How to keep your dog safe in hot weather
Dogs overheat quickly. Walk early and late, check the pavement, never leave a dog in a car, and know what to do if you spot heatstroke: cool first, then get to a vet.
- Time
- Ongoing
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- Low cost
- Steps
- 6
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Water bowl and portable water bottle Search Amazon for dog travel water bottle
- Cooling mat or damp towels Search Amazon for dog cooling mat
- Shallow paddling pool (optional) Search Amazon for dog paddling pool
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The Amazon links go to search results, so you can compare what’s available.
Safety first
- Heatstroke can kill. Even if your dog seems to recover, they still need to see a vet.
- If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, call 999.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Change walk times
In hot weather walk your dog early in the morning and late in the evening when it's cooler. On very hot days it's fine to skip a walk and do calm games indoors.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Do the pavement test
Put the back of your hand on the pavement for a few seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for paws. Tarmac can get far hotter than the air temperature and can burn pads.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Provide shade and water
Make sure your dog always has shade and fresh water, at home and out. Ice cubes in water, frozen treat toys, damp towels and a shallow paddling pool all help.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Never leave your dog in a car
Cars, caravans, conservatories and outbuildings heat up fast, even when it doesn't feel that hot and with windows open.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Know the signs of heatstroke
Watch for heavy panting, drooling, weakness, confusion, red gums, vomiting or diarrhoea, noisy breathing and collapse. Flat-faced breeds, puppies, older dogs, overweight dogs and dogs with breathing problems are at higher risk.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Cool first, then get help
Move the dog into shade. Pour cool (not ice-cold) water over the neck, belly and thighs, avoiding the head, or let them stand in cool water. Fan them. Then phone your vet and take them in, in a cool, well-ventilated car.
Tips
- Flat-faced breeds such as pugs and bulldogs need extra care.
- Keep exercise gentle and short on warm days.
When to call a professional
Phone your vet urgently if you think your dog has heatstroke, after starting to cool them.
Questions people ask
Is cold water dangerous for an overheated dog?
The RSPCA says cold water rarely causes shock in overheating dogs; the priority is cooling them quickly.
Should I shave my dog's coat?
Ask a groomer or vet first. A coat can help protect from sun and heat in some breeds.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- RSPCA: Heatstroke in dogs (rspca.org.uk)
- RSPCA: Dogs in hot cars (rspca.org.uk)
- RSPCA: Summer pet advice (rspca.org.uk)
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Printed from howtoguides.uk/guides/how-to-keep-your-dog-safe-in-hot-weather/ · Checked 9 October 2026 · General information only. For gas, electrics, structural work, medical, legal or money decisions, use a qualified professional.