Bringing your dog on the trail is one of the best parts of hiking — but summer heat hits them a lot harder than it hits you, and most folks don’t realize it until their dog is already in trouble. I’ve got my own dog with me on plenty of trail days, and I’ve learned to watch for the signs before they become a problem. Here’s what I want every hiker in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, or Louisiana to know before they head out with their pup this summer.
Dogs Overheat Faster Than You Do
Your dog can’t sweat the way you do — they cool off mainly by panting, and that’s a lot less efficient once the air itself is hot and humid. Add a fur coat and the fact that they’re closer to hot pavement or baked trail dirt, and they’re dealing with more heat stress than you are, even on the same hike.
Check the Ground Before You Check the Trail Map
If pavement or rock is too hot for the back of your hand after five seconds, it’s too hot for their paws. This trips people up constantly, especially on trailheads with paved lots or exposed rock sections. Stick to shaded trail sections during peak heat, or shift your hike to early morning when the ground has had all night to cool down.
Water for Two
Bring more water than you think you need, and bring it for your dog specifically — don’t count on creek crossings or ponds being reliable or safe for them to drink from. A collapsible bowl is cheap insurance. Offer water often, not just when your dog seems thirsty; by the time they’re panting hard, they’re already behind on hydration.
Know Their Warning Signs
Heavy panting is normal. What’s not normal:
• Excessive drooling or thick, ropey saliva
• Bright red or purple gums and tongue
• Stumbling, glassy eyes, or disorientation
• Collapsing or refusing to move
If you see any of that, get your dog into shade immediately, offer water, cool them with wet cloths on the belly and paw pads, and head for the vehicle. Heatstroke in dogs escalates fast and is a genuine emergency — don’t wait it out on the trail.
Match the Hike to the Dog, Not Just to You
Older dogs, short-nosed breeds like bulldogs and pugs, and dogs carrying extra weight are all at higher risk in heat, even if they’re eager to keep going. They’ll often push through discomfort because they want to stay with you — which means it’s on you to make the call to turn around, not them.
A Few Trail Habits That Help
• Hike early morning or evening, skip midday in peak summer
• Choose routes with shade and water access when you can
• Take breaks in shade every 20–30 minutes, even if your dog seems fine
• Keep them leashed near water sources — a hot, thirsty dog will jump into anything that looks wet, algae bloom or not
Your dog trusts you to make the call when they can’t make it themselves. A little extra planning goes a long way toward more summer trail days together instead of a scary one.
See you out there.
— Ray