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While sunny months may seem like an ideal time for dog owners to be out and about with their pets, the hot weather can be harmful to our furry family members.
So, we've analysed research and reports from veterinary schools and other pet experts to compile a list of ways to keep your dog safe in hot weather.
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What heat is too hot for dogs?
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12-19 ˚C: Safe for most dogs. But keep an eye on overheating if you have an at-risk breed and they're exercising strenuously.
20-23 ˚C: Be careful. Stay in shaded areas, and keep walks short. Make sure your dog is well-hydrated.
24-26 ˚C: Too risky. Only take your dog out if 100% needed, and make it as short and in the shade as possible.
Above 27 ˚C: Too dangerous. Stay indoors.
Why is hot weather dangerous for dogs?
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Unfortunately, hundreds of dogs die yearly from heat exhaustion. They are at greatest risk if they are left alone in a hot car.
According to a 2023 RSPCA campaign, just 22 degrees Celsius outside could translate to an unbearable 47 degrees in the car within an hour - having severe consequences for a dog inside.
Even if a dog was lucky enough to survive, they could face long-term health consequences, like kidney and neurological damage.
Heatstroke in dogs is a potentially deadly condition, and with the rise in global temperatures, it might become more common. It usually occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises beyond 40 degrees Celsius and their normal cooling mechanisms can no longer cope.
Flat-faced breeds, dogs with thick coats, overweight dogs, and older dogs are at the greatest risk of heatstroke, as well as dogs that are high-energy and continue to do strenuous exercise in hot weather.
Common signs that a dog is suffering from heatstroke include:
Bright red gums or tongue
Collapse
Dizziness or disorientation, such as stumbling
Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
Excessive, thick drooling
Raised body temperature
Lethargy, weakness, or collapse
Loss of consciousness
Muscle tremors
Rapid pulse
Vomiting (sometimes with blood) or diarrhoea
If you notice these symptoms, get your dog out of the sun, soak them in cool water and then call your vet. Heatstroke is potentially fatal, and you must take it seriously.
How to cool down a dog who is suffering from heatstroke
To cool down a dog who is suffering from heatstroke, you should:
Move them into the shade
Soak their fur thoroughly with cool (but not icy) water using a jug or bottle to pour it gently over them. A wet sponge can help to dampen extremities like ears and paws. Don't cover them in damp towels as this will trap body heat and l raise their body temperature further.
If possible, put your dog in front of a fan once their fur's damp.
Place something cool, like an ice pack wrapped in a towel, on their groin, armpits, belly and spine. This is where major blood vessels run so it'll help cool the blood effectively.
Offer small amounts of cool water to drink if your dog is conscious – a couple of mouthfuls at a time.
Apply cool water to the paw pads at regular intervals
You should then call your vet for advice. Dogs are more likely to survive heatstroke if you start cooling them down before transporting them
Submersion in ice cold water should be avoided for dogs suffering from heatstroke. It could cause them to go into shock if they cool down too quickly.
If your dog is overheating and very unwell, you also shouldn’t give them ice cubes as there is an increased risk of choking. You should stick to offering them cool drinking water.
Continue reading for several ways to help keep your dog cool and protected during the hottest months of the year.
How do you keep dogs cool in hot weather?
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Take them swimming
Nothing beats a cold dip on a bright day. Dogs love splashing in the water to cool down, and swimming is a terrific alternative to walking in the summer heat. Swimming is an excellent aerobic exercise that tones and strengthens a dog's muscles and cools the body down.
While swimming is fun for most dogs, owners must take certain precautions to keep their pets safe. Our guide on teaching your dog to swim safely can help.
It's a common belief that all dogs can swim, but this is a myth. If a dog doesn't enjoy swimming, do not force them to do it, and never toss a dog into the water. Dogs can and do drown. Lakes and rivers can also be attractive swimming spots, as long as owners take care to observe the current at the river. You also need to choose a spot with an easy exit and entry point. While it can be easy to jump in off from a riverbank, many dogs can struggle to pull themselves back out again.
Dog owners also need to steer clear of areas with cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, which can cause severe neurological or liver damage. Never let your dog swim in water that is contaminated with blue-green algae as it could be fatal.
Cover their paws
Sunny days often mean more play time for dogs, but owners must be mindful of the hazard to paws when the temperature rises. Common road and street surfaces can reach 65 degrees Celsius in the heat of the summer, according to a 2023 report in Case Studies in Construction Materials. Asphalt, for example, can absorb a great deal of the sun's heat and even contribute to the surrounding air temperature.
When owners walk their dogs on hot surfaces, they risk getting pad burns, which can cause blistering, tissue loss, and severe pain.
You can find out whether the surface is too hot by pressing the back of your hand against the surface. If you can't hold it there for five seconds, it's definitely too hot for a dog's paws.
Covering their paws with dog shoes, socks, or peel-and-stick pads helps protect the paws from heat and injuries. However, if the pavement is so hot that it burns then chances are that the air temperature is also too hot for your dog and you should stay home until things cool down.
Our guide on protecting paws from pavements during hot weather can help.
Keep them groomed
In hot weather, regular grooming helps keep dogs cool. Although dogs don't sweat through their skin, grooming helps brush off dead or extra hair, leaving your dog with a thinner coat that is better for remaining cool. In the process, dog parents also get the chance to spot infections, allergies, fleas, and ticks.
Some owners choose to shave their dog’s coat shorter in warm weather, which can help their pet to feel cooler. However fur appearance might be affected when it regrows especially in Nordic or double coated breeds, leading to a patchy appearance. This is just cosmetic and won’t do them any harm, but might be a reason why you choose not to clip your dog. When the temperature rises, a dog will naturally undergo a coat change (moulting), meaning its thicker coat thins out a bit anyway
Instead of fully shaving, some dog groomers advise trimming the hair. Shortening the hair still reduces the heat trapped against the skin and helps the dog stay cool.
Give them frozen treats
Cold treats can keep dogs happy and cool them down when they feel hot and listless. Dog owners can make tasty frozen treats with xylitol-free peanut butter, tuna, salmon, or other dog-friendly food.
As with any new treats, start with a modest quantity to ensure your dog's digestive system can manage the treat without leading to vomiting or diarrhoea. Dog owners must also be mindful of the added calories to prevent their dogs from becoming obese or overweight.
The frozen treats must be a suitable size for your dog; owners should not feed a little dog a chunky frozen treat because it might be a choking hazard. In these cases, smaller treats or even ice flakes are preferable. These are also beneficial for dogs — regardless of their size — who tend to wolf down food.
Make sure there's access to fresh water
This may seem like an obvious point, but it's essential - always make sure your dog has access to multiple bowls of fresh water. Dehydration is serious, and if you're out and about (which you shouldn't be in hot weather), make sure you have a water bottle with you.
Never leave your dog in a parked car
Even if it's "mild", never leave your dog in a parked car. It's incredibly dangerous and can lead to heatstroke and death in minutes, as we discussed earlier.
Cracking open a window doesn't make much difference to the internal temperature of the car; if you can't take your dog with you, leave them at home safely. It’s also worth noting that you shouldn’t leave your dog in a conservatory or sun room at home. Just like cars, these can also heat up rapidly, with devastating consequences.
Utilise cooling aids
Some dogs benefit from dog-specific cooling aids like mats, cooling beds and cooling vests to help keep them comfortable.
These help remove heat from your dog, and are more of a proactive measure; if your dog is suffering from overheating or heatstroke, then you still need to see a vet. Our guide on our favourite cooling mats can help.
Outside of buying cooling aids, make sure there's proper ventilation in your home. Dogs don't sweat like humans do; they pant. That means air movement is essential to keep them comfortable and safe in hot weather.
Limit walks to early mornings and evenings
Rain or sun, summer or winter, regular walks are necessary to help dogs exercise and stay healthy. Our in-house veterinarian - Dr. Kirsten Ronngren - agrees that taking your dog for a walk in temperatures up to 20 degrees Celsius is generally safe.
But anything above that can be considered as risky. This is especially true for large-breed or flat-faced dogs, dogs that are very young or very old, pregnant dogs, and dogs that suffer from obesity or other underlying health problems.
The best time of the day to walk your dog in the summer is in the morning or evening when it's cooler. Taking a dog on a walk at these times reduces the risk of heatstroke, as well as being generally more pleasant for your pet. Walking your dog in the morning or evening also reduces the risk of dogs burning their paws on pavement. If you are unable to do this, then skip the walk altogether that day. No dog has died from missing a walk, but they have from heatstroke.
Just keep in mind: while certain dogs are at higher risk, all dogs are vulnerable to heat-related health conditions, including heatstroke.
Protect their skin from the sun
It's no secret dogs love being outside, but some dog owners need to safeguard their furry friends from harmful UV rays that can cause skin conditions. Protecting your pooch's skin is essential in hairless dogs or those with very thin coats.
Sunscreen keeps pets safe from harmful rays. However, applying the incorrect type of sunscreen might also cause issues. Dog owners must only use sunscreen designed exclusively for dogs.
These products do not include zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid, compounds that are hazardous to dogs if consumed. A waterproof, odourless dog sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 is also recommended. For dog owners unable to find suitable sunscreen, UV-blocking sunshirts are a good alternative.
How dog insurance helps
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Ultimately, paying close attention to your individual dog's behaviour and energy levels is key.
While certain dogs are at higher risk, no dog is immune to the dangers of extreme heat, so proactive measures are always the best approach to keep your beloved companion safe.
Dog insurance can help you prepare for the unexpected, with up to £20,000 vet fee cover, unlimited 24/7 vet calls with FirstVet and a host of other ManyPets Perks.
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