Updated June 2026
Every summer, the same hot weather dog care myths start appearing online.
Some posts say ice cubes are dangerous.
Others tell you to wrap an overheating dog in wet towels.
You may also see people insisting that every dog must have a full daily walk, regardless of the temperature.
It is no wonder owners feel confused.
Some popular advice is harmless. Some is outdated. A few suggestions could delay proper treatment when a dog is developing heatstroke.
As a professional dog walker, I change walk times, routes and routines whenever the weather becomes warmer. Sometimes that means an early walk or a brief toilet break and indoor erichment
Sometimes the safest walk is no walk at all.
This guide looks at some of the most common hot weather dog care myths and explains what you should do instead.
For a broader overview of summer risks, start with my Summer Dog Safety Guide.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not replace veterinary advice. Heatstroke is an emergency. If you think your dog is overheating, start cooling them immediately and contact a vet.
Quick answers to common hot weather dog care myths
Here are the main points:
- Cooling mats and jackets do not all work in the same way.
- Dogs do not need their normal walk during dangerous heat.
- Small ice cubes and frozen treats are generally safe for healthy dogs.
- Do not cover an overheating dog with wet towels.
- Do not delay cooling while searching for water at a particular temperature.
- If a dog is in danger inside a hot car, call 999 rather than the RSPCA.
The details matter, so let us look at each one properly.
Myth 1: All cooling mats and cooling jackets are the same
They are not.
Some cooling mats contain pressure-activated gel. These begin cooling when your dog lies on them.
Others need to be:
- placed in a fridge
- soaked in water
- filled with water
- cooled before each use
Cooling jackets vary as well. Some rely on evaporation and must remain damp. Others use different materials or removable cooling inserts.
This means you should always read the instructions before using one.
A jacket designed to work while wet may stop cooling as it dries. If left on, it could begin acting as an insulating layer and make it harder for your dog to lose heat.
Cooling mats can also warm up after a period of use.
Check them regularly.
Your dog should always be able to move away from a cooling product. Never force them to stay on a mat or wear a jacket if they appear uncomfortable.
I would also supervise dogs that chew or scratch equipment. Some mats contain gel or other materials that should not be swallowed.
Cooling equipment does not make a hot walk safe
This is one of the most important points.
A cooling jacket, mat or bandana should never be used to justify a walk that would otherwise be unsafe.
Equipment may help a comfortable dog remain comfortable.
It does not remove the risks created by:
- high temperatures
- humidity
- hot pavements
- direct sun
- strenuous exercise
- poor airflow
Prevention matters more than products.
My Hot Weather Dog Kit explains the equipment I find useful and, more importantly, when not to rely on it.
You can also read the RSPCA’s guidance on hot weather pet care myths.
Myth 2: Dogs need a full walk every day, whatever the weather
Dogs need opportunities to move, sniff, explore and go to the toilet.
That does not mean they need their normal walk during a heatwave.
Exercise is one of the leading triggers of heat-related illness in UK dogs. A large Royal Veterinary College study found that almost three-quarters of recorded heatstroke events followed exercise, with many happening after ordinary walks.
That is worth taking seriously.
Dogs can overheat while:
- walking
- running
- playing fetch
- chasing other dogs
- taking part in training
- becoming highly excited
They do not have to be running for miles.
An ordinary walk on a warm, humid day can be enough to cause problems, particularly for a dog who is older, overweight, unfit or affected by breathing difficulties.
Read the Royal Veterinary College research on exercise-related heatstroke.
What can you do instead of a full walk?
On very hot days, try:
- a brief early-morning toilet break
- a short shaded sniff
- scatter feeding indoors
- hiding food around a room
- simple scent games
- a stuffed food toy
- gentle training
- a frozen lick mat
- supervised garden time
- letting your dog rest
Mental stimulation can be tiring without raising your dog’s body temperature through intense exercise.
My Ditch the Bowl at Mealtimes guide has several simple feeding games you can use at home.
You can also try the activities in my Brain Games for Dogs guide.
Walk at dawn or dusk, but still check conditions
Early morning is usually the safest time.
Evening walks may be cooler than midday, but roads, pavements and artificial grass can remain hot long after the sun starts going down.
Humidity also matters.
A cloudy evening can still feel uncomfortable if the air is warm and still.
Before going out, consider:
- the air temperature
- humidity
- ground temperature
- available shade
- your dog’s age
- your dog’s breed
- their fitness and health
- how quickly they start panting
My guide to walking dogs in summer explains how I adjust routes and exercise.
You should also read how to protect your dog’s paws from hot pavements.
Myth 3: Ice cubes are dangerous for dogs
For most healthy dogs, a small amount of ice is safe.
You can:
- place a few ice cubes in a water bowl
- offer crushed or partly melted ice
- make small frozen treats
- freeze suitable food inside an enrichment toy
- chill a lick mat
Ice does not trick a dog’s body into becoming hotter.
That claim appears regularly on social media, but it is not supported by current veterinary guidance.
The Royal Kennel Club says that ice cubes and homemade frozen treats are generally safe when used sensibly.
Read the Royal Kennel Club’s advice about ice cubes and frozen treats.
Ice is not completely risk-free
There are still sensible precautions to take.
Hard ice can damage teeth, particularly if your dog bites down forcefully or already has dental problems.
Large pieces may also become a choking risk.
Safer options include:
- smaller ice cubes
- crushed ice
- shaved ice
- partly melted frozen treats
- letting a frozen treat soften for a few minutes
Always supervise your dog.
Dogs with problems chewing or swallowing may be better with a soft chilled mixture or slush rather than solid ice.
Treats should also remain part of your dog’s normal daily food allowance.
My full guide to dogs and ice cubes explains the risks in more detail.
Ice is not a treatment for heatstroke
A frozen treat may help a comfortable dog enjoy a warm day.
It is not enough for a dog who is already overheating.
If your dog is panting heavily, struggling to breathe, wobbling, vomiting or collapsing, do not waste time preparing an ice cube.
Start cooling your dog’s body and phone a vet.
Myth 4: You should drape wet towels over an overheating dog
Do not cover an overheating dog with a wet towel.
The towel may quickly warm up and begin acting like insulation. It can trap heat against the body and reduce the dog’s ability to cool.
This is different from allowing a dog to lie on a cool, damp towel.
A towel placed underneath a dog may provide a cooler surface, but it must be refreshed regularly. Once it becomes warm, it will be much less useful.
The safer approach is usually to wet the dog’s body and combine this with moving air.
You can use:
- a fan
- air conditioning
- a breeze
- open doors and windows where safe
This helps water evaporate from the coat and carry heat away.
The PDSA heatstroke first-aid guide advises owners not to cuddle or cover an overheating pet with a wet towel.
Myth 5: You must only use lukewarm water on an overheating dog
For years, owners were told never to use cold water on an overheating dog.
You may still see instructions to cool dogs slowly with tepid or lukewarm water.
Current guidance has changed.
The most important action is to start cooling as soon as possible. Do not delay while trying to find water at a perfect temperature.
The Royal Veterinary College recommends a “cool first, transport second” approach.
For a young, healthy dog, cold-water immersion can be an effective method when it is safe and practical.
For older dogs or dogs with underlying health conditions, pour or spray water that is cooler than the dog over their body and combine it with airflow from a fan, breeze or air conditioning.
Read the Royal Veterinary College’s cool first, transport second advice.
What to do if you suspect heatstroke
Stop all activity.
Move your dog into shade or a cool, well-ventilated place.
Start cooling them immediately.
Depending on the dog and situation:
- use cold-water immersion for a young, healthy dog where safe
- pour or spray cooler water over the body
- create airflow with a fan, breeze or air conditioning
- keep water away from the nose and mouth
- offer small amounts of water, but do not force them to drink
- phone your vet for immediate advice
- continue cooling during transport where possible
Do not:
- cover the dog with wet towels
- cuddle or wrap them
- wait to see whether they improve
- delay cooling while searching for special equipment
- assume they are safe because they start looking better
Dogs can develop internal complications even after appearing to recover.
They still need veterinary advice.
Signs of heat-related illness
Early signs can include:
- excessive or unusual panting
- noisy or difficult breathing
- restlessness
- constantly seeking water or shade
- drooling
- red gums or tongue
- refusing to continue walking
- lethargy
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
More serious signs include:
- confusion
- weakness
- wobbling
- collapse
- seizures
- loss of consciousness
Act before the signs become severe.
Myth 6: Call the RSPCA if a dog is trapped in a hot car
If you believe a dog is in immediate danger inside a hot car, call 999 and ask for the police.
The RSPCA does not have the same legal powers of entry as the police.
Give the emergency operator:
- the vehicle registration
- the location
- a description of the dog
- the dog’s apparent condition
- how long the dog may have been there
If you are outside a shop, venue or event, ask staff to make an announcement while someone remains with the vehicle.
Record what you can see.
Take photographs or video and ask witnesses for their contact details.
Do not simply smash a window without speaking to the police. Damaging the vehicle could be treated as criminal damage.
If the dog’s condition becomes critical before officers arrive, tell the emergency operator what you are considering and why.
The RSPCA hot-car guidance explains what to record and the possible legal risks of breaking into a vehicle.
Cooling products should support good decisions
Cooling mats, frozen treats and portable water bottles can all be useful.
But none of them replaces basic prevention.
The most effective hot weather plan is usually simple:
- avoid the hottest part of the day
- shorten or cancel walks
- provide fresh drinking water
- create shade and airflow
- keep exercise calm
- monitor your dog
- act quickly if anything changes
A dog wearing a cooling jacket can still overheat.
A dog walking in shade can still struggle with humidity.
A dog who coped yesterday may find today harder.
Watch the dog in front of you rather than relying only on the weather app or a product label.
Dogs at greater risk during hot weather
Any dog can develop heat-related illness.
Some need extra care, including:
- flat-faced dogs
- older dogs
- puppies
- overweight dogs
- dogs with thick coats
- dogs with heart conditions
- dogs with breathing problems
- dogs who are unfit
- highly active dogs
- nervous or reactive dogs who become stressed outside
Stress and excitement can add to the physical strain.
A nervous dog may pant because they are anxious as well as hot. Busy parks, visitors, travel and changes in routine can make matters worse.
Keep plans calm and flexible.
How I manage dog walks during hot weather
I do not promise that every booked walk will go ahead exactly as planned when conditions are unsafe.
I may:
- move a walk to a cooler time
- shorten the route
- choose shaded local streets
- slow the pace
- replace exercise with sniffing
- provide a garden or enrichment visit
- cancel the walk if necessary
That is covered in my Extreme Weather Policy.
Your dog’s welfare comes before completing a particular distance or number of minutes.
Final thoughts
Good hot weather care is not about buying every cooling product or following every tip shared on social media.
It is about making sensible decisions early.
Skip the walk when it is too hot.
Use cooling mats and jackets according to their instructions.
Give ice cubes and frozen treats safely.
Never cover an overheating dog with wet towels.
If you suspect heatstroke, start cooling straight away and phone a vet.
If a dog is in danger inside a hot car, call 999.
A missed walk will not harm your dog.
Pushing them through dangerous heat could.
You can find more practical advice in my Summer Dog Safety Guide and Seasonal Pet Safety Guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are ice cubes safe for dogs during hot weather?
Small ice cubes, crushed ice and frozen treats are generally safe for healthy dogs when supervised. Avoid large, very hard pieces, particularly if your dog has dental problems or struggles to chew or swallow.
Should I put a wet towel over a hot dog?
No. A wet towel over the body can trap heat. You can place a cool, damp towel underneath your dog and refresh it regularly, but pouring water over the body and providing airflow is usually more effective.
Does my dog need a walk every day during a heatwave?
No. On very hot days, a short toilet break and calm indoor enrichment may be safer than a full walk. Exercise is a major cause of heat-related illness in dogs.
What water should I use to cool an overheating dog?
Start with water that is cooler than the dog and use it immediately. Cold-water immersion can be suitable for a young, healthy dog. For older dogs or those with underlying health problems, pour or spray cooler water over the body and combine it with moving air. Contact a vet straight away.
Are cooling mats safe for dogs?
Most dog cooling mats are safe when used according to their instructions. Check the mat regularly, allow your dog to move away from it and supervise dogs that may chew or damage it.
Who should I call if I see a dog in a hot car?
Call 999 if the dog appears to be in danger or distress. The police have powers to enter the vehicle. The RSPCA advises calling the police first in an emergency.
About the author
Derek “Del” Chambers has run Finchley Dog Walker since 2011. He provides calm, one-to-one dog walks and home-based pet care in Finchley and nearby parts of North London.
His approach is reward-based and tailored to the individual dog, including rescue dogs, nervous dogs, senior dogs and dogs who struggle in groups. Del has completed canine first-aid training and continues to update his knowledge through practical training and professional development.
Disclaimer
The emergency sections follow current guidance from the RSPCA, Royal Veterinary College and PDSA. The RSPCA warns that cooling products work differently, wet towels over dogs may trap heat and hot-car emergencies should go to the police. (RSPCA) The RVC recommends starting cooling before transport, using cold-water immersion for young, healthy dogs or water plus airflow for older dogs and those with underlying conditions. (Royal Veterinary College) The ice advice reflects current Royal Kennel Club guidance. (thekennelclub.org.uk)
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