06/23/2025
Our tips for keeping your dog cool in the Summer heat!
1. Adjust your walking routine
It may be tempting to head out for a nicelong walk on a hot, sunny day, but this can carry risks for your dog.
Walk your dog early in the morning or in the evening when the ground is cooler.
Top tip: If you’re not sure if the pavements are too hot, place the back of your hand on the ground for seven seconds. If you struggle to hold it down, it’s too hot to walk your dog.
2. Know how to spot heatstroke
Heatstroke is one of the most common illnesses in dogs during warm weather and happens when your dog is no longer able to regulate their body temperature.
Symptoms include excessive panting and drooling, very red gums, vomiting or diarrhoea and weakness. If left unchecked, heatstroke can be fatal.
If you suspect that your dog may be suffering with heatstroke, please take them to a vet immediately.
3. Apply dog-friendly sun cream
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from sunburn if they’re 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 sun’s 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.
4. Circulate cool air
Keep your home cool and comfortable by setting up a few fans in various rooms or, if you have it, air conditioning.
This will help prevent your dog from becoming too hot and give them a refreshing place to retreat to when they get too warm. Keeping curtains or blinds drawn will also minimise the amount of heat that comes through windows. If you have tiled floor, be aware that these too can get very hot if they’re in direct sunlight.
Remember to keep oscillating fans and exposed cables out of paws reach to keep your dog safe.
5. Keep them 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.
6. Damp towels
Dogs cool themselves down from the bottom up, so it’s important that their paws and stomach don’t 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.
Simply run the towel under a cold tap and wring out the excess water to create a portable cooling mat anywhere in your house or garden. Remember to refresh it regularly to maintain the effect.
7. Provide shady spots
If your dog loves to play out in the garden, it’s 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.
You could even set up a shaded, makeshift den with their water bowl, a damp towel or cool mat to sit on and their favourite toys, to encourage them to keep out of the hot sun.
8. Less exercise
While it’s 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.
9. Regular 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 skin’s 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 dog’s summer coat.
10. Get wet
Playing with water is a great way to keep your dog cool in hot weather and it’s a lot of fun.
Try setting up a sprinkler or a shallow paddling pool in the garden to refresh them while they play. Always watch your pet when they’re playing around water and never let them swim unsupervised.
For puppies or older dogs that love to chew, you can buy freezable chew toys – these are another great option for occupying your dog somewhere shaded with a toy to enjoy.
Thanks for reading! You would think just using common sense is enough but hopefully there were a couple of tips that can help keep our pups safe. 🥰🐶
