Keeping St. Louis Dogs Safe During Dog Walks This Summer

At 4-Legged Kids, the safety and well-being of your 4-legged kids are our top priority, especially during extreme temperatures. That’s why our team implements our extreme weather policy when temperatures soar during the summer months. This policy is designed to protect every dog in our care from the dangers of heat and humidity during dog walks. Here, I’m sharing how we’re keeping St. Louis dogs safe during dog walks this summer. I encourage you to do the same!

How We Evaluate Summer Safety

First, at 4LK, our team is trained to understand that not all dogs are equally affected by extreme temperatures. For this reason, we carefully monitor daytime temperatures and consider each dog’s individual needs when planning their visits and walks. Our top four considerations are as follows:

1. Age and size

2. Breed and coat type

3. Pre-existing conditions that may make them more susceptible to heat injury (i.e., heart conditions)

4. Physical structure, with special attention to brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like bulldogs, pugs, boxers, and pekingese.

Brachycephalic and XL breeds, as well as puppies, seniors, and dogs with thick or dark coats, such as Huskies and Malamutes, are at a higher risk for heat-related issues. They often struggle to regulate body temperature and can overheat quickly, so we adjust our routines accordingly.

Adapting Visits for Safety

To ensure the safety of the dogs in our care, our visits may appear slightly different during extreme temperatures. Rather than long walks or extended outdoor play, we may:

• Change routes to more shaded areas if they are available

• Take a quick outing for a bathroom break

• Spend more time indoors with interactive play and enrichment

This flexible approach allows us to tailor each visit to your dog’s unique needs and the day’s weather, ensuring they stay comfortable and safe.

Why Summer Precautions Matter

Dogs don’t sweat through their skin like humans; they rely on panting and sweating through their paws, which are less effective cooling methods. Overheating can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition that must be recognized and treated promptly. Warning signs include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and confusion. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary help immediately.

Heat stroke can happen on short walks, therefore, we always rather err on the side of caution. Additionally, hot asphalt can burn their paw pads, causing pain, discomfort, and potentially leading to infection. Shortening walks and bringing dogs indoors where they are more comfortable still allows us to exercise their minds, offer companionship, and socialize your dog.

*** I’ll take a pause here to remind you to never to leave dogs in cars during warm weather, even for a short time, as temperatures inside can become fatal within minutes. ***

Keeping St. Louis Dogs Safe During Dog Walks This Summer

We love sharing simple, practical tools with our clients. That’s why we recommend this infographic from Fetch Pet Insurance (formerly known as PetPlan), which outlines summer safety tips and helps you assess your pet’s risk level at a glance. It’s a great reminder to use sunscreen on light-coated pets, check pavement temperatures, and always provide fresh water.

The Best Care for St. Louis Dogs

At 4-Legged Kids, your dog’s safety is our priority, no matter how high the temperature climbs. Thank you for trusting us to care for your four-legged family members throughout the year!