95 Degrees, Two Dogs, One Trip—Here’s What Helped Most
Traveling with our fur babies requires extra care and planning—especially during the hot dog days of summer (yep, I said it!). On a recent impromptu road trip to Virginia Beach with our two pups, we made sure they stayed cool, safe, and just as happy as we were.
The temperature soared into the mid-90s with barely a cloud in the sky. We quickly realized that summer heat can sneak up on pets, especially when you’re walking on hot pavement or enjoying long stretches of sunshine. Here are six essential tips for traveling with dogs in summer that made our trip smoother—and could help yours, too.
Essential Summer Travel Tips for Fur Babies
1. Keep Dogs Hydrated on the Go
We always carried water and a collapsible bowl with us. On especially hot days, we added a splash of dog-safe electrolyte water to help prevent dehydration. Offering small amounts throughout the day kept our pups feeling fresh.
2. Protect Dog Paws from Hot Pavement
Pavement heats up fast and can burn paws in minutes. We used dog booties for our smaller pup and applied paw pad wax on our bigger dog. Both worked like a charm, and their paws were protected the entire trip. Bonus. We were pretty entertained when our smaller dog tried walking in booties for the first time. What a prancing pup she was!
3. Use Cooling Scarves for Dogs
We bought two lightweight scarves, soaked them in water, and loosely wrapped them around our dogs’ necks, tucked under their harnesses. We kept re-wetting them throughout the day. It helped cool their skin and prevent overheating.
We have since discovered cooling vests. Chewy sells one that comes in multiple sizes and is UPF-rated for sun and heat protection.
4. Wet Them Down Often
Every time we passed a water fountain or beach rinse station, we gave the dogs a quick splash of water. Keeping their fur wet was one of the simplest ways to bring down their body temperature.
5. Plan for Pet-Friendly Dining
Summer is not the time to leave pets in the car. We searched Yelp and Bring Fido for dog-friendly patios where we could eat without worry. Many restaurants offered dog bowls and treats—our pups were well taken care of!
6. Rest in the Shade (or AC)
After a morning on the beach, we returned to the hotel during the peak heat hours to relax in the air conditioning. Dogs need time to cool down and rest, just like we do. They’re family, and that means planning for their comfort too.
Final Thought:
Traveling with dogs in the summer heat takes a bit more effort, but it’s worth it when you see those happy tails wagging. Always be alert to signs of overheating, and never underestimate how fast heat can affect your pup.
