteria:
- Zinc Oxide and Para-aminobenzoic acid free, as these can be harmful when ingested.
- Waterproof, unscented, and with an SPF of 30+ and higher
Remember to apply sunscreen to your dog 15-20 minutes before going outside, and to reapply it every 2 hours to limit exposure.
Dog-safe sunscreens you can use include :
Check the ground temperature
It gets very hot in Sarasota, and on those scorching days, the pavement, rocky surfaces, and sand can become painful to walk on with bare paws. Before allowing your dog to walk on these surfaces, test the temperature by placing your hand on the ground. If you can keep your hand there for seven seconds without discomfort, it should be safe for your dog. If it feels too hot, it’s best to keep your dog on cooler surfaces including grass and in shaded areas. You can apply Musher’s Secret Paw Wax to your dog’s paws to protect them from the heat or to heal, or to heal dry and cracked pads.
Stay hydrated
It’s essential to offer your dog water regularly. Sarasota’s heat and humidity can cause dehydration faster than you might realize. When going on outdoor adventures, even short trips, we recommend carrying a collapsible water bowl and a water bottle.
Look out for symptoms of dehydration in dogs, which include:
- Dry nose or gums
- Salivating
- Excessive panting
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Lack of appetite
If your dog shows signs of overheating, such as glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, or heavy drooling. You should take action to:
- Move your dog into an air-conditioned or shaded space.
- Apply cold, wet towels and ice packs to their chest and neck.
- Run some cool water on their bodies and give them small sips of cool water and ice cubes.
Check your dog’s body temperature, if it is above 104°F then you should contact your vet. We recommend having a dog thermometer at your home.
We’re here to help
If you want to explore Sarasota with your dog and address behavioral issues or teach obedience and manners, you can schedule a free consultation with our Pet Behavior Team.
All of our programs are conducted through one-on-one sessions at your home or in your neighborhood. We also offer board and train programs, where your dog stays at your trainer’s home and receives follow-up lessons with you after returning home.
If you live outside the Sarasota area or prefer to connect virtually, our Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage, provides virtual consultation programs. During these programs, she will design a personalized training plan with detailed, step-by-step guidance that addresses your training goals.
If you would like more information on dog-friendly locations in Sarasota to take your dog, we have published guides on:
- Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Sarasota
- Sarasota’s Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails
- Sarasota County’s Dog Parks
For more guides, check out our Puppy Training Blogs and Sarasota’s Dog-Friendly Guide.
