Summer 2026. Fires are multiplying, thousands of hectares of forest disappear in a few days, villages are evacuated, trails close and events are cancelled. We watch these images with a mixture of sadness, powerlessness and worry.
Yet these episodes are not isolated accidents. They belong to a deeper shift that is gradually transforming our environment, our habits and the way we live with our animals.
For a long time we treated the seasons as relatively stable landmarks. Winter brought snow, spring the return of walks, summer hikes and outdoor activity, autumn long walks in the forest. Today that calendar seems less and less predictable. Heatwaves arrive earlier, last longer and sometimes come with a drought that weakens ecosystems. Winters are becoming more irregular, with shorter spells of snow and more frequent thaws.
These changes concern everyone. They concern our dogs too.
The question is worth asking: can we carry on doing the same activities with our dogs as we always have? Can we keep the same events, at the same times of year, without rethinking how they are organised?
This debate is not theoretical. It is already very real.
A canine world that must adapt too
This year the Agility World Championship, due to be held at Fontainebleau, was cancelled because of the fires that struck the forest. A difficult decision, but one that reveals a new reality: weather conditions are no longer merely uncomfortable. They sometimes become incompatible with holding an event at all.
In another field, organisers of sled dog races have for several years faced an increasingly frequent lack of snow. Some competitions are moved, shortened or cancelled. Mountain tourism professionals also have to adapt to seasons that no longer resemble those of twenty years ago.
These situations raise questions for the whole canine sector. Trainers, event organisers, clubs, vets, canine sports practitioners and dog owners are all having to review their habits. Activity timings are shifting, distances are adapted, water points become essential and rest periods multiply.
This is not about giving up shared moments with our dogs. It is about learning to live them differently.
Why climate change affects our dogs too
Dogs themselves feel the consequences of these changes directly. In high heat, their ability to regulate their temperature is naturally limited. Some breeds are particularly sensitive, as are puppies, older dogs, and those with respiratory or cardiac problems.
Paw pads suffer more on overheated ground, the risk of dehydration rises and recovery after exercise becomes harder. A walk that is pleasant in spring can become taxing, even dangerous, during a heatwave.
Conversely, more unstable winters also change the conditions for mountain activities. Terrain now alternates between snow, ice, mud and bare rock. The usual reference points shift, requiring constant vigilance from professionals and enthusiasts alike.
These new conditions call for more observation and a greater capacity to adapt, in order to preserve the health and well-being of our companions.
Carrying on with your passion... differently
Faced with this reality, one question comes up often: should we stop summer activities with dogs? Our answer is nuanced.
We do not believe passion and responsibility should be set against each other. Outdoor activities bring many benefits, for dogs and for their humans. They encourage physical exercise, strengthen the relationship, stimulate cognitive ability and contribute fully to everyone's well-being.
On the other hand, they now require more forward planning than before. Choosing the coolest hours of the day, shortening some outings, taking enough water, knowing the signs of heatstroke, and accepting that an activity may need to be postponed when conditions are not right, are now essential reflexes. Adaptation will probably be the key word of the coming years.
At ELEMENT VET, we play our part too
At ELEMENT VET, this reflection goes well beyond the question of canine activities. Since we started, we have made choices that reflect our view of nature and the mountains.
Our products are made in the Alps, close to home. That choice is a strong commitment. Producing locally often costs more than moving manufacturing to the other side of the world. Yet we have always considered that proximity has real value. It allows better control of quality, limits some transport, and means working with partners we know.
Our containers are made of recyclable plastic and are themselves recyclable. It is not a miracle solution, but it is a concrete way of limiting our environmental impact. Every decision counts, even when it seems modest.
We have also chosen to entrust our logistics to a sheltered workshop near Grenoble. Behind every order there are women and men who prepare your parcels with care. This partnership is part of a local approach, but also a deeply human one.
None of these choices will, on its own, be enough to reverse the effects of climate change. We are perfectly aware of that. But we believe a business has a responsibility. It can decide to produce differently, to support local employment, to favour shorter supply chains and to think about the impact of each of its decisions.
Our 10 tips for continuing to enjoy nature with your dog
- Favour walks early in the morning or in the evening.
- Always carry enough water for you and your dog.
- Take regular breaks, especially during exercise.
- Avoid burning hot ground, which can damage the paw pads.
- Adapt the length of outings to the temperature.
- Check access restrictions to forest areas before setting out.
- Watch for the first signs of heatstroke or fatigue.
- Take your dog's age, breed and physical condition into account.
- Do not hesitate to postpone an activity if the weather is unfavourable.
- Accept that some days are for rest rather than adventure.
Preserving today the adventures of tomorrow
The mountains are part of our identity. That is where our story began. It is also where many of us spend time with our dogs, whether to walk, run, take part in a sport or simply breathe.
Seeing these landscapes change affects us deeply.
Glaciers are retreating. Periods of snow cover are shrinking. Forests are weakened. Fires are becoming more frequent in regions once relatively spared. These transformations do not concern mountain lovers alone. They question our relationship with nature and our ability to preserve the spaces we love to travel through with our dogs.
We do not have all the answers. We simply know that the coming years will call for more listening, more observation and more humility. Practices will change, and so will calendars. Some events will move season, others will have to rethink their organisation. That capacity to adapt will no doubt be one of the greatest challenges facing the canine world.
At ELEMENT VET, we are convinced that preserving our dogs' health also means preserving the spaces in which they live.
Because at bottom, protecting our environment also means preserving every moment we love to share with them.
FAQ – Climate change and dogs
Is high heat dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Dogs regulate their temperature less efficiently than humans. During a spell of high heat they are more exposed to the risk of heatstroke, which is a veterinary emergency.
Can you carry on hiking with your dog in summer?
Yes, provided you adapt the timing, favour shaded routes, take enough water, make regular stops, and give up when temperatures become too high.
Which dogs are most sensitive to high heat?
Brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldog, Pug and so on), puppies, older dogs, overweight animals and those with respiratory or cardiac conditions are particularly sensitive to high temperatures.
Can fires have an impact on canine activities?
Yes. Fires regularly lead to the closure of forest areas, the cancellation of competitions or changes to certain routes, in order to keep people and animals safe.
How do you protect your dog during a heatwave?
It is advisable to limit physical activity to the coolest hours, to offer water regularly, to avoid burning hot ground, to watch for signs of fatigue and never to leave a dog alone in a car.
Why does ELEMENT VET favour local manufacturing?
We chose to make our products in the Alps in order to favour local production, to control quality better, to limit some transport and to support local partners who share our values of responsibility and sustainability.
