22/05/2026
๐โ The heatwave is comingโ๐
With temperatures in Hinckley set to be between 25C and 30C this weekend, here are our 10 top tips for keeping your dogs cool.
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๐ถโโ๏ธWalk your dogs before the heat of the day. Ideally early in the morning and late at night when the sun has gone down completely
๐ฅตKnow how to spot signs of heatstroke - Symptoms include excessive panting and drooling, very red gums, vomiting or diarrhoea and weakness. If left unchecked, heatstroke can be fatal. Itโs important to keep an eye on your dog during hot weather to ensure they donโt overheat
๐Dog friendly sun cream - Just like humans, dogs can suffer from sunburn if theyโre not properly protected. Breeds with short or white hair with pink ears are more at risk, so you need to be extra careful to shield them from the sunโs rays. Applying dog-specific sun cream to the sensitive areas of your dog (nose, lips, tips of the ears and belly) and keeping them out of the sun during the hottest part of the day is essential.
๐จCirculate the air - Keep your home cool and comfortable by setting up a few fans in various rooms or, if you have it, air conditioning.
๐ฐKeep hydrated - Dogs need to drink plenty of water during warm weather to prevent dehydration. Providing lots of fresh, clean water is essential, whether at home, in the garden or out on walks.
๐Damp towels - Dogs cool themselves down from the bottom up, so itโs important that their paws and stomach donโt get too hot. Laying out damp towels or blankets for them to lie on is a simple, effective way to keep your dog cool in the heat.
๐ฅShady spots - If your dog loves to play out in the garden, itโs important to ensure they have lots of shaded areas where they can relax away from the sun. Shade created by trees is better than a dog house as it allows air to circulate freely. Be aware of how the sun moves throughout the day to ensure your dog always has a shady spot to sit in.
๐ชLess exercise - While itโs always important to ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise, you will need to reduce this slightly during warm weather. Too much physical exertion can cause your dog to quickly overheat and become dehydrated. Instead of running, walk with your dog and avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day. Donโt forget to remind children to keep energetic games to a minimum during hot weather.
๐Regular grooming - Grooming your dog can help them regulate their temperature, particularly if they have long or thick fur. As well as regular brushing to get rid of shedding fur, consider safely clipping it shorter to allow more air to cool the skinโs surface. Never shave your dog, as doing so can make them susceptible to sunburn. Instead, speak to your vet or dog groomer for their advice about your dogโs summer coat.
๐ฆGet wet - Try setting up a sprinkler or a shallow paddling pool in the garden to refresh them while they play. Always watch your pet when theyโre playing around water and never let them swim unsupervised. For puppies or older dogs that love to chew, you can buy freezable chew toys โ these are another great option for occupying your dog somewhere shaded with a toy to enjoy.
