A group of dogs playing in water, a great way to exercise your dog without walking.

How to Actually Skip the Walk on Hot Days and Still Meet Your Dog’s Needs

When the heat makes walks unsafe, your dog’s needs don’t disappear — you just have to meet them differently. Start by figuring out what walks actually give your dog (exercise, sniffing, novelty) so you can replace it on purpose. Then bring the outdoors in with tug, hide-and-seek, and scatter feeding; use water to cool paws and joints on hot days; and try frozen enrichment like broth cubes or “ice trifles” to keep your dog engaged and settled without ever stepping outside.