Summer on the Costa Blanca means long sunny days, outdoor living and plenty of opportunities to spend time with our dogs. But the combination of high temperatures, intense sunshine and hot surfaces also means that owners need to adapt their dogs’ routines during the warmer months.

In areas such as Torrevieja, Los Montesinos and the surrounding Costa Blanca, summer heat can become uncomfortable surprisingly quickly. Dogs regulate their body temperature differently from humans, so conditions that feel manageable to us may already be difficult for them.

A few sensible changes to walks, exercise, hydration and daily routines can make a significant difference.

☀️ Choose the Right Time for Walks

One of the simplest ways to protect your dog during summer is to reconsider when you go for walks.

Early mornings and later evenings are usually much more comfortable than the middle of the day. This is particularly important during periods of intense heat, when pavements and roads may remain very warm even after the strongest sunshine has passed.

The ideal summer walk is often less about covering a certain distance and more about giving your dog enough time to explore, sniff and move comfortably.

On particularly hot days, a shorter relaxed walk at a sensible time is preferable to a long walk in uncomfortable conditions.

🐾 Remember That Pavements Get Hot

Air temperature tells only part of the story.

Asphalt, concrete, paving stones and other exposed surfaces absorb solar radiation and can become considerably hotter than the surrounding air. Because dogs walk directly on these surfaces, their paws can be particularly vulnerable.

Before heading out, check the ground yourself. If a surface feels uncomfortably hot to your hand after several seconds of contact, choose a cooler route, wait until later or find shaded areas and more suitable surfaces.

This matters especially in urban and coastal environments where paved surfaces are everywhere.

💧 Make Hydration Part of the Routine

Dogs should always have access to clean, fresh drinking water, but hydration deserves additional attention during the Costa Blanca summer.

Keep water readily available at home and take some with you when going on longer walks or journeys. If you are spending time outdoors, offer regular opportunities to drink rather than waiting until your dog appears very thirsty.

Water bowls should ideally be positioned somewhere cool and shaded. Refreshing the water regularly can also encourage dogs to drink throughout the day.

Recognise When Your Dog Has Had Enough

Dogs cannot simply tell us that they are becoming too hot, so owners need to pay attention to changes in behaviour.

Heavy or unusual panting, slowing down significantly, repeatedly searching for shade, appearing weak or becoming reluctant to continue an activity can all indicate that your dog needs to stop and cool down.

Never force a dog to continue exercising because you planned a longer walk. Adjusting the activity to the individual dog is particularly important during summer.

Age, breed, coat, body condition and general fitness can all affect how well a dog tolerates warm weather.

If your dog shows worrying signs of overheating or does not recover normally after moving somewhere cooler, veterinary advice should be sought promptly.

🚗 Never Leave a Dog Inside a Parked Car

This is one summer rule that should have no exceptions.

The temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise dangerously quickly, even when the car is parked in partial shade or the windows have been left slightly open.

A journey with your dog therefore requires a little planning. Make sure you know where your dog can accompany you and avoid situations where they would need to remain alone inside the vehicle.

Adapt Exercise Rather Than Eliminating It

Summer safety does not necessarily mean keeping dogs indoors all day.

Physical activity and mental stimulation remain important, but the type and intensity of exercise should match the weather.

During very warm periods, energetic activities can be moved to cooler parts of the day. At home, scent games, food puzzles and short training exercises can provide valuable stimulation without requiring intense physical effort.

This approach is especially useful for energetic dogs that still need engagement when outdoor exercise has to be reduced.

🌳 Shade Is Essential, Not Optional

If your dog spends time outdoors, there should always be reliable access to shade.

Remember that shade moves throughout the day. A terrace or garden area that is protected from the sun in the morning may be completely exposed a few hours later.

Covered, well-ventilated areas are preferable to enclosed spaces where heat can accumulate. Dogs should also always be able to move away from direct sunlight when they choose.

Pay Extra Attention to Dogs That Struggle With Heat

Not every dog copes with summer temperatures in the same way.

Older dogs, puppies, overweight dogs and animals with certain health problems may find hot weather particularly demanding. Dogs with short muzzles can also have greater difficulty regulating their temperature efficiently.

For these dogs, summer routines may need to be adjusted more significantly.

Rather than following a fixed schedule, observe your dog. Their behaviour is often the best indication of whether an activity is appropriate for the conditions.

Grooming Matters, but Shaving Is Not Always the Answer

Keeping a dog’s coat in good condition can help them remain more comfortable during warmer weather. Regular brushing removes loose hair and helps prevent matting, which can interfere with the coat’s natural function.

However, shaving a dog very short is not automatically the best solution. Different coat types require different approaches, and some coats provide useful protection from both heat and sunlight.

Professional grooming can help owners understand what is appropriate for their dog’s particular coat rather than simply removing as much hair as possible.

Summer Routines Need Flexibility

Living with a dog on the Costa Blanca means learning to work with the climate.

A walk that is perfectly comfortable one morning may be unsuitable a few days later. Plans may need to change according to temperature, humidity, sunshine and the individual dog’s response.

The key is not to stop enjoying summer together, but to adapt everyday routines so dogs can remain active, comfortable and safe.

At Dirty and Happy in Los Montesinos, we work with dogs throughout the year through our pet hotel, dog day care, training and grooming services. That daily experience reinforces something simple: every dog is different, and good summer care begins with paying attention to what each individual dog needs.

Dirty and Happy
Los Montesinos, Alicante
Telephone & WhatsApp: 654 531 345
Email: info@dirtyandhappy.com