Top Tips for Walking Your Pet in Atlanta During Summer Heat

It is hot here in Atlanta! Temps are reaching into the 90s and it is humid! The summer months can be tough on us and our pets. Check out the recommendations below for great tips on how to stay active and safe while walking your pet throughout the heat of the summer.

1.     Walk your pet early in the morning. By early morning, I mean before sunrise or within about 2 hours after sunrise. I know, it can be tough to get up early, especially on your day(s) off.  All jokes aside, during the summer months, the morning is the coolest time of day. The ground will be cool and that will help protect their little, and big, paws. Get up and get out there on the Atlanta Beltline, Piedmont Park, Westside Park, or even some of the trails around the city like Morningside Nature Preserve, Murphy Candler Park, or East & West Palisades Trails. Another benefit of walking your pet early… it will be less crowded, so you won’t have to dodge as many people, cyclists, or runners

2.     Pre or post dog walk, use a paw balm or ointment. Hot dry ground is prime for irritating paws. There are a lot of products out there to help protect your pet’s paws from cracking. Personally, I like using it before a dog walk because it acts as a barrier with the ground and my dog doesn’t have time to lick their paws. Check out Natural Dog Company’s Paw Soother or PawTection Balm products. (This post is not affiliated with or endorsed by Natural Dog Company; I just really like their product).

3.     Test the ground. Can you walk barefoot without awkwardly dancing or leaping into the air? If the answer to that question is no, then your pet’s paws are at risk of burns or blisters. Test out the ground by holding your hand on the ground for several seconds in the sun to double check it before you head out for a walk. 

4.     Grab some shade! If a quick dog walk is needed in the middle of the day, keep it short, sweet, and in the shade. Less than 5 minutes for your dog to do their business and get out a bit of energy. If shade and grass is available, that is your best bet for keeping your pet cool. Give them treats and water when they are back indoors.

5.     Don’t walk, take your dog to Fetch Park and grab a coffee. Again, go early in the morning or at sunset. Fetch is a great park for your dog to run around to get their energy out, socialize, and maybe even cool off in the splash zone. There are Fetch Park locations all around the city including: Buckhead, Old Forth Ward, and Alpharetta. Check out their website for more information: fetchpark.com

6.     Walk at sunset. As the intensity of the sun subsides and the temps cool down, walking your pet at sunset is a great option. It will likely be warmer than sunrise and possibly even more humid (how can that be in the South?!), but the ground will be cooling down. Make sure to take water with you and give your pet breaks. During these hot summer months, shorten the duration of your walks to ensure your pet stays happy and healthy.

Disclaimer: This post is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Natural Dog Company or Fetch Park. This post includes general recommendations and is not a medical or veterinary article. If your pet has a medical condition or struggles with the heat and humidity, reach out to your veterinarian to discuss the best course of action for you and your pet.