In Israel's summer, walk your dog early in the morning and after sunset, keep walks shorter and in the shade, check the pavement with the back of your hand for seven seconds, and always carry water. Never leave a dog in a parked car. PetHome Israel dog walkers schedule summer walks outside the midday heat; a 30-minute walk starts at 70 ₪. If your dog shows signs of overheating, contact a vet immediately.
Why summer is risky for dogs
Dogs cool down mainly by panting, which is much less efficient than sweating. In hot and humid weather on the coast, or in dry desert heat in the Negev and Eilat, dogs can overheat quickly. The risk is higher for:
- short-nosed breeds such as bulldogs and pugs;
- senior dogs and puppies;
- overweight dogs;
- dogs with thick coats or health conditions;
- very active dogs that do not slow down on their own.
Best walk times
From late spring to autumn, plan walks:
- early morning, before the sun heats the pavement;
- late evening, after sunset, when the ground has cooled.
At midday, limit outings to a short toilet break in the shade. In Eilat and in the Negev, summer days can be dangerous even in the late morning.
The pavement test
Asphalt and stone absorb heat and can burn paw pads. Put the back of your hand on the ground for seven seconds. If it is uncomfortable for you, it is too hot for your dog. Walk on grass or shaded paths and avoid sand on hot afternoons.
Water and rest
- Carry water and a portable bowl on every walk.
- Stop in the shade and let your dog rest.
- Keep a full water bowl at home and in more than one room.
- Do not force a dog to keep going if it slows down or lies down.
Signs of overheating
Watch for heavy panting that does not ease, drooling, bright red or pale gums, weakness, stumbling, vomiting or collapse. Move the dog to the shade, offer water and contact a vet immediately. This is an emergency; do not wait to see if it passes.
At home
- Keep blinds closed during the day and the air moving.
- Leave water in several places.
- Make sure your dog is not shut in a hot room or on a sunny balcony.
- Do not rely only on an air conditioner timer; power cuts happen.
In the car
Never leave a dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes with windows open. The temperature inside rises very quickly.
Exercise alternatives in hot months
On hot days, replace long walks with:
- sniffing games and food puzzles at home;
- short training sessions;
- a calm walk in a shaded park early in the morning.
How our walkers adjust
In summer our walkers:
- schedule walks early and late by default;
- check the pavement before setting off;
- carry water and stop in shade;
- shorten walks on very hot days and tell you about it;
- walk short-nosed, senior and overweight dogs very gently.
A 30-minute walk starts at 70 ₪ and a 60-minute walk at 110 ₪.
Swimming and the beach
Some dogs love the sea, but beaches can be very hot, and rules on dogs differ between beaches. Only go where dogs are allowed, avoid the hottest hours, bring fresh water and rinse salt off afterwards.
Grooming in summer
Brushing helps remove loose undercoat and lets air reach the skin. Do not shave a double-coated dog without asking a professional groomer or your vet, because the coat can also protect from sun. Check paws and ears after walks in parks.