Sunny days are something many of us look forward to, but warmer weather can bring a few extra challenges for our dogs.
Whether your dog loves stretching out in a sunny spot or prefers to snooze somewhere cool, it's important to help them stay comfortable and safe when temperatures rise. Because dogs can't cool themselves down in the same way we can, hot weather can leave them feeling uncomfortable and, in some cases, put them at risk of overheating.
The good news is that a few simple changes to your dog's routine can make a big difference. From refreshing mealtimes to frozen treats and cooler walks, here are some practical ways to help keep your dog happy and safe in hot weather.
Why is hot weather harder for dogs?
While many of us enjoy making the most of the sunshine, hot weather can be much harder for our dogs.
Unlike humans, dogs can't cool themselves down through sweating. Instead, they mainly rely on panting to help regulate their body temperature. On particularly warm or humid days, this can make it more difficult for them to stay comfortable.
That's why it's important to make a few adjustments to your dog's routine when temperatures rise. Something as simple as providing extra shade, refreshing their water more often or changing the time of their daily walk can help them stay cooler throughout the day.
How do I keep my dog cool in hot weather?
When temperatures start to rise, helping your dog stay cool doesn't need to be complicated.
Simple things like providing plenty of fresh water, creating shady spots to relax and avoiding the hottest times of day can all help keep them comfortable.
Many dogs will naturally seek out cooler areas around the home, whether that's a tiled kitchen floor, a well-ventilated room or a shady patch in the garden. Giving them access to these spaces and letting them rest when they need to can make a big difference on warmer days.
Cooling mats can also be a useful addition, particularly for dogs that enjoy having a cool place to stretch out and relax.
How can I keep my dog hydrated in hot weather?
Keeping your dog hydrated is one of the most important things you can do during warm weather.
Make sure fresh, clean water is always available and refresh bowls regularly throughout the day. Some dogs enjoy ice cubes in their water, which can help keep it cooler for longer.
If you're heading out for a walk, don't forget to take water with you so your dog can have a drink whenever they need it.
Should I Add Water to My Dog's Food?
Adding water to dry food can be a simple way to increase your dog's fluid intake, particularly during warmer weather. Many dogs enjoy softened kibble, and the extra moisture can help support hydration alongside access to fresh drinking water.
Another option is mixing wet and dry food together. Not only can this increase moisture intake, but it can also add a little extra variety to mealtimes.
For dogs who seem less interested in food during a heatwave, a wetter meal can sometimes help encourage them to eat while still getting all the nutrients they need.
Our Harringtons Wet Dog Food range can be a tasty way to add extra moisture to your dog's diet while still providing complete and balanced nutrition.
What is the best food for dogs in hot weather?
Just because the weather is warmer doesn't mean your dog needs a completely different diet. A complete and balanced diet remains the best foundation for keeping your dog healthy and happy all year round. However, some dogs may seem less enthusiastic about food when temperatures rise.
To help make mealtimes more appealing, you could:
- Add a splash of water to your dog's dry food
- Mix wet and dry food together for added moisture and variety (you can read our article on how to mix feed pets of all ages here)
- Feed meals during cooler parts of the day
- Spread meals across smaller portions if your dog prefers
Adding water to kibble is a simple way to increase moisture intake, while incorporating a complete wet dog food can help make meals more tempting during warmer weather.
Whether you feed our Complete Dry Dog Food, Wet Dog Food or a combination of both, the most important thing is ensuring your dog continues to enjoy a balanced diet and stays well hydrated throughout the summer months.
Can dogs eat frozen treats in hot weather?
Frozen treats can be a brilliant way to help your dog cool down while adding a little extra enrichment to their day.
Easy ideas include:
- Freezing portions of wet dog food
- Frozen lick mats
- Dog-safe peanut butter frozen inside enrichment toys
- Small pieces of frozen watermelon
- Frozen banana slices
- Frozen carrot sticks
Frozen treats can help keep dogs occupied while offering a refreshing way to cool down, particularly during the hottest part of the day.
As with any treat, remember they should only make up a small part of your dog's overall diet.
When is It too hot to walk a dog?
When temperatures climb, it's important to rethink your dog's walking routine.
Early mornings and later evenings are usually the coolest parts of the day, making them a more comfortable option for most dogs. It's also worth remembering that pavements can become much hotter than the air temperature and may burn your dog's paws before you even realise it.
Try the five-second test
Place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
During particularly hot weather, it's worth asking whether your dog needs a walk at all. While daily exercise is an important part of your dog's routine, most healthy dogs will cope perfectly well with missing a walk for a day or two if temperatures are unusually high.
In fact, on extreme heatwave days, staying at home is often the safest option.
If your dog is full of energy, there are plenty of ways to keep them occupied without heading out into the heat. A frozen lick mat, a puzzle feeder or a short training session can provide valuable mental stimulation, while a game of hide-and-seek or a simple scent game can help keep them entertained. If you have a garden, supervised time outdoors in a shaded area can also be a good alternative when temperatures are high.
Mental stimulation can be just as rewarding as physical exercise and can help prevent boredom while reducing the risk of overheating.
No walk is worth risking your dog's health. If the weather feels too hot, it's always better to wait for cooler temperatures later in the day than to push ahead with a walk that could leave your dog struggling to cope.
How can I exercise my dog when it's too hot outside?
Dogs still need physical and mental stimulation during warmer weather, but exercise doesn't always have to mean a long walk.
Indoor enrichment can be a great way to keep your dog entertained while avoiding the heat. Some simple ideas include:
Scent Games
Hide treats around the house or garden and encourage your dog to sniff them out. Dogs love using their noses and this type of game can be surprisingly tiring.
Training Sessions
Hot weather can be the perfect opportunity to revisit basic training or teach your dog a new trick. Short, positive sessions can help keep their brain engaged without overexerting them.
Puzzle Feeders
Puzzle toys and food-dispensing games encourage dogs to work for their food, providing enrichment while slowing down mealtimes.
Lick Mats
Spreading wet food onto a lick mat and freezing it can create a calming activity that many dogs enjoy.
Find-It Games
Hide a favourite toy and encourage your dog to search for it. This is another great way to provide enrichment without increasing your dog's body temperature.
Is it safe to leave dogs in the garden during hot weather?
Many dogs enjoy spending time outdoors when the weather is nice, but it's important not to assume they'll automatically move out of the sun when they become too warm.
If your dog is spending time in the garden, make sure they always have access to:
- Fresh drinking water
- Plenty of shade
- A cool place to rest
- Shelter from direct sunlight
It's also worth remembering that the position of the sun changes throughout the day. A shady spot in the morning may be in full sun by lunchtime, so check regularly that your dog still has somewhere cool to retreat to.
Do cooling mats work for dogs?
Many dogs enjoy cooling mats, particularly during warmer weather. Cooling mats provide an alternative surface to lie on and can help dogs feel more comfortable when temperatures rise. While they aren't a replacement for shade, water or sensible exercise routines, they can be a useful addition to your dog's summer setup.
Some dogs take to them straight away, while others may prefer a cool floor or shady spot in the garden. Every dog is different, so it's worth finding what works best for them.
Can dogs get heatstroke?
Yes. Heatstroke is a serious condition that occurs when a dog's body temperature becomes dangerously high.
Dogs cool themselves mainly through panting, which means they can struggle in prolonged heat or humid conditions.
Some dogs are more at risk than others, including:
- Flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and Bulldogs
- Puppies
- Senior dogs
- Overweight dogs
- Dogs with underlying health conditions
- Thick-coated breeds
Knowing the signs and acting quickly can make all the difference.
How quickly can dogs get heatstroke?
Heatstroke can develop more quickly than many people realise. A dog doesn't need to be lying in direct sunshine all day to be at risk. Exercising during the hottest part of the day, spending too much time in a hot garden or travelling in a warm vehicle can all increase the risk of overheating.
This is why prevention is always the best approach. Keeping your dog cool, hydrated and out of excessive heat can help reduce the risk significantly.
What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?
Heatstroke should always be treated as a veterinary emergency, so it's important to know what to look out for during hot weather. Common signs include:
- Excessive panting
- Heavy drooling
- Bright red gums or tongue
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Loss of coordination
- Confusion
- Collapse
If you notice any of these symptoms, move your dog to a cool, shaded area as quickly as possible and offer them small amounts of cool water. You can also help bring their temperature down by gently applying cool (not ice-cold) water to their body.
Even if your dog seems to recover, it's important to contact your vet straight away. Heatstroke can become serious very quickly, and professional advice should always be sought if you suspect your dog may be affected.
For more information about recognising and responding to heatstroke in dogs, visit the PDSA's guide to heatstroke in pets.
Can I leave my dog in the car if the windows are open?
It might only be for a quick errand or a short stop, but leaving your dog in the car during warm weather is never worth the risk.
Even with the windows open, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise surprisingly quickly and become dangerously hot. Dogs can overheat in just a matter of minutes, putting them at serious risk of heatstroke, dehydration and other heat-related illnesses.
The RSPCA advises never leaving a dog in a car during warm weather, even for a short period of time.
If you're planning a trip, it's always best to make arrangements so your dog can stay with you, or leave them at home where they'll be comfortable and cool. On hot days, there really is no safe amount of time to leave a dog unattended in a vehicle.
For more advice, visit the RSPCA's Dogs in Hot Cars guide.
Which dogs struggle most in hot weather?
Some dogs seem perfectly happy snoozing their way through a warm day, while others can start to feel the heat much more quickly.
Puppies, older dogs and flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs are often more vulnerable during hot weather. The same is true for dogs who are overweight, have breathing difficulties or have thick, double coats.
That doesn't mean they can't enjoy the summer months, but they may need a little extra help to stay comfortable. Keeping walks shorter, sticking to cooler times of day and making sure there's always somewhere shady to relax can make a big difference.
As always, your dog will usually tell you when they're not feeling comfortable. Slowing down, excessive panting or seeking out cool floors and shady spots are all signs that it's time to help them cool off.
Summer activities to enjoy with your dog
Hot weather doesn't mean all outdoor fun has to stop. On cooler mornings and evenings, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the season together.
- Exploring shaded woodland walks
- Playing gentle garden games
- Setting up a paddling pool for water-loving dogs
- Enjoying a frozen treat in the garden
- Practising training and recall games in a shaded area
The key is choosing activities that suit the temperature and your dog's individual needs. A little planning can help you continue making great memories together throughout the summer.
Keeping your dog safe this summer
Every dog is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to hot weather. Some dogs will happily stretch out in a shady spot and take life at a slower pace, while others may need a little more encouragement to rest and cool down.
The most important thing is paying attention to your dog's needs and adapting their routine when temperatures rise. Whether that's swapping a lunchtime walk for a puzzle toy, topping up their water bowl a little more often or planning adventures for the cooler parts of the day, small changes can make a big difference.
Summer should be a time for making memories together, and with a little extra care, there's no reason your dog can't enjoy it just as much as you do. By helping them stay cool, comfortable and well hydrated, you can keep tails wagging whatever the weather has in store.
