A UK owner's guide to keeping your dog safe this summer
In this guide, we've pulled together advice from the RSPCA, the PDSA and the Royal Veterinary College to help you answer the questions that matter most: how hot is too hot, what are the warning signs of heatstroke, and how do you safely cool your dog down if they do get too warm?
Is there a "Safe" temperature to walk your dog?
There isn't a single number that applies to every dog. The RSPCA is clear that there's no fixed "safe" temperature for walks, because it depends on your individual dog's breed, age, health and temperament. A fit young Labrador and an elderly, overweight bulldog will cope very differently with exactly the same walk on exactly the same day.
What we do know is that exercise is one of the most common triggers for heatstroke in dogs. The PDSA has found that most heatstroke cases develop while dogs are out playing or exercising, rather than simply sitting in the sun. A dog's excitement on a walk can easily override its instinct to slow down and cool off, so it's really down to you, as the owner, to make the call.
A useful habit is to check the "feels like" temperature rather than just the air temperature, and to think honestly about your own dog's fitness, age, coat and breed before heading out.
The pavement test
Before you even think about the air temperature, there's a simpler and more immediate danger: the ground itself. Pavements and tarmac absorb heat and can become far hotter than the air above them, and a dog's paw pads are far more sensitive to this than the soles of our shoes.
Both the RSPCA and the Royal Veterinary College recommend a simple check before every summer walk: place the back of your hand flat on the pavement. If you can't hold it there comfortably for five seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
If the pavement fails the test, don't just shorten the walk, change the route. Grass, woodland trails and shaded paths stay far cooler underfoot than tarmac or paving slabs.
The best times to walk in hot weather
- Early morning or late evening - walk before the day heats up or after it starts to cool, when both the air and the ground have had a chance to settle
- Shade over sun - parks with tree cover or wooded trails are far kinder on your dog than open, exposed routes
- Grass over pavement - even a small amount of green space is cooler underfoot than concrete or tarmac
- Some days, skip it altogether - the PDSA advises that during a heatwave, missing a walk entirely can be the safest option, particularly for short-faced breeds
Remember that playing in the garden can be just as risky as a walk. The PDSA notes that heatstroke doesn't only happen on hot days out; it can also develop from a dog simply being active in warm, humid conditions closer to home.
Dogs most at risk
Every dog can suffer from heatstroke, but some are much more vulnerable than others. According to the PDSA, dogs most at risk include:
- Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, British Bulldogs and Shih Tzus, who have less space in their airways to help release heat. The PDSA notes that British Bulldogs are around 14 times more likely to develop heatstroke than Labradors, and Pugs around 6 times more likely.
- Overweight dogs, who generally find it harder to regulate their temperature.
- Older dogs and puppies
- Dogs with existing health conditions, particularly heart or respiratory problems.
- Long-haired or thick-coated breeds, especially if their coat is matted or hasn't been groomed recently.
If your dog falls into any of these groups, it's worth being extra cautious, cutting walks shorter, and keeping a closer eye on them even on days that don't feel particularly hot to you.
Signs of heatstroke to watch for
Heatstroke can develop quickly and is a genuine medical emergency. The RSPCA and PDSA both list similar warning signs to look out for:
- Heavy or excessive panting
- Drooling more than usual
- Restlessness or noticeable distress
- Bright red or very pale gums
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Confusion, wobbliness or loss of coordination
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
If you spot any of these signs, don't wait to see if they pass. Start cooling your dog down immediately and contact your vet straight away for guidance, even if your dog seems to be improving.
How to cool your dog down safely
If you think your dog is overheating, the PDSA's advice is to act quickly but stay calm. A few important points, based on current PDSA first aid guidance:
- Use cool water, not ice-cold water. Gently pour or sponge cool water (straight from the cold tap is fine) over your dog's whole body, starting slowly so they don't panic.
- Skip solid ice cubes. It's a common myth that ice cubes are the best way to cool a dog down quickly. The PDSA actually advises against giving solid ice cubes to chew, as they can fracture teeth. Ice shavings, crushed ice, or a frozen bowl of water to lick are safer alternatives.
- Create a breeze. A fan, air conditioning, or simply opening doors and windows helps water evaporate from your dog's coat, which speeds up cooling.
- Don't cover them with a wet towel. This can actually trap heat rather than release it. If you're using towels, keep them cool and damp, not saturated and left sitting on top of your dog.
- Offer water, don't force it. Let your dog drink small amounts if they want to, but don't force water into their mouth.
- Get to a vet as soon as you can. Once your dog has started to cool down, they still need to be checked over, as heatstroke can affect internal organs even after body temperature starts to drop
A paddling pool, a damp towel to lie on, or a shaded spot with good airflow are all simple, low-cost ways to help your dog stay comfortable throughout a warm day, not just in an emergency.
Never leave a dog in a car
This one is worth repeating every single summer. The PDSA warns that on a day that's just 22°C outside, the inside of a parked car can reach 47°C within an hour, even with a window cracked open, and even if the car is parked in the shade. That's enough to be fatal.
If you see a dog alone in a hot car and they appear distressed, the PDSA's advice is to note the car's registration, try to find the owner via nearby shops or staff, and call 999 if the situation becomes critical.
The takeaway
Warm weather doesn't mean you have to keep your dog wrapped in cotton wool, but it does mean thinking a little more carefully about when and how you exercise them. Test the pavement before you walk on it, walk during the cooler parts of the day, know your own dog's risk factors, and always take signs of heatstroke seriously.
Explore our full range of natural treats for a tasty way to keep your dog happy indoors on the hottest days.