Heat Safety for Pets in a Nebraska Summer

Nebraska summers don't ease into it. One week it's pleasant, the next it's 95° with humidity that makes it feel like you're walking through warm soup. For people, that's uncomfortable. For dogs especially, it can turn dangerous fast.

This is the time of year I think about heat safety the most, because it's also the time of year I'm outside with your pets the most.

Here's what you need to know.

The pavement problem

If you can't hold the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds, your dog shouldn't be walking on it.

Asphalt absorbs heat and holds it. On an 85° day, the pavement surface can reach 135° or higher. Paw pads burn. They blister. And dogs don't usually stop walking just because their feet hurt — they keep going because they want to keep up with you.

Signs of burned paw pads: limping, licking or chewing at feet, pads that look red, raw, or darker than usual, or refusing to walk.

The fix is simple: walk early morning or after the sun goes down, stick to grass when possible, and if the ground is hot, keep it short.

Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are not the same thing, and the difference matters.

Heat exhaustion is the warning. Heatstroke is the emergency.

Heat exhaustion looks like:

• Heavy, excessive panting

• Drooling more than usual

• Slowing down or wanting to stop

• Seeming tired or dazed

Heatstroke looks like:

• Rapid or labored breathing

• Bright red gums

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Glazed eyes

• Stumbling, weakness, or collapse

• Losing consciousness

If you're seeing heatstroke signs: get them out of the heat immediately, gently poor (DO NOT DUMP) cool (not ice cold) water to their body, especially head and paws, and get to a vet right away. Do not wait to see if they improve on their own.

Brachycephalic dogs need extra care

Flat-faced breeds — bulldogs, French bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, shih tzus — have a much harder time cooling themselves because of how their airways are built. They overheat faster and recover slower.

If you have one of these dogs, summer walks need to be shorter, earlier, and lower-intensity than for other dogs. Humidity is particularly rough for them. When in doubt, skip the walk and do enrichment indoors.

Senior dogs, overweight dogs, and dogs with health conditions

Age, weight, and underlying health issues all affect heat tolerance. A senior dog or a dog with a heart condition can hit their limit well before a healthy adult dog would. These dogs need the same adjustments: earlier walks, more shade, shorter duration, and close watching.

What I do differently in summer

When it's hot, I adjust. Walks get moved to early morning when possible. I check pavement before we go. I carry water. I watch for panting that's getting heavier, slowing down, or reluctance to keep moving — and I take those signals seriously.  For temperatures exceeding 90°F, walks will be shortened. Indoor enrichment, such as treat hunts/puzzles and cuddles, will be provided as a substitute.

I'm also certified in Pet CPR and First Aid through FurstAid CPR, which means heat emergencies are something I've trained for specifically, not just read about.

If your dog is a flat-faced breed, a senior, or has any health conditions, it's worth letting me know so I can factor that into how we handle summer visits.

One more thing: cars

Never, ever leave a pet in a parked car in summer. Even with windows cracked, even in the shade, even for five minutes. The temperature inside a car can climb to dangerous levels in minutes. This one is non-negotiable.

Summer in Omaha is genuinely beautiful — the long evenings, the neighborhood activity, the parks. Your pets can enjoy all of it safely with a little extra attention to the heat. And if you ever have questions about whether it's too hot for a walk or what's best for your specific dog, just ask. That's what I'm here for.