Summer’s here, and while we may love the sunshine, our furry friends can struggle with the heat. Dogs don’t sweat like we do, and they can overheat quickly, especially the fluffier or flat-faced breeds.
Here’s how to keep your pup cool, comfortable, and safe during those hotter days, with info backed by the latest veterinary advice!
🐕🦺 Walk Smart:
Early Morning or Evening Only
During a heatwave, even a short midday walk can put your dog at risk of heat exhaustion or burned paws. So:
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Aim for walks early morning and evening (Dependant on temperature)
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Test the pavement with your hand: if you can’t hold your palm down for a few seconds, it’s too hot for paws
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Stick to shady paths, grass, or woodland trails whenever possible
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A dip in fresh water can help your dog cool down, but avoid ponds or lakes with algae, especially blue-green algae, which can be toxic even in small amounts
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DO NOT leave them in a roasting hot car
Bonus tip: Pop on a cooling vest! These are soaked in cold water, wrung out, and worn like a harness. They help keep your dog’s body temperature down through evaporation. Great for warm-weather walks or just chilling indoors.
For high-energy pups, short training sessions indoors or sniffy games in the shade can be a great alternative to exercise.
🍧 Icy Treats to the Rescue
Nothing says “I love you” like a frozen snack. Try these simple ideas:
1. Frozen Kong Filling
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Mix banana, peanut butter (xylitol-free), and plain yogurt
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Stuff into a Kong, freeze overnight
2. Pup-sicles
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Blend watermelon (no seeds) with a splash of water or organic kefir
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Pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays
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Add a small biscuit “stick” if you want to get fancy
3. Meaty Ice Cubes
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Use bone broth (very beneficial for joints)
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Drop in a few bits of cooked meat or treats
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Freeze in trays or reuse empty yogurt pots
Keep it simple: if your dog likes fresh fruit, just give them frozen fresh fruit like blueberries, strawberries etc (no seeds!).
Bonus points if your dog gets to lick these from the shade or a cooling mat!
I only use organic kefir mixed
with fresh raspberries & strawberries 🍓
☀️ Preventing Heatstroke: Fast Action Saves Lives
Cool first, transport second, always start cooling before heading to the vet
Heatstroke in dogs is serious and can be fatal without quick action. Know the signs:
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Rapid panting
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Drooling or glassy eyes
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Wobbliness or collapse
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Vomiting or diarrhea
If you suspect heatstroke, don’t wait. Start cooling your dog immediately.
And here’s the good news from the latest veterinary research:
It is safe to use ice-cold water. Yes, really!
For Older Dogs in Hot Weather:
Pour cool (not ice-cold) water over their body, focus on the neck, belly, and inner thighs. Then use a fan or A.C. to help with evaporative cooling. This method helps bring their body temperature down safely and effectively.
A 2024 study from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) confirmed that using water as cold as 0.1°C is not only safe but more effective at cooling overheated dogs than room-temperature water. This finally debunks the old myth that cold water could be dangerous.
The experts now recommend:
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Cold water immersion (for young healthy dogs)
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Cold water spray or poured combined with airflow from a fan or breeze
Just make sure your dog is conscious and not showing signs of shock. If they are unconscious or weak, gently spray cool water and create airflow while contacting your vet straight away.
🐶 Final Woof
Hot weather does not mean skipping all the fun. It just means planning ahead. Walk when it’s cool, make frosty treats, try out cooling vests, and know how to act if things get too hot. Your dog counts on you to keep them safe, and now, thanks to solid research, we know that cold water is an effective way to cool them down in an emergency.
Stay cool out there! 🐶💦
