Dog Furiendly
There’s no doubt that UK summers are getting warmer. Of the top 10 hottest summers since records began, 5 were recorded in the past 20 years, and an annual heatwave is no longer a surprise.
While warmer weather can be pleasant, any dog owner will know that it also comes with a heap of issues, including how to keep your pup cool as temperatures soar.
From how to cool down a panting dog to preventing thick-haired pups from overheating, uncover tips to brave the hot UK summers in this guide.
How Do Dogs Cool Off?
When the weather starts to warm, it’s good to know that your dog has ways of cooling themselves down. They’re able to release heat through their nose and paw pads to regulate body temperature, and will also pant to keep themselves cool.
These biological systems are limited, though. Panting isn’t quite as efficient as sweating (something that your pup can’t do), and overheating in hot weather is an issue.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to cool your dog down, like using blackout blinds to reduce the temperature in your home and trying dog cooling mats. These little tricks are a great way to help your pup stay happy and healthy throughout the summer.
Types of Dogs Most Likely to Overheat
Dogs with super thick coats, like Samoyeds and Alaskan Malamutes, are more prone to overheating in hot weather. Their dense fur is designed to keep them warm in arctic climates and isn’t well-suited to a summer heatwave.
You should also be extra vigilant with brachycephalic pups. These are breeds with flat faces and short muzzles (like Pugs and Bulldogs) that make it harder to pant, reducing your dog’s ability to cool itself down. While it’s important to keep an eye on all types of dogs in hot weather, it’s worth paying extra attention to your pup if it’s more at risk of heatstroke.
How to Tell if a Dog is Too Hot
If you’re worried about keeping your pup cool during summer, it’s good to know that an overheating dog will give you warning signs. In particular, watch out for:
- Frantic and excessive panting
- Excessive salivation and drooling
- Bright-red gums
- Unusual lethargy
For more severe cases of heat stroke, your dog may also have an increased heart rate and show signs of illness, such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Heatstroke
Heatstroke can be fatal, making it crucial that you know how to spot the symptoms and what to do next.
Start by stopping any activity (such as walking or playing) and finding shade for your dog. Use cool (not cold) water on their fur to begin lowering their temperature.
Ring your vet for advice, and if concerned, book an emergency appointment to seek professional help.
Tips to Keep a Puppy Cool in a Heatwave
Just brought home a puppy and now you’re struggling with a heatwave? The good news is that you can adjust your routine to suit hotter weather.
One of the main concerns with puppies is that they’ll overheat from running around and playing during a heatwave. To reduce this risk, restrict their activity to shaded areas of your garden or cool rooms inside your home.
It’s also a good idea to take advantage of cooler hours, like the early morning and late evening, for short walks and play time. Not only does this lower their possibility of overheating while active, but it also makes it more likely they’ll sleep during the hottest parts of the day.
It’s important to monitor your puppy’s hydration, too. Ensure they’re drinking plenty of water, and use water-based toys and frozen treats to increase their intake.
How to Keep a Dog Cool in the Summer
Keeping dogs cool in the summer is a balancing act. You want your puppy to avoid overheating, but you also don’t want to bring their body temperature down too much or too quickly. To help you out, we’ve put together the best ways to cool down a dog as well as what to avoid.
Know When Not to Walk Your Dog
Dog breeds will deal with heat in different ways. Some can be out walking in hot weather without a hitch, while for others, it’s a risk that could lead to overheating.
In general, 25°C and above is too hot for most dogs. When temperatures reach this point, stick to walks at cooler times of the day and check out our ideas for fun hot-weather activities that’ll keep your pup cool.
If in doubt, use the barefoot test: if the ground is too hot for you to walk on barefoot, it’s too hot for your pup.
Create a Cool Indoor Environment
Directly regulating your dog’s temperature can be tricky. Instead, focus on creating a cooler home where overheating or rapid cooling won’t be an issue. Top tips to keep your pup cool during summer include:
- Keep your windows and curtains closed during the day to keep out the heat
- Open windows at night when the air is cooler
- Use cooling mats to provide spots where your dog can safely cool down
- Use fans to circulate air, especially if the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature
After creating a more comfortable temperature indoors, keep your pup happy with mental stimulation and play low-activity games, reducing the amount they need to go outside.
Can I Give My Dog Ice Cubes?
In most cases, yes! Ice cubes are a great way to keep your pup cool during summer and can boost hydration, too. However, if your dog is suffering from heat stroke, you should avoid anything too cold. The sudden temperature difference can trigger shivering and cause your dog to retain more heat.
You should also avoid giving a little dog an ice cube that’s too big, as it can be a choking hazard. If in doubt, wait until the cube melts and becomes smaller before allowing your pup to eat it.
For dogs that aren’t keen on ice cubes, explore frozen treat recipes to avoid overheating.
Avoid Super Cold Water
In the same way that ice shouldn’t be used as a treatment for heatstroke, neither should super-cold water. When your dog is too hot, an ice-cold bath or shower could send their body into shock and cause blood vessels to contract, keeping the heat within their body.
If you see that your dog is suffering from heat stroke, stick to cool water only.
Can I Spray My Dog With Water to Cool Down?
Spraying your dog with cool water is a fantastic way to avoid overheating. Focus on their head, ears, and feet before wetting the rest of their body. You can also add cool water to a paddling pool and bath, providing an easy way for your dog to wet their paws and regulate their temperature.
Thinking about using a wet towel? We wouldn’t recommend it. Lying a wet towel on your dog reduces airflow and can actually trap heat, making it harder for your dog to cool down.
Final Thoughts
Keeping dogs cool in the summer is all about being proactive. Reduce exercise, create a cool environment, and keep plenty of cool water close by for a happy, healthy pup. Think you see signs of heat stroke? Call the vet and encourage your dog to rest in a shady place with access to water.
For more advice on looking after your dog, check out our helpful guides and resources at Houndy.
This guest blog was written by Sophie Bishop / @SophBishJourno
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