23/05/2026
With warmer weather here, it’s worth remembering that heat can affect behaviour too ☀️🐾
Just like us, dogs can become lethargic, irritable, restless, frustrated, or less tolerant when they’re too hot. Some may not want to be touched as much, may struggle to settle, become more reactive, or simply seem “out of sorts”. Heat places stress on the body and nervous system, so behaviour changes are not uncommon.
That said… we all know those sun worshipper dogs who choose to lie out in the heat like they’re on holiday abroad ☀️😂 Even with those dogs, it’s important to make sure they always have access to shade, water, and cooler areas, as dogs don’t always make the safest choices for themselves when they’re enjoying something.
Please be mindful of advice online at this time of year. Not all advice is helpful, and some of it can actually increase risk of heat stroke. Not every dog needs long walks, endless enrichment, or stimulating games in hot weather. Sometimes the kindest thing we can do is slow everything down and help them rest, regulate, and stay cool.
There is also a lot of mixed or unsafe advice around heat and heatstroke. A few common myths include things like using ice-cold baths or ice directly on the body, or waiting to see if a dog “recovers on their own”. Heatstroke is an emergency and early signs like heavy panting, drooling, agitation, confusion or sudden fatigue should always be taken seriously. Quick action and veterinary guidance is essential. Slower, steady cooling and getting advice early is far safer than extreme temperature changes.
It’s also important to be cautious around advice about shaving out the cautious bit under the or heavily clipping coats in hot weather. For many breeds, the coat helps provide insulation from both heat and sun exposure, and shaving can sometimes make it harder for them to regulate temperature or increase the risk of sunburn. Grooming to remove excess undercoat and keeping coats well maintained can absolutely help, but drastic coat removal is not always the safest or most comfortable option unless advised for medical reasons. If you are unsure, always seek guidance from a qualified, experienced groomer who understands your dog’s coat type and individual needs.
Temperatures above around 21°C are often considered too warm for many dogs, especially those with thicker coats, brachycephalic breeds, puppies, older dogs, or those with health conditions. It’s also worth remembering that dogs in the UK are not gradually acclimatised to heat in the way dogs in consistently warmer climates might be. Our weather changes quickly, and we often move from cool conditions to sudden warmth, which can make it harder for dogs (and us) to adapt comfortably.
Early mornings and later evenings are generally the safer times to walk, but always consider the temperature, humidity, how hot they already are, your individual dog, and how well they cope.
Think:
💧 Access to fresh water
🌳 Shade and cooler areas
🧊 Cooling mats, damp towels, paddling pools if your dog enjoys them
🚶♀️ Slow, shorter walks at cooler times of day
🧠 Calm enrichment cooling enrichment over high-energy activity
😴 Plenty of opportunity to rest and decompress
If your dog seems “difficult” in the heat, they may simply be struggling physically, just like we do!
Behaviour is always communication.
