Summertime in Edmonton, Alberta is one of the best times to enjoy the great outdoors with your dog. With long days, beautiful parks, and endless trails throughout the city and surrounding areas like St. Albert, Sherwood Park, and Beaumont, it’s the perfect season for daily dog walks and fresh air.
But while summer offers plenty of fun, it also brings specific challenges for your pet’s health — particularly when it comes to heat, hydration, and paw safety. As a local pet waste removal company in Edmonton, Poo Pickers cares deeply about the health and happiness of your dog. That’s why we’ve put together these essential tips to help you walk your dog safely all summer long.
- Time Your Walks Wisely
In Edmonton, temperatures can climb quickly in the summer, especially during heat waves in July and August. While early mornings and late evenings often bring cooler breezes, midday sun can be harsh — not just for you, but for your dog.
Tip: Aim to walk your dog before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. to avoid peak heat. Not only will it be more comfortable, but the pavement will also be cooler on your dog’s sensitive paws.
- Watch for Signs of Overheating
Dogs can’t sweat like humans do. They regulate heat mostly through panting and their paw pads. That means they’re much more susceptible to heatstroke — especially brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like pugs, bulldogs, and boxers.
Look out for signs of overheating:
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Lethargy or weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Bright red or pale gums
- Collapse or disorientation
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, get them into a shaded area immediately and offer cool (not cold) water. In severe cases, contact your vet right away.
- Keep Them Hydrated Before, During, and After the Walk
Hydration is key in the summer. While you might bring water for yourself, it’s just as important to carry some for your pup.
Hydration tips for Edmonton dog walks:
- Bring a collapsible bowl or a portable dog water bottle
- Offer water every 15–20 minutes during longer walks
- Add a few ice cubes to your dog’s water bowl at home to encourage more drinking
- Feed wet food or add water to kibble to help increase fluid intake
Remember: if you’re thirsty, your dog probably is too.
- Protect Those Paws
In the heat of the day, sidewalks, asphalt, and even artificial turf can become dangerously hot — causing burns or blisters on your dog’s paw pads.
The 5-second rule:
Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can’t hold it for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog.
Paw safety tips:
- Stick to grassy paths, shaded trails, or dirt roads like those in Rundle Park or Whitemud Creek Ravine
- Consider using dog booties if your dog tolerates them
- Moisturize pads with paw balm to prevent cracking
- Stay Off Hot Concrete and Artificial Surfaces
While patios and playgrounds might seem like great walk destinations, surfaces like concrete, metal, and artificial turf can become dangerously hot under the Alberta sun.
Instead, head to best dog parks in Edmonton :
- Terwillegar Dog Park: shaded trails and access to the river
- Hawrelak Park: cooler, tree-lined paths for early or late-day walks
- Sherwood Park Natural Area: a great off-leash zone with wood chip paths
Natural trails keep the temperature down and give your dog a break from hot surfaces.
- Make It a Shorter, Smarter Walk
In cooler months, long walks or jogs might be the norm — but in the summer, short and strategic is the way to go. You don’t have to skip the walk entirely, but you should adjust the intensity and duration.
Try:
- Multiple short walks rather than one long one
- Letting your dog set the pace
- Taking breaks in the shade
Also, always check the UV Index and air quality levels, especially if wildfire smoke is in the area — a concern that has become more common in Alberta summers.
- Grooming and Coat Care Matters
You might think shaving your dog helps them stay cool, but not all breeds benefit from that. In fact, double-coated breeds like Huskies and German Shepherds use their coats to regulate heat naturally.
Instead of shaving:
- Brush regularly to remove excess undercoat
- Trim fur around the paws and belly
- Use cooling mats or vests for extra relief
Talk to your groomer about what’s best for your dog’s breed.
- Always Pick Up After Your Pet (Or Let Poo Pickers Do It for You)
Warm weather speeds up the breakdown of dog waste, making it smellier, more hazardous, and more likely to attract pests and bacteria. If left behind during walks, it can contaminate public spaces and even wash into Edmonton’s storm drains during rain.
At Poo Pickers, we offer reliable, professional dog poop cleanup services in Edmonton and surrounding areas — from your backyard to community spaces. Our service helps:
- Keep your lawn safe and sanitary
- Reduce fly and pest activity
- Eliminate summer odours
- Keep local parks and paths clean
So, whether you’re too busy or just want one less chore, we’ve got your back.
Final Thoughts: Walk Smart, Stay Cool, and Enjoy Edmonton’s Summer
Summers in Edmonton are short and sweet — make the most of them by keeping your dog safe, cool, and healthy on every walk. With the right precautions and a little planning, your daily walks can be the best part of your pup’s day.
And when it comes to cleanup, Poo Pickers is always here to help. From backyard waste removal to keeping your property poop-free, we make pet ownership a little easier — and a lot cleaner.
Ready for a Poop-Free Yard This Summer?
Serving Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Leduc, Beaumont, and surrounding communities.
Visit www.poopickers.ca to book your service or request a free quote.
Poo Pickers — Edmonton’s Trusted Dog Waste Cleanup Crew.
Walk proud. Poop-free.