Expert advice on preventing heat-stroke and keeping your pup comfortable during warm weather

Golden Retriever lying in grass in the sun — cmannphoto / iStock

Main Takeaways

Dogs can develop heat-stroke at temperatures as low as 16.9C.
Walk dogs early morning or late evening; if the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws. If in doubt, don’t go out.
Watch out for early warning signs that require immediate action including excessive panting, lethargy and difficulty breathing.
Never leave dogs in cars during warm weather; temperatures can reach 47C within an hour on a 22C day.
Cool first, transport second: wet your dog’s body and create airflow before heading to the vet in emergencies.

Why dogs struggle in the heat

Unlike humans, dogs can’t pop to the shops for an ice lolly when they’re feeling overheated. Their cooling system is far less sophisticated than ours, and they can’t sweat through their skin like we do. Instead, they rely on panting and releasing heat through their paw pads and nose, which becomes increasingly ineffective as temperatures rise.

This biological limitation means that what feels like a pleasant warm day to us can quickly become dangerous for our dogs. The Royal Veterinary College’s research reveals that heat-stroke can develop at temperatures as low as 16.9C – a temperature many of us wouldn’t even consider particularly balmy.

Further research by the RVC also shows that nearly 60 percent of annual heat-stroke cases occurred during just 40 days that comprised the five heatwave periods of 2022, highlighting how concentrated the risk can become during extreme weather.

When the external temperature is too high, panting becomes ineffective and their body temperature can quickly escalate. Recognising the signs and taking proactive measures to cool your dog can prevent severe health issues and even save their life in extreme circumstances.

Which dogs are most at risk?

All dogs can suffer from heat-stroke, but certain factors significantly increase the risk and vulnerability of heat-related illnesses.

High-risk dogs include:

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and Bulldogs.
Senior dogs and puppies under six months.
Overweight or obese dogs.
Dogs with thick, double coats (such as Chows and German Shepherds).
Those with underlying health conditions, particularly respiratory or heart problems.
Black or dark-coloured dogs (whose fur absorbs more heat).

Research shows that exercise is the trigger in over 51 percent of heat-stroke cases, with a hot environment causing 31 percent of cases. Notably, 68 percent of exercise-related heat-stroke events occurred after just walking in the heat – not intensive exercise.

How to recognise the signs of heat-related illness

Early detection is everything when it comes to heat-related illness. Based on clinical records from 856 heat-related illness events, the most frequently recorded signs were respiratory changes (68.73 percent) and lethargy (47.79 percent). Keep an eye out for these escalating symptoms:

Early warning signs:

Excessive panting that doesn’t ease with rest.
Drooling more than usual.
Lethargy or reluctance to move.
Seeking out cool surfaces to lie on.
Pale or bright red gums.

Serious symptoms requiring immediate action:

Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing.
Vomiting or diarrhoea.
Unsteadiness or stumbling.
Glazed eyes or confusion.
Collapse or unresponsiveness.

If you spot any serious symptoms, this is a veterinary emergency. Cool your dog immediately while someone calls your vet.

How to keep your dog cool

Plan walks during cooler times of the day

The golden rule for summer dog walking is simple: if you’re planning a morning jog, take your dog. Planning an afternoon stroll? Leave them at home.

Early morning walks (before 8am) and evening outings (after 7pm) are ideal when the sun isn’t at its strongest. Not only are air temperatures cooler, but pavements and surfaces have had time to cool down, too. Remember, when in doubt, don’t go out.

The ‘Pavement Test’

Before heading out, place your hand firmly on the pavement for five seconds. If it’s uncomfortable for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Hot surfaces can cause painful burns and contribute to overheating as heat travels up through their pads.

Hydration station

Make water irresistible by:

Placing multiple bowls around your home and garden.
Adding ice cubes to their water bowl.
Carrying a collapsible bowl and water bottle on walks.
Offering frozen treats such as ice cubes made from diluted low-sodium chicken broth.

Create cool retreats

Transform your home into a canine cooling centre by:

Setting up fans in your dog’s favourite spots.
Closing curtains or blinds to block direct sunlight.
Providing cooling mats or elevated beds for better air circulation.
Designating bathroom tiles or other cool surfaces as ‘chill zones’.

Exercise modifications

During warm spells, adapt your dog’s exercise routine:

Shorten walk duration, but increase frequency. A few days of fewer walks is not going to kill your dog, but going out in the heat might.
Choose shaded routes through parks or woodland.
Swap energetic games for mental stimulation activities in a cool space.
Consider indoor training sessions or puzzle toys (such as a frozen Kong toy or lickimat).

Prepare ahead

Before warm weather hits:

Book a vet check to ensure your dog is at an optimal weight.
Discuss grooming options with your groomer – some dogs benefit from summer trims, others don’t.
Invest in cooling products such as mats, vests or portable fans.
Practice emergency cooling so you’re confident if needed. (You can sign up for ‘Cool Dog Summer’ workshops run by the RSPCA to learn more about keeping your dog safe during the hot weather.)
Download weather apps that show ’feels like’ temperatures.

How to cool your dog after exercise

Even after a walk or play session, dogs can continue to heat up. Research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) showed many dogs will continue to get hotter after the exercise had finished, highlighting an urgent need for owners to proactively cool their dogs down after exercise, if there is a risk of overheating.

Immediate post-exercise steps:

Move to the shadiest, most ventilated area available.
Wet your dog’s body (avoiding the head) with cool water.
Create air movement with a fan, or even waving a towel or blanket.
Offer small amounts of cool water to drink.
Allow your dog to rest completely before moving them.
If you’re heading to the car after a walk, cool the interior first – run the air conditioning and open windows before your dog gets in.

What to do in an emergency

If your dog shows signs of severe overheating:

Stop everything and move to shade immediately.
Cool rapidly using whatever water you have available – pour it over their body, avoiding the head.
Create airflow with fans, air conditioning or manual fanning.
Contact your vet while continuing cooling measures.
Transport safely in a pre-cooled vehicle with air conditioning running.

Remember: cool first, transport second. Don’t waste precious time driving to the vet without starting cooling measures first.

The car danger zone

It cannot be overstated: never leave your dog in a car during warm weather. Even with windows cracked, car interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes. On a 22C day, car interiors can soar to 47C in just one hour.

If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, call 999 immediately. Many forces now have protocols for these emergency situations.

First-hand experience from a vet

“Heat-stroke has to be one of the most distressing scenarios I see in practice,” says small animal vet Dr Siân Burwood. “And I can immediately recall several poor dogs who didn’t make it. The tragedy in each case was that the pet parents had no idea that the ‘little walk’ they were taking their dog on would do any harm. Watching a healthy dog die from something completely avoidable causes serious trauma to veterinary teams as well as the families who loved them. Remember that you can put on shorts in warmer weather, but even if groomed your dog cannot remove their coat, so if in doubt, please don’t take them out.”

The bottom line: keep your dog cool this summer

Keeping your dog cool isn’t about restricting their summer fun – it’s about ensuring they can enjoy the warmer months safely. With proper preparation, awareness of the risks, and smart adaptations to your routine, both you and your dog can make the most of the sunshine.

Remember: when in doubt about whether it’s too hot for outdoor activities, err on the side of caution. Your dog won’t mind missing one walk, but heat-stroke can have consequences that last far longer than any fleeting heatwave.

The mantra from veterinary professionals is simple but vital: if in doubt, don’t go out. Your dog’s safety is always worth more than any missed adventure.

The best dog cooling products

Investing in the right products can make a significant difference in keeping your dog cool during the summer months. Here are some highly recommended items:

Self Cooling Cool Gel Mat £6.95. This self-cooling gel mat is ideal for dogs of all sizes. It provides immediate relief from the heat and is easy to clean and store. £6.95 at B&Q

Raised dog bed summer — Summer Raised Pet Bed with Roof £40. The Summer Raised Pet Bed’s elevated design improves airflow for your pup, while the roof provides shade, protecting your pet from direct sunlight. Durable and comfortable, it’s ideal for keeping your dog cool and relaxed during hot summer days. £40 at Argos

Petface Cooling Summer Pet Bandana £5.99. This bandana is soaked in water and stays cool for hours. It’s a great accessory for walks or outdoor play sessions. £5.99 at Amazon

Pet Ice Cooling Towel £2.99. The Pet Ice Cooling Towel is a must-have for keeping your dog cool during hot weather. Easy to use, it provides instant relief from the heat. Perfect for walks, travel and outdoor activities. £2.99 at The Range

Ice Pineapple Cooler Dog Toy £6. The Pets at Home Ice Pineapple Cooler Dog Toy will keep your dog cool and entertained. Fill it with water and freeze for a fun, icy treat that helps reduce overheating. £6 at Pets at Home

Lumo leaf dog water bottle — LumoLeaf Portable Dog Water Bottle £22.99. Water is essential for keeping your dog from overheating out on walks. The LumoLeaf bottle‘s compact design includes a built-in bowl, making it super-easy to provide fresh water during walks or travel, without taking up loads of room in your rucksack. £22.99 at Amazon

All for paws water fountain — All For Paws Chill Out Garden Water Fountain £29.99. Simply plug into a garden hose and you have a ready-to-use cooling shower fountain for your pup. They can learn how to use it with the push of a paw, making it stimulating and refreshing all at once. £29.99 at Lords & Labradors

RSPCA splash pad and sprinkler — Dog Splash Pad & Sprinkler £22. A sprinkler-come-splashpad is perfect for keeping your dog cool and entertained on scorching summer days. It’s easy to set up, provides a fun, interactive way for your pup to beat the heat, and ensures they stay hydrated and happy. £22 at RSPCA

This information is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow the instructions provided by your vet.

References

Beard, Sian, et al. “Epidemiology of Heat‐Related Illness in Dogs under UK Emergency Veterinary Care in 2022.” Veterinary Record, vol. 194, no. 11, Wiley, May 2024.

British Veterinary Association. “Vets See Five Times More Heatstroke Cases during Extremely Hot Weather – Dog Owners Urged to Prepare against Summer Heat Tragedy.” British Veterinary Association, 2024.

Carter, Anne J., et al. “Post-Exercise Management of Exertional Hyperthermia in Dogs Participating in Dog Sport (Canicross) Events in the UK.” Journal of Thermal Biology, Elsevier BV, Mar. 2024, pp. 103827–27.

“Dogs Die on Hot Walks | RSPCA.” rspca.org.uk.

“Flat-Faced Dogs such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs at Increased Risk of Heat Stroke.” rvc.ac.uk, 18 June 2020.

Hall, Emily J., et al. “Risk Factors for Severe and Fatal Heat-Related Illness in UK Dogs—a VetCompass Study.” Veterinary Sciences, vol. 9, no. 5, May 2022, p. 231.

“New Research from the RVC Suggests Human Heat-Health Alerts Could Help Prevent Heatstroke in Dogs.” Rvc.ac.uk, 24 May 2024.

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How to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer