Updated May 2026
Warm weather can be lovely, but it changes what dogs need.
Some dogs slow down naturally in summer. Others still want to keep moving, even when their bodies tell them to stop. I see this a lot on warmer days around Finchley, especially when pavements heat up, and the parks get busier.
Cooling treats can help, but they are not a replacement for shade, water, shorter walks and common sense. Think of them as part of a sensible hot weather routine.
A frozen lick mat, a few safe fruit pieces or a stuffed toy from the freezer can help your dog settle without needing more exercise. That is often exactly what they need when it is too warm for a normal walk.
Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only mention items that fit the topic and make sense for real day-to-day dog care.
Why cooling treats help in summer
Dogs do not manage heat in the same way we do. They rely heavily on panting, shade, rest and access to water.
A cooling treat can help by:
- encouraging your dog to take in a little extra fluid
- giving them something calm to do indoors
- slowing down eating
- offering gentle enrichment when walks need to be shorter
- helping them settle after a warm toilet break
The important word is calm.
In hot weather, I am not looking for activities that wind a dog up. I want simple things that help them relax, lick, sniff and rest.
For many dogs, especially older dogs, puppies, flat-faced breeds and dogs with thick coats, less really is better in warm weather. The RSPCA warns that heatstroke can be serious and dogs may show signs such as heavy panting, drooling, drowsiness, uncoordinated movement, collapse or vomiting. If you are worried about heatstroke, contact a vet straight away. (RSPCA)
Safe summer treat ideas
Keep summer treats simple. You do not need complicated recipes or expensive ingredients.
Before giving anything new, check that it is safe for dogs and introduce it slowly. Some dogs have sensitive stomachs, and too much rich or frozen food can upset them.
Frozen carrot sticks
Carrots are easy, cheap and useful.
You can cut them into sticks, rinse them and freeze them. Some dogs enjoy crunching them straight from the freezer. Others prefer them slightly softened after a few minutes.
They are especially useful if your dog likes chewing, but you want something lighter than a rich treat.
Supervise your dog, especially if they gulp food rather than chew it.
Frozen banana slices
Banana freezes well, and many dogs enjoy the texture.
Use small slices rather than large chunks. Bananas are naturally sweet, so I would keep them as an occasional treat rather than give them in large amounts.
You can also mash a little banana into a lick mat with plain yoghurt or wet food.
Lick Matt – Amazon affiliate link
Plain yoghurt on a lick mat
A lick mat can be very helpful in warm weather because it encourages calm licking rather than movement.
Use a small amount of plain, unsweetened yoghurt. Avoid anything with xylitol, sweeteners, added sugar or flavourings.
Spread it thinly on the mat and freeze it. This makes it last longer and keeps the activity gentle.
For dogs who cannot tolerate dairy, you can use a small amount of their usual wet food mixed with water instead.
Watermelon pieces
Seedless watermelon can be a refreshing treat for many dogs because it is high in water.
Remove the rind and seeds first. Cut it into small pieces and offer a small amount.
This is not something I would leave in a bowl all day, especially in warm weather. Fresh is better.
Frozen wet food
One of the easiest options is to use your dog’s normal wet food.
Spoon a little into a freezer-safe toy, lick mat or shallow dish. Add a splash of water if needed and freeze it.
This works well because you are not adding lots of new ingredients. You are just changing the texture and pace.
freezer-safe enrichment toy – Amazon affiliate link
Ice cube treats
Plain ice cubes are fine for many dogs, but not every dog enjoys them.
You can also freeze small amounts of low-salt, dog-safe broth. Avoid store-bought stock cubes, as they can be too salty or contain ingredients unsuitable for dogs.
A safer option is to freeze a small amount of water with a few pieces of carrot or a small amount of wet food.
Frozen enrichment ideas for hot days
When the weather is too warm for a proper walk, enrichment can take the pressure off.
A dog does not need to be physically tired every day. In summer, a short sniff, a toilet break and some calm indoor enrichment may be enough.
Here are a few simple ideas.
The frozen lick mat
Spread a thin layer of plain yoghurt, wet food or mashed banana on a lick mat. Freeze it flat.
This is useful after a short morning walk or during the hotter part of the day when you want your dog to settle.
The stuffed freezer toy
Use a suitable enrichment toy and fill it with your dog’s normal food. Freeze it overnight.
Keep the filling simple. Wet food, soaked kibble, or a small amount of mashed carrot can work well.
Guide: Complete Kong guide
The cooling bowl
Add a few ice cubes to your dog’s water bowl if they enjoy it.
Do not worry if they are not interested. Some dogs prefer plain fresh water, and that is fine.
The main thing is that clean water is available at all times.
The shaded garden scatter
If you have a shaded garden, you can scatter a few pieces of your dog’s normal food on the grass early in the morning or later in the evening.
Keep it short. This is not a high-energy game.
Avoid doing this when the garden is too hot, too sunny or full of wasps.
Treats are not a hot-weather plan on their own
Cooling treats help, but they are only one part of summer care.
The basics matter more:
- walk early or late
- avoid hot pavements
- keep walks shorter
- choose shade and grass where possible
- keep water available
- let your dog rest
- avoid high-energy games in the heat
On very warm days, I would rather see a dog have a short toilet break and a calm frozen lick mat at home than be pushed through a full walk.
This is especially true for puppies, older dogs, overweight dogs, flat-faced breeds, dogs with breathing difficulties and dogs who struggle to settle when they are hot.
If you are planning summer walks around Finchley, North Finchley, East Finchley or Muswell Hill, think about the route before you leave. Shaded paths, woodland areas and quieter pavements can make a big difference. Open, exposed routes can feel much hotter than you expect.
What I would avoid
Some summer treat ideas sound harmless but are not worth the risk.
I would avoid:
- grapes and raisins
- chocolate
- anything containing xylitol
- cooked bones
- very salty stock or gravy
- large frozen blocks that encourage gulping
- too many rich dairy treats
- giving new foods in large amounts
- leaving wet food outside in the heat
I would also avoid using treats to keep a dog outside longer.
If your dog chooses to go back indoors, lie on cool flooring or stop moving; listen to them. That is useful information.
A cooling mat can help some dogs settle indoors, especially in flats or warmer rooms.
Amazon affiliate link – recommended cooling mat
For a fuller setup, see the Hot Weather Dog Kit guide.
A simple checklist
Before giving summer treats, ask yourself:
- Is this food safe for dogs?
- Have I removed any seeds, stones, rind or unsafe parts?
- Is the portion small enough?
- Will my dog chew it safely?
- Is my dog already too hot or showing signs of distress?
- Is fresh water available?
- Have I reduced walks and activity as well?
Cooling treats should support your dog’s comfort. They should not be used to push through excessively hot weather.
What I would focus on first
If you only do a few things, start with these:
Keep water available in more than one place.
Move walks to cooler times of day.
Use shade rather than open pavements.
Give your dog a cool, quiet place to rest.
Use frozen enrichment when walks need to be shorter.
That is enough for most dogs.
Related guides
You may also find these helpful:
- Dog and Cat Care Guides in Finchley
- Seasonal Pet Safety in Finchley
- Hot Weather Dog Kit
- 5 Tips to Keep a Dog Cool This Summer
- Walking Your Dog in Summer
- Dog Staycation Packing List
FAQs
Many dogs can safely have ice cubes, but it depends on the dog. I prefer small cubes or crushed ice rather than large solid blocks. If your dog gulps food or has dental issues, use caution and ask your vet if you are unsure
Plain, unsweetened yoghurt is suitable for some dogs in small amounts, but not all dogs tolerate dairy. Avoid sweeteners, xylitol, flavourings and added sugar. Start with a tiny amount
Small pieces of banana, seedless watermelon and some berries can work well for many dogs. Always check that the fruit is dog-safe first, remove any unsafe parts, and keep portions small.
No. Cooling treats may help your dog feel more comfortable, but they do not prevent heatstroke on their own. Shade, water, rest, cooler walk times and avoiding over-exercise matter more.
Stop activity, move them somewhere cool, offer water and contact your vet if you are worried. Watch for heavy panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, wobbliness or collapse.
They can be, but keep them simple and small. Puppies have sensitive stomachs and can overdo things quickly. Use their normal food where possible and avoid rich ingredients.
A final note
Summer dog care does not need to be complicated. Most of the time, the best choices are the quiet ones.
Shorter walks. More shade. Fresh water. Less rushing. Something calm to lick or chew while the day cools down.
If your dog struggles with hot weather, busy parks, or changes to routine, calm one-to-one walks may suit them better than trying to push through a normal summer schedule. I offer local solo walks and pet care in Finchley, Muswell Hill and nearby areas, with the walk adjusted to the dog in front of me.
Post 3:
A quick reminder for warmer days.
Cooling treats can be useful, but the basics matter more.
Fresh water. Shade. Shorter walks. Cooler times of day. Rest.
If your dog is panting heavily, slowing down, drooling or struggling to settle, do not push on.
I’ve updated my guide to healthy summer treats for dogs here: [link]
Recommended next piece: How I Adjust Dog Walks in Finchley During Hot Weather
