Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather: Staying Safe With Your Dog During a UK Heatwave

It looks like this hot weather is here to stay for a while. And while paddling pools and air conditioning units may be all sold out, at least, as humans, we can regulate our temperature fairly well. Our dogs find the hot weather hard. They don’t sweat like we do and are vulnerable to overheating and heatstroke. 

So how do you keep your dog cool in a heatwave? Let's look at ways to keep your dog safe in this hot weather.

What counts as a heatwave in the UK?

In the UK, the Met Office declares a heatwave when temperatures reach or exceed a certain threshold for at least three consecutive days. The exact temperature varies depending on where you live and the time of year, but in the summer it ranges from 25°C in some northern areas to 28°C or more in parts of southern England.

However, you don't need an official heatwave for your dog to be at risk. 

Are all dogs at risk during hot weather?

In all honesty, yes. Once the temperatures reach above 20°C, almost all dogs will be at risk of problems, particularly if they're exercising, travelling or spending time in direct sunlight. Humidity is also a problem as the damp, warm air limits evaporation from your dog’s mouth, meaning that panting is less effective. And in the UK we have high humidity because, as an island, we are surrounded by water. 

Some dogs are at much higher risk in hot weather, including:

• Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs

• Puppies

• Older dogs

• Overweight dogs

• Dogs with heart or breathing problems

• Thick-coated breeds.

But no matter what type of dog you have, you should always take care during hot weather.

How do I keep my dog cool during the day in hot weather?

A few simple changes around the home can make a huge difference.

Keep your home as cool as possible

Open windows on the shady side of your house to let cooler air flow in. Close curtains or blinds in rooms that get direct sunlight to limit how hot they get.

Change your walking routine - don’t walk your dog during the hot weather

The safest option during very hot weather is to skip your dog’s walks. Not going for a walk at all during a heatwave isn’t going to harm them - it’s protecting them. 

If you do need to exercise your dog, choose the coolest part of the day, which is usually super early in the morning. Keep the walk short and gentle. However, it is important to note that during the past few weeks of heat, night time temperatures have not been dropping much, and would still be considered on the risky side for dog walks.

Provide your dog with cooling mats or a cool spot to sleep

Cooling mats give your dog a comfortable place to lie down. They’re all different; some contain self-cooling gel, while others can be refrigerated before use. Put them indoors, or in a shaded area, but don’t try to force your dog to lie on them; some dogs don’t like them. 

Don’t have a cooling mat? Use a cold, damp towel instead. Never put this over your dog; just let them lie on it. 

Offer plenty of fresh water

Provide multiple water bowls throughout the house and garden and refresh them regularly. Make sure to clean the bowls frequently as warm temperatures can encourage bacterial growth.

Encourage your dog to drink more

Like humans, some dogs just don’t drink as much as they should. Increasing their water intake is vital in hot weather, so try making it more interesting…

• Add a splash of dog-safe bone broth.

• Give them dog-smoothies such as Furr Boost

• Mash up a small amount of their food and mix it with their water.

Offer cooling snacks to your dog

It might not get their tails wagging as much as a sausage, but in hot weather, many dogs like to snack on water-rich fruit and vegetables, which help them stay hydrated. Try:

• Watermelon (without the seeds or rind)

• Cucumber

• Strawberries

• Blueberries

Offer these only in moderation as treats and consult your vet if you are unsure if your dog can have them. 

Grab more canine hydration ideas here.

Cool your dog with water

A cool (not icy) shower or sponge bath can help reduce your dog’s body temperature. When they are wet, the water will evaporate over time, helping to cool them down.

Focus on areas with less fur, such as:

• Belly

• Feet

• Armpits.

Never leave a wet towel over them though as this can trap the heat underneath, making them hotter. 

Water play

If you’ve got a water-pup, then pop up the paddling pool in the shade and let them splash! You could also try children's splash mats, or the sprinkler.
It’s hit and miss, some dogs love this, others hate it, so watch how your dog responds carefully, and don’t leave them unattended. 

Can I walk my dog in hot weather?

In very hot weather, it's safest not to walk them at all, particularly between about 11am and 5pm. Dogs can quickly overheat during exercise, and pavements get super hot—hot enough to burn their paw pads! The Royal Veterinary College found that 75% of heat-related illness was caused by exercise, so it’s better to stay at home when it’s hot.

General guide

Remember that pavement temperatures can quickly get above 50°C even when the air temperature feels manageable. If you HAVE to use pavements, hold the back of your hand against it for 10 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog, and you should make alternative plans where possible.

Should I travel with my dog in hot weather?

During a heatwave, only necessary travel is recommended, even for humans. If you don’t have to take your dog in the car, then that is best. Even cars with air conditioning can get too hot, especially if you’re stuck in traffic, are delayed, or have the sun blazing in. Plus, what if something happens and you break down? How will you keep your dog cool? 

Plan ahead:

• Travel early morning or late evening

• Carry plenty of drinking water

• Carry an umbrella or some form of temporary shade in case of emergencies

• Take regular breaks

• Never leave your dog alone in a vehicle.

Can I leave my dog in the car with the air conditioning on?

No. The risk of failure is too high. Even with new electric cars, where you can leave the air con running with the car off, there is still a risk of a problem. 

Air conditioning systems can fail unexpectedly, engines can stop, and if that happens, temperatures rise rapidly.  At 22°C, the inside of the car can still reach over 47°C degrees within an hour! So in a heatwave it will get dangerously hot, fast!

If you can't take your dog with you when you leave the car, please leave them at home or somewhere safe. 

How do I keep my dog cool at night in hot weather?

Hot, sweaty, clammy nights can be hard for dogs. The humidity is high, but the temperature doesn’t drop much, meaning lots of panting and an unsettled night for everyone!

Here are some tips to keep your dog cool at night in hot weather.

Improve airflow

Keep windows open where you can, as long as it is safe, both for you and your dog. Use fans to circulate air around the room. When it is cool outside, put the fan around 1m from the window, facing into the room to pull colder air inside. Opening the loft hatch can also allow heat to escape into the roof space. 

Provide a cool place to sleep

Many dogs prefer:

• Hard flooring

• Cooling mats

• Elevated dog beds that allow air to circulate underneath.

Avoid using cooling jackets as once the cooling effect wears off they can reduce airflow around the body and make your dog hotter. 

If your dog normally sleeps in your bed, it may be better to encourage them to sleep somewhere cooler if it doesn’t upset them.

Refresh your dog’s drinking water before bed

Ice cubes in your dog's water bowl at night could carry risks of choking as they are likely to drink it unsupervised. Instead, freeze a sealed bottle of water and put it in a large water bowl. It will keep the water cool all night, with no risk of choking on ice cubes. 

Cool your dog before bedtime

A cool shower or sponge bath shortly before bed can help lower your dog’s body temperature ready for sleep. As they dry, it will cool your dog by evaporative cooling. If you notice your dog struggling with the heat at night, this is a quick way to cool them off.

Signs of heatstroke in dogs

Heatstroke is a veterinary emergency. It happens when your dog’s body temperature rises so much they can’t control it or bring it down. 

Early signs include:

• Excessive panting

• Drooling

• Bright red gums

• Restlessness

• Difficulty settling

As it progresses, dogs may develop:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Weakness

• Collapse

• Confusion

• Seizures

• Loss of consciousness.

Heatstroke requires immediate cooling and emergency veterinary care. 

What should you do if your dog has heatstroke?

If you suspect heatstroke, the Royal Veterinary College recommends “cool first, transport second.”

This is their current advice:

1. “Take your pet somewhere cool, ideally a well ventilated area or use a fan

2. Offer them small sips of water (do not force them to drink)

3. Cold water immersion is an effective approach for young, healthy dogs

4. Evaporation method: Pouring water of any temperature that is cooler than your dog over them and combine with air movement from a breeze, fan, or air conditioning (evaporative cooling) for older dogs or dogs with underlying health problems. 

5. if you cannot use the evaporation method, cool them down by pouring/hosing cool water on them. It’s important not to use ice-cold water as this can reduce blood flow to the skin, reducing their ability to cool down or even cause them to shiver, increasing heat generation.

6. Once you’ve started these steps, call your vets who will be able to advise you further. Even if your pet seems to be ok it’s important to have them checked (unless told otherwise), as the more serious signs of heatstroke may not be immediately apparent.”

Learn more about the signs of dehydration in dogs here.

Ways to keep your dog busy during a heatwave

So it’s too hot to walk your dog, but they are still desperate for something to do. What can you do to keep their minds active, without overexerting them in the heat?

1. Scatter feeding

Throw part of your dog's daily food around the house (or garden if it’s shady). They will love sniffing out the yummy nibbles!

2. Puzzle feeders

Food puzzles and stuffed toys like Kongs provide enrichment without too much physical activity. If you don’t have any, add some kibble to a damp teatowel. Roll it up width-wise, with the kibble inside, and then tie it in a knot. Your dog will love trying to get to the snacks, and the damp teatowel will help them to stay cool.

3. Teach a new trick

Heatwaves are the perfect opportunity to sit down together and learn some new skills. Try:

• Spin

• Paw

• Bow

• Targeting

• Retrieve

Keep training sessions short so that your dog doesn’t get overwhelmed or worked up, and of course, lots of treats are needed!

4. Water games

Fill up the paddling pool, try a splashmat, or get the sprinkler out, and play with your dog in the water. Make sure they stay in the shade and don’t get too excited. But don’t expect every dog to love it. Many dogs hate water, while others love it…but only if it’s a muddy puddle, or a stinky lake. Clean water is another matter entirely!

5. Rest with your dog

Yep, actually there is no pressure to do anything at all. You’re hot. Your dog is hot. So, take the time to relax together. Watch a film and veg out on the sofa in front of a fan.

Keep your dog’s joints moving with Antinol…even if they’re not

In a heatwave, it’s sensible to restrict your dog’s exercise. But, if they have joint stiffness, not getting out and about can mean they’re not feeling at their best. 

Giving your dog Antinol will help keep their joints healthy and help them feel mobile, even when relaxing in the hot weather. So, when it cools, they’ll be ready for action! 

Try Antinol for your dog

Frequently Asked Questions

When is it too hot to walk a dog?

For many dogs, the risk begins to increase once temperatures reach around 20°C. Above 24°C, it's safest to avoid walks altogether.

How do I keep my dog cool in hot weather?

Provide plenty of shade, fresh water, cooling mats, cool showers, frozen treats and avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day.

What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?

Heavy panting, excessive drooling, weakness, vomiting, collapse and seizures are all signs of heatstroke in dogs that require urgent veterinary attention.

What should I do if I think my dog has heatstroke?

Cool first, transport second. Start cooling your dog immediately with cool water, place them somewhere shaded, use a fan if possible and contact your vet without delay.

Should I travel with my dog in hot weather?

Only if necessary. Plan journeys carefully, use air conditioning, carry water and never leave your dog unattended in the car.

How can I keep my dog entertained when it's too hot to walk?

Puzzle feeders, scent games, scatter feeding, training sessions, and gentle water play are all excellent alternatives to walks. Plus, it’s ok to do nothing. Just rest.