Dog Owners Change Routines, Invent DIY Solutions To Keep Pets Safe In Summer Heat

As summer temperatures climb, many dog owners are rethinking their routines — and even their identities as pet parents.

According to a new survey of 2,000 dog owners, one in three say they feel like a “bad pet parent” during the warmer months, largely due to reduced outdoor time and concerns about overheating. The survey, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of MedVet, found that 39% believe their dog suffers in the summer heat.

That concern has led many to get creative: respondents reported making homemade “pup-sicles,” organizing baby-pool splash sessions, creating indoor agility courses, and even hosting movie marathons to keep their dogs entertained and safe from the heat.

Concerns about paw pad burns and dehydration have led 77% of dog owners to cancel walks or outdoor playdates due to weather, with an average of nearly four cancellations per week. In response, many are restructuring their day-to-day habits. Fifty-two percent now prefer evening walks, while 47% head out in the early morning. Thirty-six percent stick to grassy or shaded routes, and one in five owners will drive their dog to a cooler location to avoid the midday sun. Safety checks are now routine: 91% say they assess weather conditions before walking their dog, and 42% test the pavement temperature by touching it with their hand.

With outdoor time limited, indoor bonding is on the rise. Eighty-eight percent of respondents said theyve found new ways to keep their dogs entertained indoors during extreme heat. Sixty-four percent believe their dogs are spending more time inside this summer than last. A third of pet owners (33%) have purchased or made frozen treats, 28% have set up baby pools, 21% have invested in cooling mats, and 11% have constructed indoor obstacle courses from pillows and furniture. Others are teaching new tricks, rotating toys, or playing scent-based games to engage their dogs mentally.

“Summer heat poses real risks to our canine companions, from overheating to paw pad burns,” said Jay N. Gladden, DVM, DACVECC, Board-certified Specialist in Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care and Director of Medical Excellence at MedVet. “Its encouraging to see so many dog owners adapting their routines and finding creative ways to keep their pets safe and mentally stimulated. Above all, staying attentive to your dogs behavior and hydration needs is key to ensuring a healthy, happy summer for both pets and their people.”

For many, the shift indoors has deepened emotional bonds. Of those spending more time inside, 48% report increased cuddle time, 47% feel more emotionally connected to their dogs, and 38% say they feel calmer just having their pets nearby. Thirty-seven percent say theyve become more observant of their dogs behavior and preferences, while 33% feel more in tune with their pets needs. Roughly one-third (31%) have taught their dogs new tricks or implemented more consistent daily routines, and 29% say this time indoors has strengthened their sense of responsibility as pet parents.

“Spending more time indoors doesnt just keep dogs safe from the heat — it offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen the human-animal bond,” said Kevin Przybylski, DVM, an Emergency Medicine Veterinarian and Medical Director at MedVet Dayton.

“For many dog owners, summer temperatures have sparked a heightened sense of responsibility and attentiveness to their pets needs,” Gladden said. “Being proactive about hydration, avoiding hot surfaces and adjusting exercise routines are all helpful in protecting dogs during extreme heat. This increased care helps ensure dogs stay safe, comfortable, and happy even as the climate continues to change.”