British summer weather is not always predictable. One day we are reaching for a jumper and the next we are wondering why the garden suddenly feels like the Mediterranean.
For our dogs, a sudden warm spell is not simply uncomfortable. It can become dangerous, particularly during walks, car journeys or energetic games.
Dogs mainly regulate their temperature through panting and only sweat through their paw pads, which means they cannot cool themselves as efficiently as people can.
The good news is that a few sensible changes can make a big difference.
The quick answer
To help keep your dog cool during warm weather:
- Walk early in the morning or later in the evening.
- Consider skipping the walk completely when it is particularly hot or humid.
- Keep fresh water and shade available.
- Check the pavement before setting off.
- Avoid energetic exercise.
- Never leave your dog in a vehicle, conservatory, caravan, shed or tent.
- Learn the early signs of heatstroke.
Here is the full Chewpions summer checklist.
1. Change the time of your walk
Your dog may appear at the door with their lead, their favourite ball and a very convincing expression, but their enthusiasm does not mean the conditions are safe.
Plan walks for the early morning or late evening, when temperatures and ground surfaces are cooler. On particularly hot or humid days, missing the walk altogether may be the safest decision.
One missed walk will not ruin your dog’s routine. Heatstroke could.
Instead of a full walk, try a few minutes of gentle training, scent games or a food puzzle indoors. Mental stimulation can help keep your dog occupied without encouraging them to race around in the heat.
2. Check the pavement before leaving home
Tarmac, paving, sand and artificial grass can become much hotter than the surrounding air.
Before walking, place the palm of your hand against the ground for five seconds. If it feels too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.
Signs of a burnt or irritated paw can include:
- Limping or refusing to walk.
- Licking or chewing the feet.
- Redness or blistering.
- Paw pads appearing darker or damaged.
Choose grassy, shaded routes where possible, but remember that cooler ground does not remove the risk of your dog overheating.
3. Take water-even on a short walk
Always provide fresh drinking water at home and take a portable bowl and water with you when walking in warm weather.
Keep the route shorter than usual, walk at a relaxed pace and allow regular breaks in the shade. A gentle sniff is far safer than a game of high-speed fetch when the temperature is rising.
Never force your dog to drink, but give them frequent opportunities to do so.
4. Make home the coolest place to be
Create at least one cool, quiet area where your dog can rest without being disturbed.
You might use:
- A shaded room with good airflow.
- A fan positioned safely nearby.
- A cooling mat used according to its instructions.
- A damp towel for your dog to lie on.
- A paddling pool for dogs that enjoy water.
- Frozen food toys or small, supervised ice treats.
Do not place a wet towel over an overheating dog. It can trap heat against the body rather than allowing it to escape. Cooling mats and jackets should also be monitored because some products may become warm once their cooling effect has ended.
And remember: not every dog is a water baby. Never force a nervous dog into a pool or shower.
5. Never leave your dog in a hot enclosed space
A parked car can become dangerously hot very quickly—even when it is parked in the shade or the windows have been left slightly open.
On a day when the outside temperature is 22°C, the inside of a car can reach approximately 47°C within an hour.
The same warning applies to:
- Caravans.
- Conservatories.
- Sheds and outbuildings.
- Tents.
- Poorly ventilated rooms.
“Only a few minutes” is still too long.
Plan dog-friendly stops before travelling or arrange for someone trusted to care for your dog at home.
6. Know whether your dog is at greater risk
Any dog can develop heatstroke, but some dogs need extra protection.
Those at greater risk include:
- Flat-faced dogs such as pugs, French bulldogs and British bulldogs.
- Older dogs.
- Puppies and very young dogs.
- Overweight dogs.
- Dogs with thick coats.
- Dogs with heart, lung or breathing conditions.
- Dogs that are unfit or already unwell.
Flat-faced dogs can struggle to cool themselves effectively through panting because of the shape of their airways. Older dogs may also become tired or overheated more quickly than they once did.
Watch the dog in front of you rather than assuming that a routine they managed last summer will still be comfortable this year.
7. Learn the signs of overheating and heatstroke
Early action can save a dog’s life.
- Heavy or frantic panting.
- Excessive drooling or foam around the mouth.
- Restlessness.
- Stopping during a walk or appearing unusually tired.
- Bright red or very pale gums.
- Confusion or poor coordination.
- Vomiting.
- Collapsing.
Severe heatstroke can cause seizures, unconsciousness and damage to vital organs.
Do not assume that your dog simply needs a rest if they are displaying these symptoms.
What should you do if your dog overheats?
Use the simple approach: stop, cool and contact your vet.
- Stop all exercise immediately.
- Move your dog into shade or a cool, well-ventilated area.
- Pour cold water over their body and use moving air from a fan or breeze where possible.
- Offer small amounts of cold water if they are conscious and able to drink.
- Contact a vet urgently.
- Transport them in a cool, well-ventilated vehicle while continuing the cooling process.
Current veterinary guidance supports beginning the cooling process before transporting the dog rather than placing an untreated, overheated dog straight into a warm vehicle.
Heatstroke is an emergency. Even when a dog appears to improve after cooling, they still need veterinary advice because internal complications may not be immediately visible.
Keep the everyday routine simple
Warm weather can change your dog’s normal schedule. Walks become shorter, meals may happen at cooler times and afternoons might involve more sleeping than usual.
That is perfectly fine.
Continue providing a complete and balanced diet, fresh water and any normal daily care recommended for your dog. A daily Chewpions 12-in-1 chew can remain part of their usual wellbeing routine, but no food or supplement can prevent heatstroke.
Shade, hydration, sensible exercise and close observation remain the most important forms of summer protection.
Your save-able summer checklist
Before leaving home, ask:
- Is it cool enough to walk?
- Have I checked the pavement?
- Do I have water and a bowl?
- Is the planned route shaded?
- Can I keep the walk short and gentle?
- Is my dog showing any signs of discomfort?
- Would they be safer staying at home?
Sometimes the kindest walk is no walk at all.
Frequently asked questions
How hot is too hot to walk a dog?
There is no single temperature that is safe for every dog. Humidity, direct sunlight, the ground temperature, your dog’s breed, age, weight and general health all affect the level of risk.
Use the weather conditions and your individual dog as your guide. When in doubt, skip the walk.
Can dogs have ice cubes?
Small ice cubes or frozen treats can be safe for many dogs when offered appropriately and under supervision. Make sure the size does not present a choking risk.
Should I put a wet towel over my dog?
No. A wet towel placed over a dog can trap body heat. A damp towel underneath them may help, but it should be refreshed regularly so it remains cool.
Is it cruel to skip a dog walk because of the heat?
No. On a hot or humid day, skipping a walk may protect your dog from a serious medical emergency. Replace the walk with calm indoor enrichment, training or scent games.
What are the first signs of heatstroke in a dog?
Heavy panting, excessive drooling, tiredness, restlessness, bright red gums, confusion and poor coordination can all be early warning signs. Stop exercise, begin cooling your dog and contact a vet immediately.
Final thought
Dogs do not always know when to slow down. Some will continue chasing a ball, running with their friends or insisting on their usual walk long after it is safe.
It is our job to make the sensible decision - even when the lead is waiting by the door and we are being judged from across the room.
A cooler, quieter day at home is always better than taking an unnecessary risk.
Where Wag Meets Wellness.
