The UK weather is rather unpredictable—It feels like we have already had our Summer! I often worry that none of my crops have produced any fruit or vegetables, but then I remind myself that it’s still only spring! At this rate, I’ll post this guide on keeping dogs cool during heatwaves, only for it to rain for the next three months! Either way, I’ll add some tools to your dog care toolbox for you to use whenever you need them.

Today, we will explore the signs of your dog overheating and what we can do to reduce the risk of them getting too hot.

Dogs don’t sweat in the same way that humans do. While they have sweat glands in their paw pads, their primary method of cooling down is through panting, which helps heat escape via moisture evaporation. It is our responsibility as their caregivers to ensure we protect them from overheating. Unlike us, dogs cannot verbally communicate when they are hot, but they will still exhibit signs.

Signs your dog is too hot

Here are the common signs that your dog is too hot and needs to cool down:

• Excessive panting

• Bright red or blue/purple gums

• Thick, foamy saliva

• Staggering or weakness

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Mental confusion or seizures

Dogs that are becoming warm will often find a cool place to lie, drink a lot of water and become quieter than normal. These are indicators that your dog might need help cooling down.

The best way to care for your dog is to reduce the risk of them overheating in the first place! After all, prevention is better than cure.

If your dog does get too hot, it’s crucial to cool them down immediately.

There was a time when we were advised against cooling them down too quickly, as it could potentially induce shock, but this has since been disproven.

The fastest and most effective way to cool your dog is by soaking them in cool water or hosing them down. This method reaches the skin quickly and offers the best chance for recovery. You should contact your vet and get your dog there as soon as possible while following their instructions. However, as I mentioned, our goal is to prevent this from happening in the first place.

Golden rules

Before sharing tips and tools to keep your dog cool, it’s crucial to follow these golden rules for their safety:

• Never walk your dog during the hottest hours of the day. If your walking routes are limited to paved areas, it’s best to skip evening walks as well—roads and pavements retain heat and radiate it during the evening. Instead, opt for shaded areas, grassy fields, or simply forgo walks for a few days. Remember, dogs won’t suffer from missing walks, but they can suffer from heat exposure. Keep them mentally stimulated with engaging activities indoors instead.

  
  
  
  

• Don’t leave your dog in a vehicle during hot weather. Cars can heat up so rapidly that it may be too late before you notice. And no, having the windows open slightly isn’t sufficient to make this safe. Dogs die in hot cars every year.

  
  

• Reduce their time in the sun. Some dogs love sunbathing; I know mine does, and the black dog I grew up with did too. As much as they may seem to enjoy themselves, many dogs aren’t clever enough to move to shaded areas if they become too hot. If you are out at work and can’t monitor them outside, keep them indoors or provide a shaded area for them to stay in the garden.

Ways to keep your dog cool

Please note that while these options can help lower your dog's temperature, they cannot guarantee the prevention of heat stroke. Additionally, lowering your dog's body temperature too much can lead to hypothermia. Always follow product guidelines and consult your vet for more information.

Ways to keep your dog cool:

• Cool Jackets - Though they can be expensive, cooling jackets are a worthwhile investment if you and your dog(s) enjoy adventures, regardless of the weather. I purchased one for Anayah, as I spend a lot of time outdoors, and she often accompanies me. We travel together, and she tags along when I attend shows (for Viking reenactment).

  These jackets, along with cooling bandanas, utilise evaporation technology: simply soak the material in water, and as it evaporates, it cools your dog. This clever technology is perfect for those on the go. Just carry an extra bottle of water or find a stream, and you’re all set!

  
  

• Boots - Boots may not suit every dog, but they are invaluable for summer adventures. They also offer excellent protection for dogs navigating snow, ice, uneven terrain, or abrasive surfaces. While introducing boots to your dog can be challenging, with patience and training, they can become a reliable way to safeguard your dog's paws.

  
  

• Reflector jackets - These coats are designed with a reflective surface on the outside, similar to the window reflectors used in campervans and cars to reduce heat within the vehicle. They help minimise the amount of heat absorbed by your dog's body. However, it’s important to note that they can also pose challenges by insulating the dog and potentially increasing their body temperature.

  
  

• Frozen lick mats and KONG toys - I love giving Anayah a frozen food enrichment activity, as it keeps her entertained for ages and helps cool her down! I tend to use her meal kibble and wet food to extend the time she spends enjoying her dinner. You can also use ingredients like Peamutt butter, banana, meat pâté, or wet foods on lick mats. Additionally, fill a KONG toy with treats or kibble, seal it with soft cheese, Peamutt butter, or wet food, and then freeze it. Always supervise your dog with frozen enrichment, as there is a risk of their tongues becoming stuck. It’s a good idea to add dry, solid food items (like kibble) to the toys before freezing to help reduce this risk.

  
  

• Ice cubes - Simple but effective. Add some ice cubes periodically to your dog’s water bowl(s) throughout the day to keep the water cool. My dog loves crunching on ice cubes, too.

  
  

• Water and kiddie pools - Water is the perfect way to cool your furry friends down. Swimming in a local lake or river is great, but check for blue-green algae first, or any other issues like water pollution. Anayah loves water but hates swimming, so for her, I set up a kiddie pool (those blue shell-shaped ones) with water in the back garden, and I get the sprinkler out on the lawn for her to play in. Just be sure to dry them off if your dog is prone to yeast infections or skin sores.

  
  

• Freezable dog toys - I have never had much luck with these (Anayah isn’t keen on them), but some dog toys come with the ability to fill them with water and freeze them, meaning when your dog chews and plays with them, it cools them down. If you have a toy-obsessed dog, this could be a great option.

  
  

• Cool mats - I always have one of these nearby during the summer months. There are a few versions, but my favourite ones are the non-powered ones that have gel in the middle. When your dog lies on it, the gel absorbs their heat, cooling them down. They need a “break” every few hours to be effective, but I find they work well. You can get rechargeable and powered ones, but I prefer mine to be portable. I also take it in the car when we go travelling. The gel is non-toxic, and many of them claim to be pretty indestructible, though I wouldn’t know, as Anayah has never tried to destroy one.

  
  

• Fans - In the house, electric fans are perfect for keeping your home, your family, and your pets cool. But did you know you can also get battery-powered ones that are rechargeable or solar-powered? These are great for keeping in the car when travelling or when out in the garden, etc. Again, I always have the rechargeable ones in the car with me, and I also use them to keep the rabbits cool on super hot days.

  
  
  
  

Keeping your dog cool during the summer months is not just about their comfort—it’s about their safety and well-being. By understanding the signs of overheating, following the golden rules, and using the tools and tips provided, you can ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy, no matter how high the temperatures climb.

It’s better to be safe than sorry. It's much wiser to skip walks for a few days to avoid the heat than to risk your dog’s life if they become too hot. Even getting up an hour earlier to walk before the sun gets warmer can make a difference.

If you need ideas for ways to keep your dog busy indoors, you can check out my blog post on enrichment ideas here. You could also spend some time teaching your dog tricks. For fun tricks to teach your dog, check out this post I wrote here.

Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in protecting your beloved pet from the dangers of heat. Stay cool and enjoy the summer with your four-legged companion!