How to Keep Your Dog Safe in Hot Weather: The Ultimate Guide for Cool, Happy Pups

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🐾 How to Keep Your Dog Safe in Hot Weather: The Ultimate Guide for Cool, Happy Pups ☀️

When the sun’s shining, we naturally want to get outdoors and enjoy it—and our dogs do too! But while we’ve got sunscreen, sunglasses, and summer wardrobes, dogs aren’t so lucky. They wear fur coats year-round, can’t sweat like we do, and rely on us to help them stay cool and safe.

So, how do you keep your dog safe in hot weather without missing out on the summer fun? In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from early walks and hydration tips to cooling gear, signs of heatstroke, and even summer-friendly treats. Whether you’ve got a floppy-eared spaniel or a chunky dogue de Bordeaux like mine, these tips will help your pup enjoy summer safely.

🌡️ Why Dogs Struggle in the Heat

Dogs are much more prone to heat-related illnesses than we are. They can only sweat through their paw pads and rely heavily on panting to regulate their temperature. In warm weather, this just isn’t always enough—especially for:

• Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Dogue de Bordeaux, Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers

• Senior dogs or puppies

• Overweight dogs

• Thick-coated breeds like Huskies or Newfoundlands

  Large breed dogs are particularly susceptible to heat and we are really careful during hot weather!

Heatstroke can happen frighteningly fast—and it’s life-threatening.

🚨 Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs:

• Heavy panting or rapid breathing

• Drooling excessively

• Bright red or blue-ish gums

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Lethargy or confusion

• Collapsing or seizures

If you notice any of these signs, move your dog to a cool place, offer small amounts of water, and call your vet immediately.

Steps To Keep Your Dog Safe

🕐 1. Time Your Walks Wisely

The golden rule in summer: Avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm).

Try to:

• Walk early in the morning or late in the evening

• Choose shaded routes or grassy parks

• Keep walks shorter and gentler on especially hot days

🌡️ Pavement tip: Press the back of your hand to the pavement for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for you—it’s too hot for your dog’s paws!

💦 2. Keep Your Dog Hydrated—Always

Dehydration is a real danger in the heat. Keep fresh, cool water available everywhere—indoors, outdoors, and especially when out walking or travelling.

Tips to boost hydration:

• Use a portable dog water bottle or collapsible bowl on walks

• Pop a few ice cubes into their water bowl

• Make hydrating treats like frozen cucumber or watermelon (no seeds!)

❄️ 3. Invest in Dog-Friendly Cooling Products

There are so many brilliant summer accessories out there now. A few of my top picks:

• Cooling mats: Great for crate time, lounging, or car travel

• Cooling bandanas/vests: Soak in cold water, wring out, and pop them on

• Freezable toys or teething chews: Great for mental stimulation too!

These aren’t just gimmicks—they really do help regulate body temperature and keep dogs comfortable.

🏠 4. Create a Cool Down Zone at Home

Even indoors, dogs can struggle. If your home gets warm, create a chill-out area where your pup can relax safely.

Ideas for cooling at home:

• Consider adding sun shades and raised dog beds to create a cooler outdoors area

• Use a fan or cooling mat in their favourite sleeping spot

• Let them lie on tile or laminate flooring

• Keep curtains/blinds closed during the hottest hours

• Use frozen water bottles wrapped in a towel as DIY coolers

If you’re heading out for a few hours, make sure they have access to multiple cool spots—and never leave them confined without airflow.

We invested in a portable AC for very hot days, (although we don't get that many in the UK), it has been really useful.

🚫 5. Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car

It’s been said a thousand times, but it’s still happening: Never, ever leave your dog in a car on a warm day. Not even for 5 minutes.

Even with the windows cracked:

• Temperatures inside can soar to over 40°C (104°F) in minutes

• Dogs can suffer heatstroke or die in under 15 minutes

If you see a dog trapped in a hot car, call 999 immediately (UK law protects animals in danger).

🐾 6. Choose Summer-Smart Grooming and Gear

If your dog has a thick or long coat, regular grooming helps them stay cool. Don’t shave them down unless your groomer or vet recommends it—some coats help insulate against heat.

Also consider:

• Lightweight harnesses or breathable collars

• Dog-safe sunscreen for short-haired or pink-nosed dogs

• Protective paw wax to guard against hot pavement

🍉 7. Cool Summer Treats Your Dog Will Love

Who doesn’t love a frozen treat on a hot day? These are not only fun but also help with hydration and enrichment.

Try these dog-safe summer snacks:

• Frozen banana slices or blueberries

• Ice cubes with low-sodium broth or peanut butter inside

• DIY pupsicles: blend plain yogurt with dog-safe fruits, freeze in silicone moulds

• Frozen LickiMats: spread with xylitol-free peanut butter or wet food and freeze

🏕️8. Outdoor Adventures? Plan Ahead

Going camping, hiking or spending the day outdoors with your dog? Amazing—but pack like you're prepping for a toddler in a heatwave!

Checklist:

• Portable water and bowl

• Shade (pop-up tent or blanket)

• Cooling vest or mat

• Paw protection (booties or wax)

• Towels to wet and drape over them

Top tip: Always know where the nearest vet is if you’re off-grid.

Looking for some great cooling gear for your dog this summer? Check out my favorite dog-friendly cooling products here

Disclaimer:

The information shared in this blog is based on personal experience and general knowledge. It is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your dog's health and medical needs.

Final Thoughts: Keep it Cool, Keep it Kind

Summer should be fun—for you and your dog. By planning ahead and keeping an eye on the weather, you can enjoy those long, sunny days without putting your pup at risk.

A quick recap:

✅ Walk early or late
✅ Keep water on hand
✅ Use cooling products
✅ Avoid hot pavements
✅ Never leave them in the car
✅ Watch for signs of heatstroke
✅ Offer frozen treats
✅ Provide shaded rest areas

Got a summer dog hack or go-to cooling product? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to share more ideas from fellow dog lovers! 🐶💙

Need Summer Essentials?

I’ve linked a few of my favourite cooling mats, water bottles, and dog-friendly treats. If you shop through one of my affiliate links, it helps support the blog at no extra cost to you—thank you!

👉 Browse Dog Cooling Products on Amazon UK → #AD

Download Your Free "Keep Your Dog Safe in Hot Weather Checklist"

"Print it, stick it on your fridge, and keep your pup cool all summer!"

©Meo's World

©Meo's World

Click here for the Herbal Dog Co