As a professional dog walker a heatwave presents some unique challenges. Thankfully heatwaves here in the UK are few and far between although with global warming they are becoming more and more common. So now is the time to act by making yourself aware of the potential dangers and how to safeguard your dog during a heatwave.

There is no doubt that summer heatwaves pose real dangers for dogs. They struggle to regulate their body temperature and can overheat fast in hot weather.

Never leave your dog in a parked car during warm weather, not even for a few minutes with the windows cracked. Dogs can suffer heatstroke frighteningly fast.

Even at just 20 degrees Celsius, your dog faces a risk of heat-related illness. Dogs sweat only through their paws and mostly cool off by panting.

If panting and paw pads aren’t enough, your pet can get dangerously ill in no time. It’s a scary thought, but it’s true.

Simple steps can help keep your dog safe in the heat. Make sure they always have shade and fresh water, avoid walking them at midday, and learn the early signs of heat distress.

Key Takeaways

• Keep dogs cool with shade, fresh water, and cool damp towels during hot weather.
• Walk your dog in the cooler morning or evening hours, and avoid hot pavements that can burn their paws.
• Watch for signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, drooling, and lethargy. Get veterinary help immediately if you notice these.

Recognising Heatwave Risks for Dogs

Hot weather brings risks for dogs that many owners overlook. Heat affects them differently than it does us.

How Heatwaves Affect Dogs

Dogs can’t sweat through their skin like we do. They mostly cool off by panting and losing heat through their paws and nose.

When panting isn’t enough, dogs can develop heatstroke rapidly. It’s honestly alarming how quickly things can go wrong.

Signs of heat stress in dogs include:

• Excessive panting and drooling
• Bright red gums
• Rapid heartbeat
• Disorientation or confusion
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Collapse or seizures

Heatstroke can cause permanent organ damage or even be fatal if you don’t act quickly. The transition from being a bit too warm to a full-blown emergency can be shockingly fast.

Understanding Dangerous Temperatures

What feels comfortable to you might actually threaten your dog’s health. Temperatures above 20°C (68°F) call for caution, and anything past 24°C (75°F) can be risky.

Parked cars are especially dangerous, even with the windows open a bit. At 22°C outside, a car’s interior can shoot up to 47°C in an hour.

Hot pavement is another hazard. If you can’t keep your hand on the ground for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog.

Time of day matters. The biggest danger is usually between 11am and 3pm when the sun’s at its strongest.

Early morning or late evening walks are much safer for your pup when it’s hot.

Why Some Dogs Are More Vulnerable

Some dogs are at higher risk in hot weather. A few things make certain pets more likely to struggle:

Breed characteristics:

• Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers can’t pant as well
• Dogs with thick double coats, like Huskies and Malamutes, hold onto more heat
• Dark-coloured dogs absorb sunlight and get hotter faster

Age and health factors:

• Puppies and older dogs can’t regulate temperature as well
• Overweight dogs generate more heat and cool down less efficiently
• Dogs with heart or breathing problems have a tougher time staying cool

Dogs who have had heatstroke before are even more vulnerable. If your dog fits any of these categories, take extra care when the weather heats up.

Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness

Dogs can’t sweat like we do, so they’re especially prone to overheating. Spotting the signs early can truly save your dog’s life.

Spotting Heatstroke in Dogs

Heatstroke is a serious emergency. Your dog might have bright red gums and tongue, and their skin can feel hot.

As things get worse, you may notice:

• Rapid breathing
• Elevated heart rate
• Muscle tremors
• Glazed eyes
• Disorientation or confusion
• Collapse or loss of consciousness

Your dog’s normal body temperature is 38.3-39.2°C. If you can, check their temperature—anything over 40°C means you need to get to the vet immediately.

Some dogs are more prone to heatstroke, like brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs), senior dogs, puppies, and those carrying extra weight.

Recognising Signs of Heat Stress

Heat stress comes before heatstroke and gives you a chance to act. Watch for these warning signs—they’re easy to miss if you’re not looking.

Early indicators include:

• Restlessness or agitation
• Seeking shade constantly
• Reluctance to move
• Excessive thirst
• Dark or very concentrated urine

Some dogs will dig at cool tiles or damp soil to try to cool off. It’s not uncommon for them to skip meals if they’re feeling overheated.

If you spot these signs, move your dog to shade or an air-conditioned room right away and offer cool (not ice-cold) water.

Noticing Lethargy, Excessive Panting, and Drooling

Panting is a dog’s main way to cool down. But when it turns excessive or laboured, that’s a red flag.

Look for:

• Panting that’s heavy or rapid, not the usual rhythm
• Thicker or more drool than normal
• Ropey or stringy saliva
• Reluctance to move or sudden tiredness
• Not responding to your voice or commands

If your energetic dog suddenly seems sluggish or uninterested in things they love, that’s a warning sign. Trust your gut—if something feels off, it’s worth paying attention.

Identifying Dehydration and Other Dangers

Dehydration often goes hand-in-hand with heat illness and can get dangerous quickly. To check, gently pinch the skin at the back of your dog’s neck; if it doesn’t snap back, your dog could be dehydrated.

Other signs of dehydration include:

• Dry or tacky gums
• Sunken eyes
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Thick saliva
• Weakness

Vomiting and diarrhoea both worsen dehydration and heat illness. It’s a vicious cycle that can spiral quickly.

If your dog has trouble breathing, that’s a severe emergency. Blue or purple gums and tongue mean your dog isn’t getting enough oxygen—get veterinary help immediately.

Keeping Your Dog Cool and Safe Outdoors

When it’s hot, your dog’s safety outdoors needs extra attention. Shade, water, and careful timing can make all the difference.

Providing Shade and Cool Water

Dogs rely on panting and their paws to cool off, so shade is a must. Make sure your garden or yard has shady spots where your dog can escape the sun.

Set up more than one water station outside. Use large, sturdy bowls that won’t tip over easily.

Consider these ideas:

• Deep ceramic bowls: Help keep water cool longer
• Automatic water dispensers: Always have fresh water available
• Cooling mats: Put them in shaded areas for extra comfort

A paddling pool with shallow water can be both refreshing and fun for your dog. Just make sure the water isn’t icy cold, as sudden temperature changes can be a shock.

Change outdoor water often—it warms up and gets dirty fast in the heat. It’s a small thing, but it really helps.

Avoiding Hot Pavements and Surfaces

Pavements can get dangerously hot and burn your dog’s paws. Before heading out, try placing your hand or bare foot on the pavement for about 7 seconds—if it feels too hot for you, it’s definitely too hot for your dog.

Give this quick test a try before walking:

Try these alternatives if the pavement’s too hot:

• Grassy park areas
• Woodland trails with shade
• Early morning walks before things heat up
• Pet booties for protection if you can’t avoid pavement

Never leave your dog in a parked car, not even for a minute. Heat builds up fast and can be deadly, even with the windows cracked.

Adjusting Exercise Routines

Dogs still need exercise in hot weather, but you’ll need to change how you do it. Walk them during the coolest parts of the day, like early mornings or late evenings.

Keep an eye out for signs of overheating:

• Heavy panting or drooling
• Gums that look bright red or purple
• Wobbling or seeming confused
• Stopping and not wanting to walk further

Try these exercise tweaks:

1. Shorten walks by about a third or half on really hot days
2. Use indoor puzzle toys for mental stimulation
3. Try water fun like safe swimming if you can
4. Take lots of breaks in shady spots if you’re outside at all

If you have a flat-faced breed like a Bulldog, be extra careful. They overheat much faster and usually need even less exercise when it’s warm.

Preventing Heat Problems at Home

Your home should feel safe and cool for your dog in hot weather. Good indoor cooling keeps them comfortable and helps prevent heatstroke.

Creating Ventilated and Shaded Spaces

Open windows on different sides of your home to get a breeze going. Close curtains or blinds when the sun’s pouring in to help keep rooms cooler.

Set up some shady spots for your dog to escape the heat. Maybe under a table, on cool tiles, or with a cooling mat in a corner. Most dogs will hunt down the coolest floor if you let them.

If you have a garden, use umbrellas or canopies to create shade. Even a paddling pool in the shade can help. Always make sure your dog has both shade and fresh water if they’re outside.

Got cats? They need cool, airy spaces too—don’t forget them during a heatwave.

Using Fans, Cooling Mats, and Frozen Treats

Fans can make a big difference for your dog. Put them at your dog’s level and keep cords out of reach—some dogs can’t resist chewing.

Cooling mats are great for relief. You can find:

• Gel mats that cool when your dog lies on them
• Mats you fill with water and chill in the fridge
• Raised mesh beds that let air flow underneath

Frozen treats are a win on hot days. Try these:

1. Freeze low-salt chicken broth into ice cubes
2. Stuff a Kong with yogurt and freeze it
3. Freeze cucumber or watermelon slices (seeds out!)

For extra cooling, toss a damp towel in the freezer for a bit, then lay it over your dog’s back—but only if you’re watching them.

Grooming and Health Maintenance

Regular brushing can really help in summer. It removes extra fur and stops mats, which trap heat.

Don’t rush to shave double-coated breeds—their fur actually helps keep them cool. Ask your vet or groomer what’s best for your dog’s coat.

Use pet-safe sunscreen on spots like the ears, nose, and belly, especially if your dog’s got light fur. Sunburn’s no joke and can lead to bigger problems.

Check your dog’s paws often. Hot ground can burn them, and cracked pads are more likely to get hurt. Paw balm can help protect against the heat.

Urgent Actions and What to Do in Emergencies

If a heatwave hits, acting quickly could save your dog’s life. It helps to know what to do so you can stay calm and help your dog fast.

Steps If You Suspect Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a real emergency. Watch for these signs:

• Heavy panting and drooling
• Gums and tongue look bright red
• Unsteady or confused
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Collapse or seizures

If you see these symptoms, get your dog into shade right away. Never use ice-cold water—it can shock their system. Instead, try this:

1. Wet your dog with cool (not cold) water, focusing on their neck, armpits, and groin
2. Put wet towels on those areas
3. Point a fan at your dog if you have one
4. Offer small sips of water, but don’t force it

Keep cooling your dog while you get them to the vet. Once their breathing seems normal, stop so you don’t overcool them.

When to Contact a Vet

Always call your vet right away if you think your dog has heatstroke. Even if they look better, there could be internal damage you can’t see.

Call ahead so the clinic knows you’re coming. Tell them:

• What symptoms your dog has
• When you first noticed them
• What you’ve already done to help
• When you’ll arrive

Save your vet’s number and the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic in your phone. For less urgent stuff, lots of vets offer advice over the phone if you’re unsure what to do.

Heat exhaustion can turn to heatstroke pretty quickly. If you’re worried, don’t wait—get help.

First Aid for Overheating

Every dog owner should have a pet first aid kit that covers heat emergencies. Here’s what you’ll want in it:

Must-haves:

• Digital rectal thermometer (normal is 38-39°C)
• Cooling mat or towels
• Spray bottle for water
• Electrolyte solution (ask your vet for the right type)
• Portable fan

Stay as calm as you can—your dog will pick up on your mood. Check their temperature every five minutes while cooling. Once you hit 39°C, stop so you don’t make them too cold.

Cool your dog slowly, not all at once. Even if they seem fine after, keep a close eye on them for a day or two. Sometimes problems show up later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Extreme heat can really mess with our dogs—sometimes it even changes their behaviour and health. Here are some questions dog owners ask a lot during hot spells.

What are the best ways to help my dog stay cool indoors during the summer months?

Keep air moving with fans or air conditioning if you have it. Shut the curtains when the sun’s strong and make a few cool spots for your dog to escape to.

Cooling mats are handy for hot days. They give your dog a chill place to stretch out and relax.

Always have fresh water in more than one spot. A few ice cubes in the bowl can help keep it cool for longer.

How can we ensure our dogs are comfortable and cool when we’re at work on hot days?

Don’t leave your dog in a sunroom or anywhere with loads of windows. It can heat up crazy fast, just like a parked car does.

If you can, get a pet sitter or dog walker to check in. They’ll make sure your dog’s got water and isn’t getting too hot.

Put out several water bowls in case one gets knocked over. Frozen Kong toys can keep them cool and busy too.

What should I do to prevent my dog from overheating during those balmy summer nights?

Move your dog’s bed away from windows that get the evening sun. A cooler sleeping spot can make a big difference.

Try a cooling mat or a raised bed for more airflow. Both help your dog stay comfortable at night.

A gentle fan near (not right on) their bed can help move air. Make sure there’s always water nearby overnight.

Are there any effective methods for cooling down my dog when they’re panting excessively?

Dab their paws and belly with cool (not cold) water. Those areas help your dog cool off fastest.

Set up a shallow paddling pool in the shade outside. Let your dog decide if they want to use it—never force them.

Cold treats from the fridge or freezer, like frozen carrots or special dog ice lollies, can help too.

Can placing a damp towel on my dog provide relief from the heat, and is it safe to do so?

A damp towel can help, but you need to use it right. Put it under your dog, not over them, or it might trap heat.

Change the towel out as soon as it warms up. Otherwise, it could end up making things worse.

You can also gently dampen your dog’s fur, especially on their paws and belly. Just skip the ice-cold water—too much shock for their system.

Does the heat impact my dog’s behaviour, and how can I help them cope with the temperature changes?

Dogs often become less active during hot weather. That’s totally normal—let them rest and avoid activities that might get them overexcited.

Some dogs get irritable or a bit restless when they’re too warm. Give them space, and set up a few cool spots where they can chill out if they need to.

Try shifting your walks to early mornings or evenings when it’s cooler. Avoid walking between 10am and 4pm since that’s when the pavement can get seriously hot and uncomfortable for their paws.