Summer Heat and GSPs: Knowing When to Hit Pause

TTR'S Tips & Pointers Blog

German Shorthaired Pointers (GSPs) are a high-octane mix of drive, athleticism, and boundless curiosity. When summer rolls in, those zoomies don’t stop—but the risks ramp up. While our Olympic athletes were built for stamina, they weren’t built for sweltering heat. Whether you're out for a jog, training for your next dock diving competition, or just tossing the ball in the backyard, summer exercise requires a few extra precautions to keep your GSP safe, healthy, and ready to run another day.

Heat Risk is Real: Know the Warning Signs

Dogs don’t sweat like we do, and their primary cooling method—panting—can only do so much in triple-digit temps. GSPs, with their muscular builds and endless drive, are particularly susceptible to overheating.

Watch for these signs of heat exhaustion:

• Excessive panting or drooling
  
• Lethargy or weakness
  
• Vomiting or diarrhea
  
• Glazed eyes or disorientation
  
• Bright red gums or tongue
  
• Collapse

Even seasoned GSP owners can misread the signs—we certainly did. Recently, at a GSP MeetUp our boy Maverick gave us quite the scare. Super slobber is his norm when he’s retrieving balls, so I wasn’t overly concerned at first. He had access to fresh water and drank some, but his high drive had him ignoring the heat—and the young boys throwing the ball for him weren’t about to stop the fun either.

Suddenly, Maverick’s back legs got wobbly, and he collapsed. We carried him to the car and quickly realized he had uncontrollable loose stools and was visibly disoriented. Thankfully, our amazing vet returned our call immediately, walking us through checking his vitals and temperature before heading to the ER animal clinic.

German Shorthaired Pointers are built for stamina and adventure, but their drive can sometimes outpace their limits—especially in the summer heat. These dogs don’t naturally self-regulate, which means they may continue to run, swim, or play long past what’s safe. As owners, it’s our responsibility to step in before their bodies hit a breaking point.

Turns out Maverick had simply overexerted himself in the heat. The clinic monitored his vitals, gave him fluids and anti-diarrheal medication, and we were lucky to avoid a worse outcome. He’s back to himself now—but it was a hard reminder that GSPs won’t stop themselves. It’s on us to know when enough is enough, even if they’re still begging for "one more throw."

Whether you’re out training, hiking, or letting your pup play fetch in the backyard, always monitor their breathing, hydration, and recovery time. In high temps, limit outdoor time, provide shade, and incorporate cooldown breaks—even if your GSP doesn’t think they need one. Because more often than not, they don’t realize they’re overdoing it until it’s too late.

Time It Right

Avoid the hottest parts of the day—usually between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Instead, get your reps in early morning or closer to sunset. Bonus: your GSP might even thank you with better focus and endurance when it's cooler.

Mind the Surface

In extremely hot climates, dog booties can protect your pup’s paws from burning on pavement or abrasive terrain. For dogs that hike regularly or are prone to torn paw pads or broken nails, booties can also offer extra protection and traction. However, in humid or moderate climates, booties may trap heat and contribute to overheating—so it’s important to use them only when truly needed and monitor your dog closely.

Water, Water, Water!

Hydration is key—especially for high-drive dogs like GSPs. We never leave home without a collapsible travel bowl for water OR our go-to squeeze water bottle with built-in dog cup. A splash pad, sprinkler, lake, or pool is a GSP’s dream come true and a great way to burn energy while staying cool. Just be cautious with natural bodies of water—always check for blue-green algae, strong currents, or unsafe conditions before letting your pup dive in.

Pro Tips from the TTR Pack

Make pupsicles a post-adventure tradition. We freeze treats like bone broth or goat milk in silicone molds and place in a puzzle toy for a cooling, high-reward snack.

Gear up with a cooling vest or bandana. Our dogs tolerate wearable gear so our go-to cooling coat helps regulate body temperature during hot-weather outings. We also use cooling bandanas. For the coat our males wear a size 60 cm and our females a 50 cm. The cooling bandanas have a nice Velcro strip making it easy to adjust so we just order a large for everyone.

Take it slow in early summer. Just like us, your GSP needs time to adjust to rising temps. Gradually build up stamina as the heat sets in.

Plan for breaks—especially during scent or field work. High-intensity focus requires even more downtime. Schedule shaded rest stops and water breaks to prevent overexertion.

Know When to Hit Pause

The hardest part? GSPs won’t stop themselves. They’ll keep chasing birds, balls, or their own shadows long past the point of exhaustion. It’s your job to be the voice of reason. Structure downtime, reinforce “settle” behaviors, and embrace the power of indoor enrichment (puzzle toys, scent games, and obedience drills can go a long way on a hot day).

Final Thought:

At The Tipsy Rabbit GSPs, we’re all about chasing joy—but never at the expense of safety. Summer adventures are better with preparation, awareness, and a whole lot of water breaks. From one bird-dog-loving family to another, let Maverick’s story be a reminder that even the toughest dogs need a timeout.

We also recommend having a plan in place in case of an emergency. Does your vet have an after-hours line? If not, give them a call and find out which emergency clinic they recommend—and program that number into your phone now.When minutes matter, you’ll be glad you did.

Cheers to Happy Tails & a Lifetime of Love!

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