Summer in New England is made for adventure—road trips, hiking trails, lazy lake days, and backyard barbecues with our best furry friends by our side. But as fun as the season is, it also comes with a few summer safety concerns dog parents need to watch out for.
Don’t worry—this isn’t meant to stress you out or keep you inside. With just a little extra awareness, you and your pup can enjoy every summer day with confidence.
Here’s some summer situations to keep in mind while you and your pup are adventuring!
Extreme Heat
This one is obvious, but it bears repeating. Summer temperatures can sneak up fast. Even on a seemingly mild day, the inside of a car can reach dangerous levels in just minutes—so never leave your dog unattended, even for a quick errand. Plan walks early in the morning or later in the evening when sidewalks are cooler, and always bring water along to keep your dog hydrated.
You can also check out my blog on fun ways to keep your pup occupied during the steamiest of summer days here.
Travel Safety
Whether it’s a road trip to the mountains or a weekend on the Cape, make sure your dog is buckled in with a crash-tested harness or riding safely in a secured crate. Pack familiar items like a blanket or toy to make them feel more at home, and double-check pet policies for hotels or campsites in advance. A little planning makes travel smoother and safer for everyone.
Hurricane & Storm Preparedness
Summer storm season in New England brings not only the risk of hurricanes and power outages but also plenty of booming thunderstorms that can be terrifying for some dogs. Now’s a great time to update your dog’s ID tags and microchip info and review your evacuation route in case Hurricane Dexter, Imelda or Karen decides to make it’s way up here to New England.
Thankfully, serious hurricanes are unlikely here in New England, but we still have plenty of loud summer storms ahead. So it’s just as important to have a plan for the upcoming thunderstorm (and fireworks) season.
If your pup is nervous during storms, try setting them up in the quietest, most secure room in the house—an interior bathroom, closet, or basement often works best. Leave the TV or radio on to provide some background noise and help muffle thunder claps. OTC calming treats, pheromone diffusers, or a snug-fitting Thundershirt can also ease anxiety for mild to moderate cases. For dogs with severe storm fears, talk to your vet about prescription anti-anxiety medication as part of their safety plan.
Another helpful approach is desensitization. You can gently introduce your dog to the sounds of storms by playing recorded thunderstorm tracks at a very low volume during calm times—while offering super yummy treats so they associate the noise with good things. Slowly, over days or weeks, you can increase the volume as they stay relaxed. This kind of practice can help reduce panic when real storms roll in.
You can read a more in-depth blog post on thunderstorm fears and dealing with them here.
Blue-Green Algae Dangers
Some New England lakes and ponds are prone to blue-green algae blooms in summer, which can be deadly if your dog drinks the water or even licks their fur after swimming. If you see green scum, strange discoloration, or the water smells bad—stay out. After any swim in a natural body of water, rinse your dog thoroughly to wash off potential contaminants.
A friend recently told me about these kits that test for blue-green algae. Disclaimer, I haven’t personally used them, so use caution around any suspicious bodies of water this summer.
Water Intoxication
Believe it or not, dogs can drink too much water—especially when they’re fetching toys in the lake or pool for long stretches. When dogs swallow excessive water, it can throw off their sodium balance, leading to dangerous water intoxication. Keep play sessions in the water short, and give your dog breaks to rest and shake off.
Insect Stings & Bites
Summer bugs aren’t just annoying for humans—they can cause real problems for dogs, too. Ticks, mosquitoes, bees, and wasps are all out in full force. Keep your dog on a veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventative, and give them a thorough once-over after walks in grassy or wooded areas. If your dog is stung and shows signs of swelling or difficulty breathing, seek vet care right away.
Summer Pet Adventure Checklist:
For Every Outing:
✔️ Collar with ID tags (and updated microchip info)
✔️ Leash (plus a spare—just in case!)
✔️ Poop bags
✔️ Water bowl & fresh water
✔️ Treats or snacks (for rewards or trail energy)
✔️ Favorite toy or chew (for car rides or relaxing)
✔️ Towel (for drying off after swimming or muddy fun)
✔️ Blanket or travel mat (for shady resting or picnics)
For Longer Adventures or Hikes:
(all of the above plus)
✔️ Portable dog-friendly first aid kit
✔️ Collapsible food bowl & meals (if away during feeding times)
✔️ Bug repellent wipes or spray (safe for dogs)
✔️ Paw balm (for hot pavement or rocky trails)
✔️ Cooling vest, bandana, or mat (for extra warm days)
✔️ Dog booties (if hiking on rough or hot surfaces)
A little preparation makes all the difference—so you and your dog can soak up every day trip, hike, and backyard gathering without worry. And remember, after a long, cozy winter spent napping on the couch (for both us and our pups!), it’s tempting to jump right into big summer adventures. But just like us, our dogs need a little time to ease back into shape. Start with shorter walks or play sessions to rebuild stamina and gently strengthen muscles before tackling those epic hikes or all-day outings. A gradual ramp-up keeps them happy, healthy, and ready for a season full of tail-wagging fun!
Believe, Asher and I have some super fun plans for the next few months with plenty of hiking, swimming and camping planned! So let’s all stay safe, stay smart, and have an unforgettable summer full of wagging tails and happy memories! Be sure to share plenty of photos so we can all share in your summer fun!
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