Ask Momma Gail: "Is It Too Hot for My Dog Outside Today?" — What to Do If He Gets Overheated

Dear Momma Gail,

It's been so hot here in Lebanon and I'm worried about taking my dog outside. How do I know if it's too hot for him? And what do I do if he gets overheated?

— Larry in Lebanon

Dear Larry,

Oh honey, you are asking exactly the right question — and the fact that you're asking it tells me you're already a good dog dad. 🐾

Here in Middle Tennessee, summer doesn't play around. And for our senior dogs, heat isn't just uncomfortable — it can turn dangerous fast. Older dogs don't regulate their body temperature the way younger pups do. Their systems are working harder just to keep up, and heat stress can sneak up on them before you even realize something's wrong.

So let's talk about it.

The 5-Second Pavement Test

Before you ever clip that leash, press the back of your hand flat on the pavement and hold it for 5 seconds. If you can't keep it there comfortably, it's too hot for your dog's paws. Asphalt can reach 150°F on a hot day — and senior paws are more sensitive, more cracked, and more vulnerable than ever.

👉 This is where Bowwow Pet Care Paw Balm comes in. A good paw balm applied before walks creates a protective barrier against hot pavement, rough surfaces, and the kind of cracking that makes every step hurt. Think of it as sunscreen for his feet. Momma doesn't leave the house without it. 🐾

When Is It Too Hot to Go Outside?

A good rule of thumb for senior dogs:

• Below 70°F — Safe for normal walks
• 70–80°F — Keep it short, stay in the shade, bring water
• 80°F+ — Early morning or after sunset only
• 85°F+ — Potty breaks only, pavement check required, no extended time outside

Humidity matters just as much as temperature. If it feels muggy, it IS muggy — and your dog can't sweat it out the way you can.

Signs Your Dog Is Overheating

Know these by heart, Larry:

• Heavy, rapid panting that won't slow down
• Drooling more than usual
• Bright red gums or tongue
• Wobbly legs or stumbling
• Glazed, unfocused eyes
• Vomiting or collapsing

If you see any of these, get him inside immediately, offer cool (not ice cold) water, and place a cool damp towel on his neck, armpits, and paw pads. Call your vet if symptoms don't improve within a few minutes.

How to Keep Him Cool From the Inside Out

This is where Momma's Kitchen comes in. 🍽️

One of the best things you can do on a hot day is swap a portion of your dog's meal for something cool, hydrating, and nourishing. In our upcoming Nutrition for the Aging Souls cookbook, we have a recipe for Frozen Bites — simple, whole-food frozen treats made with ingredients that hydrate, soothe, and cool your senior dog from the inside out.

Think frozen pumpkin and broth bites. Frozen banana and peanut butter coins. Little pops of cool that your dog will go absolutely wild for — and that are actually good for him.

👉 Pre-order Nutrition for the Aging Souls today and be among the first to get Momma's full collection of senior-dog recipes — including the Frozen Bites your pup is going to beg for all summer long.

Momma's Summer Senior Dog Checklist ☀️

• ✅ Walk before 8am or after 7pm
• ✅ Do the 5-second pavement test every time
• ✅ Apply paw balm before every outdoor outing
• ✅ Always bring fresh water — even for short trips
• ✅ Watch for panting that doesn't slow down
• ✅ Offer frozen treats on hot days
• ✅ Never leave him in a parked car — not even for a minute

You're doing right by him, Larry. That's all any of us can do. 💛

Momma Gail 🐾
Bowwow Pet Care Senior Dog Wellness | Mount Juliet, TN

Meet Momma Gail

Born and raised right here in Nashville, Tennessee, Momma Gail has spent a lifetime mastering the art of real, Southern kitchen-cooked nutrition for her family — and her four-legged best friends. Best known as the creator behind the famous recipes that helped her beloved dog, Dixie, live to the incredible age of 20, she brings 89 years of love, wisdom, and practical experience to the Bowwow Pet Care family.

When she isn't sharing senior dog care secrets in her weekly column, you can find her testing fresh ingredients in the kitchen, keeping Mr. Weenie in line, and spreading joy to pets and people at both ends of the leash.

👉 Try Momma's Nose, Paw & Hot Spot Balm — her go-to for protecting senior paws all summer long.

Got a question for her? Submit it to our Ask Momma Gail mailbox at askmomagail@bowwowpetcare.com today!