Good Advice
As the weather warms up, it’s not always easy to know the best ways to keep your dog cool and comfortable. We asked our experts to share their top tips for keeping dogs safe and happy during a heatwave.
Hot summer days can be tough on dogs. Unlike us, they can’t sweat through their skin, so they cool down by panting and releasing heat through their paw pads and nose. The good news is that there’s plenty we can do to help keep our dogs cool, comfortable and safe when the sun is shining.
Skip the walk
The most important thing to remember is that no dog will ever come to harm from missing a walk, but walking in the heat can be dangerous. If it’s too hot outside, keep your dog at home where it’s cooler. Heatstroke can develop quickly and can be fatal. Dogs with flat faces, older dogs, those carrying extra weight or with underlying health issues are especially at risk.
Check pavement temperature
It’s not just the air temperature you need to think about — pavements can get dangerously hot. Test it by resting your hand on the ground for 5–10 seconds; if it feels too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Artificial grass is another risk, as it heats up very quickly and stays hot for a long time, which can cause real discomfort or injury.
If you can adjust your routine, take walks at cooler times of day — early mornings or later evenings are best. Try routes with more shade or, where safe, access to clean water such as a shallow stream for your dog to drink from or paddle in. Some dogs love water, while others don’t, and that’s fine too.
And if it’s simply too hot to walk, don’t worry. There are plenty of fun ways to keep your dog entertained at home when they have to skip a walk. But if you can’t walk your dog, never fear.
Never leave them in the car
Another vital thing to remember is never leave your dog in a hot conservatory or a car, even with the windows open. It is never safe, not even for a short time. Cars in particular can heat up very quickly - when the temperature outside is 22 degrees, the inside of a car can climb to 47 degrees within an hour. That kind of heat can be unbearable and life-threatening for dogs.
Ten things you can do to help your dog in a heatwave:
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Always make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh drinking water.
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Pop a few ice cubes in their bowl to keep it cooler for longer. In most cases, it’s absolutely fine for healthy dogs to have ice cubes, you can read more about this here.
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Freeze tasty treats in water for your dog to enjoy. Banana, carrot or dog biscuits work well and make the perfect canine lollipop.
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If you have space, set up a paddling pool in a shady spot in your garden. Add a few toys to make it even more fun.
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Soak kibble in water, stuff it into a Kong or hollow bone, and freeze it for a cooling activity.
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Let your dog play under a sprinkler or hose for a safe and fun way to cool off.
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Swap a walk for time under the shade of a tree, giving your dog the chance to sniff and explore without overheating.
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Keep a few towels handy, soak them in cool water and drape them over your dog when needed.
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Create a breeze where your dog is resting by using a fan or leaving a door open to encourage airflow.
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Before heading outside, always check the ground temperature by pressing your hand to it. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
What to do if your dog is showing signs of heat stroke
Heatstroke is extremely dangerous for dogs and can be fatal. If your dog shows signs of distress such as collapse, excessive panting or dribbling, it’s vital to act quickly:
• Move your dog to a cool, shaded place with good airflow.
• Wet their coat with cool (not freezing) water to lower their temperature gradually.
• Contact your vet immediately for further advice.
If you see a dog in distress inside a car, call 999 straight away. The police treat this as an emergency and will advise you on what to do.
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