Washington heat waves and a large working dog

Summers are getting hotter and homes are often not air-conditioned. Plan for a heavy dog before the first heat advisory.

What the state says

The August 2025 Department of Health heat release tells residents to stay hydrated and in shade and never to leave children or pets in vehicles, because even with windows cracked the temperature inside a car can rise quickly and become deadly.

A practical routine

Walk at dawn or after sunset on hot days.
Keep fresh water and real shade where the dog spends the day.
Leave the dog at home for errands that involve parking.
Keep a cool indoor room available.
Know where the nearest emergency veterinarian is.

Ask how the dog copes

A good professional will say plainly how the dog handles warm weather and what rest it needs. Be wary of any claim that a working dog ignores the heat.

Living in Washington and ready to talk?

Send K9PN your Washington ZIP code and what the dog would be for. A professional who works near you can follow up.

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