Keeping Your Dog Cool and Safe During Summer Heatwaves

As I write this, we are already seeing some very warm weather and, if the forecasts are correct, there could be more heatwaves to come over the summer months.

Whilst most dog owners are now aware of the dangers of exercising dogs in high temperatures, overheating is often more complex than simply avoiding a walk in the middle of the day. Dogs are not particularly efficient at dispersing heat. Unlike us, they cannot sweat effectively across their bodies and rely heavily on panting to cool themselves. This means heat can gradually build up over several days, especially during prolonged periods of warm weather.

A paddling pool can be a perfect distraction on a hot day!

One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming that because the weather has cooled slightly, their dog has cooled too. In reality, a dog that has accumulated heat over several hot days may still be struggling to regulate their body temperature, even when temperatures drop a little.

Keeping Your Dog Safe During a Heatwave

Reduce Exercise

Many dogs do not naturally regulate their own activity levels, especially younger dogs, working breeds, and those who become excited easily. If your dog insists on charging around the garden, playing endlessly, or becoming over-aroused, it may be necessary to actively manage their activity.

Sometimes the kindest thing we can do is insist on rest. This may mean putting the dog on a lead in the garden, encouraging quiet activities, or spending more time indoors during the hottest periods of the day.

Be Careful With Early Morning and Evening Walks

Walking at cooler times can certainly help, but remember that pavements, roads, artificial surfaces, and even some grass areas can retain heat long after the air temperature has dropped. The environment may still be considerably warmer than it feels to us.

On particularly hot days, replacing walks with training games, scent work, or simply allowing your dog to relax at home can be a sensible choice.

A Shady spot is the perfect place to do some stay training!

Don't Panic If Your Dog Eats Less

One concern I hear frequently during hot weather is that dogs seem to lose interest in their food.

In many cases, this is completely normal.

Dogs often move less during hot weather and naturally require fewer calories. As long as your dog remains bright, alert, interested in treats, willing to drink, and still shows some interest in food during the day, there is usually no cause for concern.

Allow your dog to decide how much they need to eat. Appetite will often return naturally when temperatures become cooler.

Signs of Overheating

Watch carefully for:

🐾 Excessive panting

🐾 Thick or sticky saliva

🐾 Bright red gums or tongue

🐾 Lethargy or weakness

🐾 Restlessness

🐾 Vomiting or diarrhoea

🐾 Collapse or unsteadiness

First Aid for Suspected Overheating

If you suspect your dog may be overheating:

• Move them immediately to a cool, shaded area.

• Offer small amounts of cool water.

• Use cool (not ice-cold) water on their body, particularly the belly, groin, paws, and armpit areas.

• Increase airflow with a fan if available.

• Contact your veterinary practice for advice immediately.

Avoid using ice baths or very cold water, as this can actually slow the body's ability to lose heat.

The key message during heatwaves is simple: prevention is always easier than treatment. A few quieter days, shorter walks, and more enforced rest are far safer than risking a dog becoming dangerously overheated.

Stay safe and enjoy the summer with your dogs.

Every dog has a story, and every behaviour has a reason. Understanding both is the first step towards lasting change.

Avril Munson Clinical Dog Behaviourist | Counselling Diploma thedogcalmer