How to keep your dog cool and safe in summer
Practical ways to protect your dog in hot weather, from never leaving them in a car to shade, water, walking times, hot pavements and grooming, plus the signs of heatstroke and what to do.
The short answer
Never leave your dog alone in a car on a warm day. Make sure they always have shade and fresh water, walk them early in the morning or late in the evening, and check pavements with the back of your hand. Take extra care with flat-faced, older, overweight and very young dogs. If your dog pants heavily, drools, stumbles, vomits or collapses, move them somewhere cool and contact a vet immediately.
Key considerations
- 01Never leave your dog alone in a car on a warm day, even for a few minutes or with the windows open.
- 02Walk early in the morning or late in the evening, and check the pavement with the back of your hand first.
- 03Flat-faced breeds, older, overweight and very young dogs are at higher risk in the heat.
- 04Heatstroke is an emergency. Cool your dog and contact a vet immediately.
Hot weather can be dangerous for dogs, and heatstroke can kill. Dogs cool down mainly by panting, which works far less well than sweating, so they can overheat quickly. Most of the risks are easy to avoid with a little planning.
Never leave your dog in a car
A parked car heats up fast in the sun, and dogs die every year after being left in vehicles. Never leave your dog alone in a car on a warm day, even for a few minutes or with the windows open.
"Just a minute" can easily turn into much longer if the queue is slow or something unexpected happens. If you can't take your dog with you when you leave the car, leave them at home.
Shade, water and somewhere cool
Even short-haired dogs can overheat in direct sun, so make sure your dog can always get into the shade.
- At home, leave a door open when your dog is in the garden so they can go back inside to a cooler room.
- When you are out, rest under trees or take something to make shade.
- Carry fresh water and a collapsible bowl, and offer drinks regularly through the day.
Walk at the cooler times of day
Walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening, when it is cooler. On hot days, a shorter, gentler walk is better than missing the cool part of the day.
Pavements, tarmac and sand can get hot enough to burn paws. Check the ground with the back of your hand: if it is too hot to hold there for 7 seconds, it is too hot for your dog's paws.
Dogs at higher risk
Some dogs struggle more in the heat. Take extra care with:
- flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and Bulldogs;
- older dogs;
- overweight dogs;
- very young dogs.
If your dog has a health condition, ask your vet how best to keep them cool.
Ways to help your dog cool down
Water play
A paddling pool in the shade, a gentle spray from the garden hose, or a swim in safe water can help a dog cool down quickly. Many dogs love it. If you go to the sea, rivers or lakes, keep an eye on currents and make sure your dog can get out easily.
Grooming
A professional groomer can help thin out a long or heavy coat. Don't shave double-coated breeds, as their coat helps keep them cool and protects their skin from the sun.
Ice cubes
Some dogs enjoy ice cubes in their water bowl or as a treat. Make sure the cubes are small enough that your dog can't choke if they swallow one. For small dogs, you can crush the ice into a slush in a bowl.
Signs of heatstroke and what to do
Heatstroke is an emergency. Signs include:
- heavy panting;
- drooling;
- lethargy;
- stumbling;
- vomiting;
- collapse.
If you think your dog has heatstroke:
- Move them somewhere cool and shaded.
- Offer small amounts of water to drink.
- Wet or soak them all over with tap water and keep air moving over them, for example with a fan. Don't let them breathe in water.
- Contact a vet immediately, even if your dog seems to recover.
Look out for other dogs
Hot weather is a risk for every dog, and not every owner knows the dangers. If you see another dog struggling in the heat, offering some shade or water can make a real difference.
Before you decide
- Does your dog always have shade and fresh water, at home and when you are out?
- Have you planned walks for the coolest parts of the day?
- Do you know your vet's phone number and out-of-hours arrangements?
Questions readers ask
Can I leave my dog in the car with the windows open?
No. A car can get dangerously hot even with the windows open. Never leave your dog alone in a car on a warm day, even for a few minutes.
How can I tell if the pavement is too hot for my dog?
Put the back of your hand on the ground. If it is too hot to keep it there for 7 seconds, it is too hot for your dog's paws.
Should I shave my dog in summer?
Not if your dog has a double coat, as their coat helps keep them cool and protects their skin from the sun. A professional groomer can thin out a long or heavy coat instead.
What should I do if my dog has heatstroke?
Move your dog somewhere cool, offer small amounts of water, soak them with tap water while keeping air moving over them, and contact a vet immediately.
Sources and further reading
- Position statement: heat-related illness in dogs, UK Brachycephalic Working Group (). Accessed
- Travelling with your dog in the summer, Blue Cross. Accessed
About this article
- Written by Mypetzilla Editorial Team
- Published
- Updated
This article is general pet advice, not veterinary or legal advice. If your pet is unwell, speak to a vet.
On Mypetzilla
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