Today we’re talking hot dogs. Not the food, but our furry friends in warm weather. 

Summer can be a brilliant time for dogs. Longer days, garden lounging and countryside walks can all be part of the fun. But when temperatures rise, dogs can quickly struggle with the heat. 

Unlike humans, dogs don’t cool themselves down by sweating. They mainly regulate heat through panting, with only a small amount of sweating through their paws. That means they can overheat quickly, especially during hot, humid or sunny weather. A few simple changes can help keep them safe, cool and comfortable all summer long. 

When the weather warms up, one of the best things you can do is make sure your dog has a cool, shaded and well-ventilated place to rest indoors. 

Close curtains or blinds during the hottest parts of the day to block direct sunlight and stop rooms from heating up too much. Fans can also help improve airflow, especially in rooms where your dog likes to relax. Just make sure your dog can move away from the fan if they want to, and that any cables or fan blades are safely out of reach. 

Cooling mats can be really helpful, giving them a comfortable surface to lie on when temperatures rise. Many dogs will seek out tiled floors or cooler corners of the house, so give them plenty of choice. 

It’s also important not to rely on open windows alone. Indoor spaces can heat up surprisingly quickly, particularly rooms with lots of direct sunlight. Try to turn your home into a cool retreat your dog can escape to whenever the weather gets too much.

If your dog spends time outside, shade is essential. Natural shade from trees can work well, but in open spaces, a UV-protective pet tent can help create a safer resting spot. 

Be mindful of extreme temperatures and only let your dog out for quick toilet breaks during particularly warmer weather.  

It’s worth remembering that dogs can suffer from heatstroke very quickly sometimes even when the temperature doesn’t seem extreme. Shade helps, but shaded areas can still become warm over time, so keep checking that your dog is comfortable, isn’t panting excessively and has constant access to water. Accessories like cooling harnesses or bandanas are also a quick and effective addition.  

Some dogs are more vulnerable to heat stress than others. Flat-faced breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs and bulldogs can struggle more because of their airway shape. Senior dogs, overweight dogs, puppies and dogs with existing health conditions may also need extra care in hot weather. 

Lastly, never ever leave a dog in a car on a warm day. Even for a few minutes. Even with the windows open. Cars can heat up dangerously fast, and heatstroke can be fatal.

When it comes to exercise in warm weather, timing is everything. 

Avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day. Early mornings and later evenings are usually safer, cooler options. If temperatures are still high, it may be better to skip the walk altogether and use indoor games or mental enrichment activities instead. 

Don’t forget the pavement test. If the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Hot pavements can burn paw pads, so choose shaded routes such as forests, grassy areas or cooler times of day whenever possible. 

During heatwaves, it’s also good to reduce the length and intensity of walks. Swap the marathon walk for a gentle stroll. So your dog still gets the mental stimulation, but without putting unnecessary strain on their body.

Hydration is another big part of keeping dogs safe in hot weather. 

Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh, clean water throughout the day. Keep water bowls topped up, and if possible, place multiple drinking stations around the home and garden. This is especially useful if you have a larger home, more than one dog, or a dog who likes to move between indoor and outdoor spaces. 

If you’re heading out, take water with you. Portable bowls and travel water bottles not only make it easier to offer regular drinks on the go, but they’re also a better, safer option than streams or rivers.

Grooming is another simple way to support your dog in warm weather. 

Regular brushing removes loose, dead fur and helps air move more freely through the coat. This is particularly useful for dogs with thick or double coats, as excess fur can make them feel warmer and less comfortable. 

Avoid shaving your dog’s coat too short unless advised by a vet or professional groomer. A dog’s coat doesn’t just keep them warm in winter; it can also help protect them from heat and UV exposure. Cutting it too short can sometimes make dogs more vulnerable to sunburn or interfere with their natural temperature regulation. A great example of sun protection is Petkin Dog Sunscreen Stick SPF 15.

So yes, grooming can help them look cool and stay cool — but the summer buzzcut isn’t always the answer.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are serious risks in warm weather, so it’s important to know the warning signs. 

Minor signs include panting, restlessness or agitation, and seeking shade or water. More serious signs are drooling, a red tongue or gums, and vomiting or diarrhoea.  

If your dog seems lethargic or confused, has a seizure or shows weakness or collapse, seek emergency veterinary attention as these are advanced and severe stages.  

If you think your dog is overheating, stop exercise straight away and move them into the shade or a cool area. Wet their fur with cool water, keep them calm, and offer small amounts of water if they are able to drink. Contact a vet straight away for advice.

A few clever products can make hot days easier for dogs. 

Cooling mats give dogs a chilled surface to lie on when temperatures rise. Portable water bowls and travel fountains make it easier to keep them hydrated while out and about. UV-protective shade tents can also create safer resting areas in gardens, parks or open outdoor spaces. 

These products are useful, but they work best alongside the basics: shade, fresh water, sensible exercise and close supervision. 

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and help your dog enjoy summer safely, one shady snooze at a time.