Keeping your dog cool this summer

Beat the heat: summer safety tips for your dog

The UK has been basking in gloriously sunny weather the past few weeks, with the Met Office predicting our heatwave could continue for a few more weeks yet! Fabulous news for sun worshippers and staycationers, but not so great for our furry family members.

Hot weather can be a challenge for dogs and here’s why. First off, unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat through their skin. They primarily lose heat by panting and sweating through their paw pads, which makes them less efficient at cooling down, especially in humid or very warm conditions. As a result, they can overheat quickly, even if the temperature feels comfortable to us.

An important stat to note is that heatstroke in dogs can happen in as little as ten minutes – especially in hot cars, direct sun or intense exercise. Not to scare anyone, but if not treated immediately, this can lead to potentially life-threatening situations, including organ failure, seizures, coma and even death. Some dogs may be at a particularly higher risk, among them flat-face breeds, puppies, overweight dogs, and long or thick-coated breeds. It’s important to recognise the signs, which include:

• Excessive panting or drooling

• Lethargy or collapse

• Bright red gums or tongue

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Rapid heartbeat or glazed eyes

If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog to a shaded, cool area immediately and pour cool (not cold) water over them, especially around the neck, underarms, and paws. Use a fan if available to help speed up cooling and contact your vet urgently - heatstroke is a medical emergency.

Just like humans, dogs can get sunburn too - especially those with light-coloured or thin coats (e.g., Dalmatians, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Whippets). So, it’s important to use a pet-safe sunscreen on sensitive areas like the nose, ears, and belly if you’re out and about. Just make sure it’s a dog-specific sun protection cream - some human products may contain ingredients toxic to dogs.

Hydration is crucial! Always ensure your dog has access to fresh, cool water, both indoors and out. Adding ice cubes or frozen broth to their water bowl will keep it cooler for longer and you should also consider portable dog water bottles for walks, or a collapsable bowl to take out with you (our shop sells both!).

One heat factor some owners still miss is hot pavements! In warm weather, pavements and sand can reach temperatures above 50°C (122°F), which is easily hot enough to burn paw pads. The sure-fire way to check conditions are safe for your stroll?  Place the back of your hand on the pavement surface – if it feels hot for you, it’s too hot for them.

Of course, dogs don’t understand the risks of heat and will often run about and play until they drop. So, as their guardians, it’s up to us to limit their exercise when the temperature rises. Try introducing interactive toys, frozen treat puzzles, or chew toys indoors to keep them stimulated without high activity levels.

Essential kit to help keep dogs cool

A cooling vest can be really effective for hot dogs and they’re quick and simple to use over and over again. Soak them in cold water, wring them out, and the damp vest keeps your dog cool via evaporation.

Same goes for cooling mats and beds. Gel-filled mats activate on pressure and stay cool for about four hours. And if you have outside space, a paddling pool can provide cooling fun too – just make sure your dog is monitored whenever they’re using it. We open up our pool every summer at the Love My Human Dog Daycare so that all our guests stay cool…and have a LOT of fun in the process!