Kamloops is a beautiful, rugged semi-desert climate, which means our dogs have to handle some of the most extreme seasonal shifts in BC. Whether your pup spends their days at dog daycare in Kamloops or joins you on local adventures, they have to deal with blistering 35°C+ summer afternoons, bone-chilling winter cold snaps, and a very real spring-to-fall rattlesnake season. To keep your pup safe out here, we’ve put together this local playbook. Here is what it takes to navigate Kamloops’ climate challenges, so you and your pup stay safe.
Summer Heat
When July hits, Kamloops can get blistering hot. It’s easy to forget that while we wear thick-soled shoes, our dogs are walking directly on the asphalt.
Paw Protection
If the air temperature is 25°C, asphalt in direct sunlight can quickly reach over 50°C. Before you head out for a neighbourhood walk, use the 7-second rule: press the back of your bare hand firmly onto the pavement. If you can’t comfortably hold it there for seven seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s paws. Stick to early morning walks, or head to shaded grass areas.
Recognizing Heatstroke
Dogs can’t sweat as we do; they rely on panting to cool down, which becomes way less effective when it’s 38°C outside. Keep a close eye out for these red flags:
- Excessive, frantic panting or loud, heavy breathing.
- Bright red or dark gums and a thick, ropey drool.
- Lethargy, dizziness, or wobbliness: if your dog slows down or looks disoriented, stop immediately.
If you suspect heatstroke, move them to the shade, drape them in cool (not freezing) damp towels, and get to a vet right away.
Snake Season
Kamloops is home to the Western rattlesnake, a timid but venomous pit viper that calls our dry, rocky grasslands home. They usually wake up from hibernation in April and stay active through October.
The Local Trail Guide (Where to Avoid)
During peak summer heat (July and August), snakes are highly active, especially in the early mornings and evenings when they come out to hunt. If you have a dog that loves to chase movement or sniff in the brush, you’ll want to adjust your hiking routes or just keep them on leash to avoid sticking their noses in rocks and bushes.
- High Risk: Kenna Cartwright Park and Lac du Bois Grasslands: The sagebrush, rock piles, and exposed slopes here are prime rattlesnake real estate. If you hike here, keep your dog tightly on-leash and stay strictly on the main, wide dirt paths.
- Safer Bets: Stick to paved or heavily shaded routes like the Rivers Trail along the water, or head up to higher-elevation forested spots like Stake Lake, where the temperatures are cooler, and snake encounters are rare.
Snake-Avoidance Training
The best defence is solid impulse control. A reliable “Leave It” command can literally save your dog’s life if they stumble upon a snake warming itself on a trail. Training your dog to automatically step back when they hear that unmistakable, high-pitched buzz is a skill every Kamloops dog owner should practice.
Winter Cold
Our dry air makes the cold bite just a bit harder. While big, fluffy northern breeds thrive in the snow, short-coated or smaller dogs need an extra layer. If it drops below -10°C, consider a well-fitted coat for short-haired breeds.
The biggest winter headache for local dog owners is snow packing. Our dry, powdery snow easily clumps into hard ice balls between your dog’s toes, which can cause skin tearing and limping. To prevent this, trim the hair between their paw pads short before winter hits, or use a high-quality paw wax (like Musher’s Secret) before heading out into the snow.
If your neighbourhood salts the sidewalks, always wipe their paws down when you get home to prevent chemical burns.
Living in Kamloops means enjoying the incredible outdoors year-round. With a little bit of seasonal preparation and an eye on the trail, you and your dog can safely tackle whatever the Thompson Valley throws your way!
Have you practiced the “Leave It” command with your dog? Let us know how your training is going, or ask us about setting up solid focus work for your outdoor adventures. Our Kamloops location is located on 6 acres at 9015 Barnhartvale Rd, Kamloops, BC. Call us for daycare, boarding or training today: 1 (844) 900-3647.