Caring for Your Dog in Hot Weather: Safe Walks, Cooling and Heatstroke

Hot weather can be dangerous for dogs. Unlike humans, dogs cannot cool themselves effectively by sweating through their skin. They rely mainly on panting, with a small amount of heat loss through their paw pads.

When the weather is hot or humid, panting may not remove heat quickly enough—especially during exercise. A dog’s temperature can then rise rapidly, leading to heatstroke, organ damage and, in severe cases, death.

Dogs may continue running or playing because they are excited and eager to please. It is therefore our responsibility as owners to decide when a walk is unsafe.

Does your dog need a walk on a hot day?

Dogs need exercise and stimulation, but they do not have to take their usual walk when conditions are dangerous.

Exercise is a major cause of heat-related illness in UK dogs. If the weather is very hot or humid, missing one walk is far safer than risking heatstroke.

Replace the walk with calm indoor activities such as:

• scent and “find it” games;
• short training sessions;
• puzzle feeders;
• stuffed or frozen food toys;
• gentle play in the coolest room;
• supervised access to a shaded garden;
• opportunities to rest and sleep.

Mental stimulation can be tiring and rewarding without producing as much body heat as running or vigorous play.

Walk early—not simply “a little earlier”

Early morning is usually the safest time to walk because the ground and air have had several hours to cool overnight. Late evening may also be suitable, but pavements and buildings can retain heat long after the sun has become less intense.

Check the actual conditions before leaving. Humidity, direct sunlight, a lack of breeze and retained heat from the day can all increase the risk.

When it is safe enough to walk:

• choose a shorter, shaded route;
• walk slowly;
• keep your dog on a lead to prevent energetic running;
• avoid ball throwing, chasing and vigorous play;
• take water and a portable bowl;
• stop regularly in the shade;
• turn back immediately if your dog appears uncomfortable.

Do not rely on your dog to tell you when it has had enough. Some dogs will continue until they become seriously unwell.

There is no single safe temperature for every dog

A temperature that is manageable for one healthy dog may be dangerous for another. Risk depends on the temperature, humidity, sunlight, exercise intensity and the individual animal.

Take extra care with:

• flat-faced breeds, including pugs, French bulldogs and English bulldogs;
• older dogs and very young puppies;
• overweight or unfit dogs;
• dogs with thick or heavy coats;
• large dogs;
• dogs with heart or respiratory conditions;
• dogs with a history of heat-related illness;
• dogs that become highly excited during exercise;
• dogs recovering from illness;
• dogs taking medication that may affect their response to heat.

Flat-faced dogs are particularly vulnerable because their shortened airways make panting less effective. They can develop breathing difficulties and heatstroke even when the weather does not seem extremely hot.

If your dog is unwell, has developed noisy breathing or has a heart or lung condition, seek veterinary advice before exercising it in warm weather.

Protect your dog’s paws

Tarmac, paving, artificial grass and sand can become hot enough to burn paw pads.

Before walking on a hard surface, place the palm or back of your hand against it for several seconds. If it is uncomfortable for your hand, do not expect your dog to walk on it.

This test only indicates the risk of burnt paws. A pavement that feels acceptable does not mean the air temperature is safe for exercise.

Choose grass and shaded surfaces where possible. Check your dog’s paws after a walk for:

• redness;
• tenderness;
• limping;
• excessive licking;
• blisters;
• cracked, loose or damaged skin.

Contact your vet if you suspect a paw-pad burn. Do not apply human burn creams unless instructed by a veterinary professional.

Dog boots may protect paws from a hot surface, but they do not prevent heatstroke. Some boots can also interfere with the small amount of heat dogs lose through their paws. They should never be used to justify walking in unsafe conditions.

Take drinking water

Dogs should always have access to clean, fresh drinking water at home. Place additional bowls in cool areas and check them regularly.

Carry water and a portable bowl on every warm-weather walk. Offer small amounts during regular breaks, but do not force your dog to drink. Allow a heavily panting dog to settle sufficiently to drink safely.

Never restrict water because you are concerned that your dog might need the toilet more frequently.

Ice cubes can be placed in a water bowl, and supervised frozen treats can be safe for many dogs. Make sure anything offered is an appropriate size and does not present a choking risk.

Provide a cool place at home

Your dog should have unrestricted access to shade and a well-ventilated, cool area.

You can help by:

• closing curtains or blinds on sun-facing windows;
• providing several bowls of fresh water;
• using a fan where safe;
• offering a cooling mat;
• placing a damp towel on the floor for the dog to lie on;
• providing a shallow paddling pool under supervision;
• allowing access to cool tiled floors;
• using frozen food toys or suitable frozen treats;
• limiting energetic indoor play.

Never force a dog into water if it is frightened or reluctant. Supervise paddling pools, especially with puppies, older dogs and small breeds.

Do not place a wet towel over a hot dog. It can trap body heat. A dog may lie on a frequently refreshed damp towel, but it should not be wrapped in one.

Grooming and coats

Regular grooming removes loose undercoat, knots and matted hair, allowing air to circulate more effectively.

Do not automatically shave a double-coated dog. A properly maintained coat can offer some protection from sunlight, and inappropriate clipping may damage the coat or expose the skin to sunburn. Ask your vet or an experienced professional groomer what is suitable for your dog’s breed and coat.

Dogs with sparse, white or light-coloured fur may be vulnerable to sunburn, particularly around the nose, ears and other exposed areas. Use only a pet-safe sunscreen recommended by a vet; some ingredients in human products can be harmful to animals.

Never leave a dog in a vehicle

Never leave a dog in a car, van or other vehicle during warm weather—not even:

• for a few minutes;
• with the windows partly open;
• in the shade;
• with water available;
• when the weather does not feel particularly hot.

The temperature inside a vehicle can rise rapidly and become fatal. The same warning applies to caravans, conservatories, sheds, garages and poorly ventilated rooms.

If travel is essential, keep the vehicle cool and well ventilated, provide water, avoid the hottest part of the day and plan regular checks and breaks. Never direct a powerful blast of very cold air continuously at one small area of the dog.

If you see a dog showing signs of distress inside a hot vehicle, call 999 and follow the police operator’s instructions. Record the vehicle’s registration and location and try to locate the owner if this can be done without delaying emergency help.

Recognising overheating and heatstroke

Early action can save a dog’s life. Warning signs include:

• unusually heavy or continuous panting;
• noisy, laboured or difficult breathing;
• excessive drooling;
• restlessness or agitation;
• repeatedly seeking shade or lying down;
• reluctance to continue walking;
• weakness or unusual tiredness;
• bright red or unusually pale gums;
• vomiting or diarrhoea;
• confusion;
• wobbling or loss of coordination;
• muscle tremors or spasms;
• collapse;
• seizures;
• loss of consciousness.

Do not wait for collapse. A dog that is panting abnormally, struggling to breathe or unable to walk normally needs immediate help.

What to do if you suspect heatstroke

Heatstroke is a veterinary emergency. Use the principle:

Stop. Cool. Call. Transport.

1. Stop

Stop all exercise and move the dog out of the hot environment. Place it in shade or a cool, well-ventilated area.

2. Cool

Begin cooling immediately. Do not delay cooling while waiting for instructions or travelling to the veterinary surgery.

• Pour water that is cooler than the dog over its body.
• Keep water away from the nose and mouth so it is not inhaled.
• Combine wetting with moving air from a fan, breeze or air conditioning.
• Offer a small amount of cool water if the dog is fully conscious and able to swallow, but do not force it to drink.
• Keep the dog as calm and still as possible.

Cold tap water is suitable. Do not delay while trying to find water at a supposedly perfect temperature. Current veterinary advice supports rapid cooling with water cooler than the dog.

A healthy, conscious dog accustomed to water may be partly immersed while its head remains completely above the surface. Do not immerse an unconscious, elderly or struggling dog.

Do not:

• wrap the dog in wet towels;
• cover the dog with a blanket;
• cuddle or restrain it against your body unnecessarily;
• put ice directly against the skin;
• force water into its mouth;
• give human medication.

Wet towels can be placed underneath the dog if they are kept cool and refreshed, but should not be draped over its body because they can trap heat.

3. Call your vet

Contact a veterinary practice immediately. Explain the symptoms and tell them you have started cooling the dog.

Even if the dog appears to recover, it still needs veterinary advice. Heatstroke can damage the brain, kidneys, liver, digestive system and blood-clotting mechanisms, and some complications may not be immediately visible.

4. Transport safely

Follow the vet’s instructions. Transport the dog in a cool, well-ventilated vehicle and continue cooling it during the journey if possible. Having another person drive or assist can help.

Do not place an overheating dog into a hot car without first beginning to cool both the animal and the vehicle.

Water-related dangers

Swimming can help some dogs remain cool, but water brings its own risks.

• Never force a dog to swim.
• Avoid water containing blue-green algae.
• Keep dogs away from fast currents, steep banks and unsafe tides.
• Do not allow excessive consumption of seawater.
• Be cautious of stagnant water and pollution.
• Use a properly fitted canine buoyancy aid around boats or deep water.
• Rinse salt or dirty water from the coat afterwards.
• Continue watching for heatstroke—a dog can still overheat while playing in or around water.

Repeatedly swallowing very large amounts of fresh water during play can also be dangerous. Keep water play controlled and include rest periods.

Caring for other pets in hot weather

Cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and other animals can also suffer heat-related illness.

Ensure every pet has:

• constant access to fresh water;
• shade throughout the day;
• good ventilation;
• somewhere cooler to move to;
• protection from direct sunlight.

Move outdoor hutches and runs into permanent shade; a small patch of shade in the morning may be in full sun later. Rabbits and guinea pigs are particularly vulnerable to heat and require daily checks for flystrike during warm weather.

Never place a cage, hutch, aquarium or vivarium in direct sunlight. Check temperatures carefully and seek species-specific veterinary advice, as cooling requirements differ between animals.

Heavy panting or open-mouth breathing, weakness, drooling, confusion, poor coordination or collapse in any pet requires urgent veterinary attention.

A hot-weather checklist for dog owners

Before walking your dog, ask:

• Is it safer to miss the walk today?
• Could we go at dawn or later when the ground has cooled?
• Is the route shaded?
• Is the surface safe for paws?
• Have I shortened the route?
• Am I carrying water and a bowl?
• Is my dog in a higher-risk group?
• Do I recognise the early signs of overheating?
• Could I get home or reach a vet quickly?

If you are uncertain, stay home and provide calm mental stimulation instead.

The most important message

No dog has died because it missed one walk—but dogs do die after being exercised in hot weather.

Walk during the coolest part of the day, keep exercise short and gentle, carry water and watch your dog closely. Never leave any pet in a vehicle or hot enclosed space.

If you suspect heatstroke, stop the activity, begin cooling immediately and contact a vet.

This article provides general pet-care information for the UK. It does not replace advice from your own veterinary surgeon, who can take account of your animal’s breed, health, age and individual needs.