How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer: Practical Tips That Work
Summer can be tough on dogs. They can’t sweat like we do, and their thick coats trap heat. As a local dog walker in North London, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly heat can affect dogs, even on short walks. So when temperatures rise, I change everything: walk times, routes, and routines.
Here’s how you can help your dog stay cool and comfortable this summer.
1. Walk early or late
Heat builds fast. By late morning, pavements and grass are often too hot for paws. I avoid walking between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Instead, I walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening.
Early walks:
- Mean cooler ground
- They are quieter and less stressful
- Let your dog enjoy their sniff without overheating
Evening walks:
- Still warm, but the sun is lower
- Pavements begin to cool
- Parks are less busy
Check the pavement before walking. Place the back of your hand on the ground for 5 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.
2. Stick to shade and grass
Tarmac, concrete, and artificial grass absorb heat. Even short exposure can burn paw pads.
I always choose:
- Woodland paths
- Grassy parks
- Shaded pavements
Trees, fences, and hedges create natural shade. Even a narrow strip of grass next to a footpath is cooler than open pavement.
If the whole route is exposed, it’s not worth the risk. A short walk in the shade is safer than a long one on hot tarmac.
3. Carry water and offer it often
Dehydration can creep up quickly in hot weather. Dogs can overheat quickly, especially flat-faced breeds like the Pug and the Bulldog.
When I’m out walking, I always carry:
- A portable dog bowl
- A bottle of cool water
- Spare water for emergencies
Let your dog drink regularly—even if they don’t seem thirsty. Stop in the shade and offer water every 10 to 15 minutes on warmer days.
At home, leave extra bowls around the house and garden. Some dogs prefer different spots. Add a few ice cubes if they enjoy crunching them.
4. Swap walks for enrichment
On really hot days, I don’t walk dogs at all. Instead, I focus on mental stimulation.
Dogs don’t need a long walk every day. A brief sniff or toilet break, followed by games or training, can be just as rewarding.
Try these:
- Scatter feeding in the garden
- Scent work with treats or toys
- Lick mats or frozen Kongs
- Easy indoor training like “touch” or “find it”
Sniffing and thinking the dogs out without raising body temperature. It also builds confidence and strengthens your bond.
5. Keep your dog’s space cool
Whether they’re indoors or outside, dogs need somewhere cool to rest.
Indoors:
- Leave fans on if safe
- Use cool mats or damp towels
- Shut the curtains to block direct sunlight
- Create airflow by opening windows on opposite sides
Outdoors:
- Provide shaded areas
- Use raised beds to allow airflow underneath
- Add a paddling pool for dogs who enjoy water
I often set up shaded corners with damp towels or a cool mat—some dogs like lying on tiles or near open doors. Let them choose where they feel best.
6. Watch for signs of heatstroke
Know what to look for. The quicker you act, the better the outcome.
Watch for:
- Heavy panting
- Drooling
- Red gums
- Glazed eyes
- Wobbling or collapsing
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
If you see these signs:
- Move your dog to a cool spot
- Offer water
- Wet their paws, belly, and ears with lukewarm water
- Call your vet straight away
Don’t wait. Heatstroke can kill quickly.
7. Don’t leave your dog in the car
Even with windows cracked, a parked car can heat up like an oven. It’s never safe. Not for five minutes. Not in the shade. Not with water inside.
Leave your dog at home if you’re running errands. If I can’t bring a dog with me, I won’t go. Simple as that.
8. Groom smart, but don’t shave
Brushing helps remove loose hair and improves airflow. But shaving some breeds can do more harm than good.
Coats protect against sunburn and help regulate temperature. If your dog is double-coated (like a collie, retriever, or husky), shaving may trap more heat close to the skin.
Instead:
- Brush daily to remove undercoat
- Trim long hair around paws and ears if needed
- Speak to a qualified groomer for advice
For short-haired dogs, regular brushing helps reduce shedding and maintain healthy skin.
9. Use frozen treats and toys
One of the easiest ways to cool dogs down is with frozen food or toys.
You can freeze:
- Kongs filled with wet food or plain yoghurt
- Ice cube trays with dog-safe stock
- Carrot sticks or cucumber
- Stuffed toys (just be sure they’re safe to chew frozen)
Frozen lick mats are a big hit with the dogs I walk. They work indoors or outdoors and provide your dog with something to focus on without requiring much movement.
10. Adjust exercise for age, breed and health
Not all dogs handle heat in the same way. I constantly adapt based on the dog in front of me.
- Flat-faced dogs overheat faster
- Older dogs may struggle to recover
- Puppies may not pace themselves
- Dogs with heart or breathing conditions need extra care
Speak to your vet if you’re unsure. And don’t be afraid to skip the walk. Safety comes first.
Quick tips checklist
Before heading out, ask yourself:
- Is the pavement cool?
- Is there shade on my route?
- Do I have water with me?
- Does my dog need a walk today, or would enrichment be a better option?
- Is it better to walk now or wait until later?
You’re the one who makes the call. Be flexible. Your dog won’t complain if you stay home and play instead.
What I do with dogs in hot weather
As a professional dog walker in Finchley, I change my routine every summer.
- I walk dogs early or late
- I choose grass and shade
- I cancel walks if it’s not safe
- I swap to garden visits or indoor play when needed
- I check paws, offer water, and take my time