Rather than quote a rule that sounds exact, here are the real numbers for the area around the kennel and the habits that protect dogs in them.
The numbers around Dixon
No weather station sits in Dixon itself. The nearest long-record station, in Vacaville about 8 miles west, shows these 1991 to 2020 monthly averages from NOAA:
| Month | Average high | Days at 90 F or higher | Days at 100 F or higher |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | 82.8 F | 8.2 | 1.0 |
| June | 90.7 F | 15.9 | 4.3 |
| July | 97.3 F | 27.1 | 10.1 |
| August | 96.5 F | 25.3 | 9.3 |
| September | 91.9 F | 19.1 | 3.3 |
| October | 81.2 F | 4.6 | 0.4 |
What that means for dogs
Across a year Vacaville averages about 101 days at 90 F or higher and about 28 at 100 F or more. Heat risk starts before the hottest weeks, because a dog in May has not yet adapted. The AKC says heat stroke can occur when a dog's internal temperature passes 105.8 F, and its list of higher-risk dogs includes puppies, seniors, overweight dogs, short-nosed breeds and dogs with heart or airway disease.
Pavement is hotter than the air
The AKC reports that at an air temperature of 86 F asphalt can reach about 135 F, and that air at 85 F or above that stays high may be too warm for walks on pavement. See hot pavement and paws for the hand test.
Summer habits that work
- Walk at dawn or after sunset on the hottest days.
- Carry water and offer it often.
- Choose grass or shade over asphalt.
- Never leave a dog in a parked car.
- Know the signs of overheating: heavy panting, drooling, red gums, weakness. Our heat stroke guide lists first steps.
How the kennel handles summer
Runs at Happy Paws are air-conditioned in summer, and the doggie door lets each dog pick the cool inside or the outdoor area. When you travel in hot months, a boarded dog avoids a hot car and a hot rental. Summer travelers can read the summer vacation page for dates and deposits.