Dog owners are now looking forward to spending the summer with their pets, enjoying activities, organised extended walks, along with beach visits and park outings. As  temperatures rise during summer months, they present serious challenges for our dogs' health and comfort. Since dogs struggle to identify when they need to hydrate or rest, we need to assist them in meeting these requirements.

Our guide offers essential strategies to help your dog stay calm and protected when temperatures rise. This summer survival plan provides frozen treats and cool-down routines, together with safer walking schedules for both you and your dog.

Making Summer Walks Safer

When walking during summer months, it's best to avoid peak heat times and effectively plan your walk. Select your route carefully, and seek shaded pathways and woodland trails alongside grassy areas because they provide natural protection and are gentler on your dog’s feet than hot pavements and gravel surfaces.

Take things slowly. Allow your dog to explore by sniffing at their own pace while letting your dog have short stops to prevent them from overheating. A stroll through a shaded park is so much better than a quick walk on sunny pavements. Make sure you have the necessary items to cool your dog when needed during a walk by bringing water, a bowl, and a lightweight cooling towel or damp cloth.

Dogs with light or sensitive skin should receive pet-safe sunscreen on areas such as the nose, ears, or belly, particularly if they have short fur. Examine their paws for redness or cracking, as well as any discomfort after finishing the walk. Grass retains heat during the day, so always remember to monitor your dog’s behaviour on it. With proper preparation, you ensure your dog can safely enjoy their summer walks.

The Best Time of Day to Walk Your Dog in Summer 

The intense midday sun and hot pavements create uncomfortable conditions for both people and dogs. To prevent heat-related problems, you should walk your dog during the cooler periods of the day. It’s advisable to avoid outdoor walks between 11 am and 3 pm because the sun reaches its highest intensity during this time.

The coolest times for walking dogs are early mornings before 9 am, when surfaces remain cool, and late evenings after 7 pm, when daytime heat subsides. Hot pavements are uncomfortable, so try to walk on the grass if possible. 

Use the “seven-second test”: place your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Alternative Activities on Very Hot Days 

• Work on recall or obedience training either indoors or out in the garden.
• Keep your dog mentally active by providing enrichment toys such as snuffle mats and treat-dispensing balls.
• Engage your dog's brain through indoor scent games so they can stay cool while exercising their minds.

Spotting the Signs of Overheating and Heatstroke 

Dogs don’t cool down like we do. Unlike humans, who can sweat to cool down their bodies, dogs lack this capability. Dogs use panting and minimal sweating from their paw pads and nasal areas to maintain their body temperature. These conditions make dogs highly susceptible to heatstroke and overheating during periods of intense heat.

Common Signs of Overheating in Dogs

When dogs overheat, they breathe heavily while drooling and producing foam around their mouths. They have abnormal colour in the gums, including shades of bright red or pale, which demonstrates internal stress. Dogs experiencing weakness or disorientation will often look unstable and confused. Vomiting and diarrhoea are early signs, but severe cases could lead to collapse.

If your dog shows these symptoms during hot weather, take them to a shaded or cool area immediately, give them small amounts of water and call your vet right away.  Heatstroke develops rapidly and can threaten life.

Dog Breeds Which Are at Higher Risk Include:

• Flat-faced breeds (e.g. Flat-faced breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs) have difficulty cooling themselves naturally.
• Both older dogs and very young puppies lack the capability to maintain proper body temperatures.
• Dogs that have excess weight and thick fur coats, especially when they are dark in colour, face greater heatstroke risks.

Want to learn more? Take a look at this guide. The RSPCA’s guide on heatstroke in dogs.

Hydration Tips and Cooling Treats

Keeping your dog hydrated stands as the top priority for summer dog care. Your dog should always have access to fresh and clean water, whether you are at home or travelling.

When temperatures rise, dogs require increased water consumption. Ensure they can access water easily and comfortably at any time of day. Whenever you go out for walks, you should carry a collapsible bowl with fresh water to ensure your pet stays hydrated. This simple action creates significant benefits when you walk long distances or stay outdoors in sunny weather.

Enhance your pet's hydration at home by mixing a small amount of water or low-sodium broth with their dry food. This method helps to increase their hydration levels when they don’t naturally drink enough water by themselves. Offer ice cubes as a rewarding treat following a walk. Some dogs love crunching them! Always consult your vet before giving ice cubes to dogs suffering from heatstroke.

Your dog’s comfort at home is just as important. Here are several simple, low-cost ways to help them stay cool during the hottest parts of the day:

• Set up fans or use air conditioning where possible.
• Keep blinds and curtains closed to block direct sunlight.
• Provide tiled areas or cooling mats for your dog to lie on.
• Freeze toys or create homemade ice blocks with treats inside.
• Allow access to shaded parts of the garden or set up a supervised paddling pool.

Some dogs benefit from a damp towel draped over their back or belly, while others prefer simply lying near a breeze with access to cold water.

Frozen Dog Treats You Can Make at Home 

There's nothing better than seeing your dog happy with their favourite treat. Summer is a great time to get inventive and make some fabulous treats for our pets to keep them cool.

• Yoghurt and blueberry cubes: To make yoghurt and blueberry cubes, you need to combine plain Greek yoghurt with fresh blueberries and place them in the freezer.
• Frozen banana mash: To make frozen banana mash, treat small portions of blended banana mixed with water or dog-safe milk and then freeze them.
• Lick Mats: Freeze your pet's favourite treat on a lick mat for an extended summer treat.
• Meaty ice lollies: To create meaty ice lollies, you need to freeze low-sodium chicken broth in moulds along with small cooked meat pieces. 
• Kong fillers: Stuff a Kong with mashed sweet potato or cottage cheese and freeze overnight.

Want more ideas? Our blog on Lick Mats is full of tips.

Travelling With Your Dog in Hot Weather

Summer travel offers opportunities for creating memories with your dog, but with the rising temperatures, this can pose additional dangers. The risk of your dog overheating increases quickly when they are inside cars, which makes it essential to practice extra care during travel.

Here's a list of things to consider when travelling with your dog during hot weather:

• Never leave your dog alone in a vehicle for even a brief moment. Inside cars can reach dangerous temperatures within seconds, whether parked in the shade or with windows cracked.
• Window shades and cooling pads can help with your pet's comfort during travel. These products maintain a comfortable temperature within the car and create a cooler area for your dog to rest.
• Always bring extra water supplies and have breaks in shaded areas. Have a travel bowl with fresh water available to ensure your dog remains hydrated while travelling.
• Before going on holiday, research the local area and identify shaded walking paths suitable for dogs, local veterinary clinics, and pet-friendly beaches. Check for any summer limitations, especially whether dogs can go on the local beaches.
• Preparation reduces unexpected problems and creates a more peaceful journey for both you and your pet.

How to Prepare Your Dog For a Summer Holiday

A summer holiday is a fantastic way to bond with your dog and create lasting memories, but travel can be stressful if your dog isn’t used to it. Being organised is key to making the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Helping Your Dog Feel Comfortable When Travelling

Building your dog's confidence for travel requires taking them on short, stress-free car rides during the weeks before your holiday. Take them on a few short, calm drives in the weeks before your trip so they get used to being in the car. This helps ease travel anxiety, especially for dogs who get car sick or nervous when they are inside a vehicle.

Make sure you’ve packed the essential items that will keep your pet both happy and safe during your absence. Some essentials include:

• Attach a lead and harness to your dog and think about using a long-line for safely exploring in open areas.
• Having the most current identification tags and microchip data will help to reunite you and your dog if you become separated from each other.
• Make sure to pack food, bowls, and treats that cater to your dog's dietary needs or specific brand preferences.
• Don’t forget your collapsible water bowl alongside bottled water for breaks and extended outdoor times.
• To clean your dog’s muddy paws or sandy fur after outdoor activities, you will need waste bags and a towel.
• Have copies of your dog's vet records and insurance details available for any necessary local vet visits during your trip.

A bit of prep goes a long way in making sure your trip is smooth for both of you. Preparing for your dog's needs ensures their safety while also making them feel secure and included throughout the experience.

Walking Your Dog in Unfamiliar Places

When exploring new environments, keep your dog on a lead until you're confident it's safe. A long-line lead gives freedom while keeping control, especially in open countryside, woodland, or on beaches. Pay attention to signage regarding livestock or local restrictions, and be aware of any natural hazards such as fast-moving water or cliff edges.

Use treats to reinforce calm walking and recall, and avoid letting your dog interact with unfamiliar dogs off-lead unless you're certain it's safe to do so.

When to Skip the Walk Altogether

Sometimes, the safest thing you can do for your dog is to let them rest. If the temperature is extreme or your dog is showing signs of stress, skip the walk and opt for mental stimulation at home.

Indoor alternatives to walking your dog include

• Hide treats around the house and let your dog sniff them out
• Play low-energy games like tug or fetch in a cool room
• Set up a simple obstacle course or teach a new trick

Mental engagement tires out dogs just as effectively as physical activity. Avoiding a walk doesn’t mean neglect, and it means being responsible.

Protecting Against Pests

Summer means more ticks, fleas, and other biting insects. Make sure your dog is up to date with flea and tick preventatives, and always check their coat after walks in grassy or wooded areas. You can read more in our guide to tick prevention and summer pests.

Final Thoughts

Hot weather doesn’t have to limit your dog’s fun, but it does require extra care and planning. By staying alert to signs of overheating, prioritising their hydration, and adjusting daily routines, you can help your dog stay calm and content throughout the summer.

Whether you're staying at home, heading out for a local walk, or planning a dog-friendly summer holiday, preparation is key. Keep things flexible, tune into your dog’s needs, and don’t be afraid to change plans when the weather isn’t on your side.

If you’re unsure about whether to go out or stay in, always err on the side of caution. A few skipped walks in July are far better than a dangerous rush to the vet.

Want to keep your dog cool and mentally stimulated? Discover our range of Lick Mats, products and training leads at Totalpet.com.