If your dog could talk: summer vibes.

By Pascale Saravelli, canine educator and co-director at Social Dogs Mallorca.

"Please… help me enjoy summer as much as you do."

For many of us, summer means holidays, beach days and long evenings outdoors. For dogs, it can mean something very different.

Imagine wearing a thick fur coat on one of the hottest days of the year. Walking barefoot on scorching pavements. Having no way to ask for a drink or to tell someone you're getting too hot.

Not all dogs experience summer in the same way. Breeds that evolved in cold climates, such as the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed or Saint Bernard, were shaped over generations to cope with snow and freezing temperatures—not Mediterranean summers. Yet today it's not uncommon to see these breeds living in places like Mallorca, where long periods of heat can make the warmer months particularly challenging. Even within the same breed, every dog is different, so learning to recognise your own dog's limits is one of the best ways to keep them safe.

The good news is that they don't need extravagant plans to enjoy summer. Most of the time, they simply need us to adapt the season to their needs. Early mornings and late evenings are usually the best times for longer walks, when temperatures are lower and the ground is cooler. 

During the hottest part of the day, a shady park, a gentle sniffing game or simply relaxing together at home can be far more enjoyable than an exhausting walk under the midday sun.

If you can't comfortably keep the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds, it's probably too hot for your dog's paws.

Water can also be part of the adventure. Many dogs love swimming, and it's a wonderful way to exercise while keeping cool. Just remember to provide fresh drinking water, discourage them from swallowing seawater, and rinse their coat after a swim to remove salt and sand.

Punta Marroig, Palmanova, Calvià.

If you live in Calvià, you're fortunate to have dog-friendly beaches right on your doorstep. Designated areas such as Punta de Marroig in Palmanova and Cala Blanca in Costa de la Calma allow dogs to enjoy the sea legally during the bathing season, provided local regulations are followed. If you'd like to explore beyond Calvià, you'll find an interactive guide to all the dog-friendly beaches in Mallorca on our website. Explore the guide.

Heatstroke is one of the most serious emergencies dogs can face during the summer. Excessive panting, weakness, confusion, vomiting or collapse should never be ignored. If you suspect your dog is overheating, move them to a cool place immediately, offer small amounts of water and seek veterinary attention without delay.

The best summer memories aren't made by doing more. They're made by slowing down, choosing the right moments, and making sure we're enjoying the season together.

Did you know...? Dogs don't sweat through their skin like we do. They mainly cool themselves by panting and, to a much lesser extent, through the sweat glands in their paw pads. That's why they can overheat much faster than many people realise.

"The best summer days aren't the hottest ones. They're the ones we get to enjoy safely together."