Although Summer is often a welcomed season for us, for dogs it can pose serious health risks. Dogs don’t sweat like humans do; they rely mostly on panting to cool down. This makes them vulnerable to overheating and heatstroke, especially during heatwaves or intense activity.
It is our job to protect our dogs when temperatures rise as not all dogs will make sensible decisions.
Here’s some tips to keep your dog safe and comfortable in hot weather.
1. Know the Signs of Overheating
Here are some of the obvious warning signs of heat stress in dogs:
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Rapid heartbeat
- Bright red or pale gums
- Lethargy or weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Staggering or collapse
If you notice these symptoms, move your dog to a cooler area immediately, offer water, and contact your vet.
Dogs must be cooled down slowly to avoid shock so resist pouring cold water over them immediately or feeding them ice cubes.
Spray mists of water, place cool damp towels between their legs and under their body, wipe them with cool sponges and wet their ear flaps, paws and underbelly gradually and keep them as calm as possible.
2. Time Walks Wisely
Avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day. Instead, go for early morning or late evening walks when temperatures are cooler. Test the pavement with your hand—if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for their paws.
Grass, dirt paths, or shaded woods are better than tarmac on hot days.
For some breeds, cooling coats and bandanas can help keep them cool too on short ambles.
3. Provide Plenty of Fresh Water
Hydration is key. Make sure your dog always has access to clean, cool water—especially when outdoors or after exercise. You can also add ice cubes to their water bowl for a refreshing treat.
4. Never Leave a Dog in a Parked Car
It goes without saying that even on a generally mild day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to dangerous levels in minutes. Dogs can suffer heatstroke or even die in a short amount of time. Leaving a window cracked is not enough.
5. Offer Shade and Cool Spaces
If your dog is spending time outside, ensure they have access to a shaded area. A covered patio, large umbrella, or even a pop-up tent can provide relief. Indoors, use fans or air conditioning if possible. (place frozen bottles in front of a fan for DIY air con system)
Cooling mats or damp towels can also give your dog a comfortable place to rest.
Don’t leave dogs outside sunbathing without regular monitoring. If a dog falls asleep in the sun, it could easily get sun burn or overheat before it realises.
6. Watch Out for Certain Breeds and Conditions
Some dogs are more at risk in the heat, including:
- Brachycephalic breeds e.g. Bulldogs, Pugs and Frenchies (they aren’t able to pant effectively and struggle to generate air flow due to their abnormal, short muzzles)
- Elderly dogs
- Puppies
- Overweight dogs
- Dogs with medical conditions
These dogs may need extra precautions and shorter outings in the heat.
7. Keep Exercise Light
On very hot days, skip the miles or over zealous play/chase. Play gentle games indoors or give your dog a frozen treat toy to keep them occupied without overexerting themselves.
Do some short training stints/ problem solving games to keep their minds occupied.
Let them have a paddle/ swim as opposed to mileage.
Resist dogs getting over excited if possible- a few quiet days won’t harm any dog.
8. Grooming Matters—but Don’t Shave the Coat
Regular grooming helps remove excess fur and improve airflow through the coat. However, don’t shave your dog unless your vet advises it. A dog’s coat actually insulates them from heat and sunburn. Trimming long fur is fine, but shaving can do more harm than good.
9. Use Dog-Safe Sunscreen
Dogs also suffer from sunburn, especially those with light-coloured or thin coats. Ask your vet about dog-specific sunscreens and apply them to sensitive areas like the nose, ears, and belly if your dog will be exposed to the sun for long periods.
10. Know When to Stay Indoors
Sometimes the safest option is to skip outdoor time altogether. On extremely hot or humid days, opt for mental enrichment indoors—puzzle toys, treat searches, or short training sessions can provide stimulation without risking heat stress.
Even if the temperatures don’t appear so high always check humidity levels too.
When humidity is high, it reduces the effectiveness of a dog’s natural cooling mechanisms, primarily panting. This can lead to rapid overheating even when the temperature may not seem so high.
Final Thoughts
Summer can still be a fun and active time for you and your dog. Every dog is different and you know your dog best so take the proper precautions, plan ahead and observe your dog closely.
