Keeping Dogs Cool in Summer: How to Beat the Heat Safely

Last Updated: 8 July 2026
0 Comments

Summer with your dog should involve walks, beach days, and time outdoors together, not extra worry. Most advice on how to keep dogs cool in summer stops at heatstroke, when the real skill is in the everyday decisions: how warm is too warm for a walk, what’s actually safe in a parked car, whether the sand is too hot for paws. Get those details right, and the serious risks take care of themselves.

Author: Alison Frost

Edited By: Anna Bain

Keeping Dogs Cool in Summer: How to Beat the Heat Safely

Contents

Blog in 60 Seconds
Why Dogs Struggle More Than Us in the Heat
Which Dogs Are Most at Risk in Hot Weather?
How Hot Is Too Hot for Dogs?
How to Keep Dogs Cool in Summer
Walking Your Dog Safely in Hot Weather
Keeping Your Dog Cool in the House
Keeping Your Dog Cool in the Car
Keeping Your Dog Cool at the Beach
Summer Parasites: Fleas, Ticks and Flystrike
Why Sunlight Is Still Important
Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs
What to Do If Your Dog Has Heatstroke
Keeping Dogs Cool Makes Summer Enjoyable for All
FAQs
References

Blog in 60 Seconds

In this guide, you will learn:

How dogs handle heat differently to us, and the early warning signs that they’re struggling
Which dogs face the highest risk in hot weather, from flat-faced breeds to seniors and overweight dogs
The everyday decisions that matter most: walks, the car, the beach, and cooling your home at night
Practical ways to keep your dog cool, hydrated, and protected from sunburn and summer parasites
How to recognise heatstroke fast, and the current first-aid steps that could save your dog’s life

As ProDog’s canine nutritionist, I’ve spent over two decades working with dogs on their holistic health through nutrition. I’ve learned along the way that scare tactics don’t help, the facts are usually enough on their own. So, let’s start with one: our dogs can’t reach for a cold drink or crank up the fan when the heat rises, and their bodies simply aren’t built to handle it the way ours are. That makes them far more vulnerable as the temperature climbs.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. With a few smart tweaks and the right support, your dog can stay safe, cool, and comfortable all summer long, without missing out on any of the things they love about the warmer months. I’m here to answer your most pressing summer safety questions and share my top tips for keeping dogs cool when the heat rises.

Why Dogs Struggle More Than Us in the Heat

Dogs respond differently to hot temperatures than humans do, and the only place they can sweat from is their paw pads, which doesn’t really dissipate much heat. Instead of relying on sweating to cool off, they pant, which makes the water from their tongues, mouths, and upper respiratory tracts evaporate. This evaporation process dispels heat, allowing dogs to cool themselves off.

A dog can be overwhelmed by heat much faster than a human, causing their behaviour to change in a few ways. They might seem grumpier than normal, be less interested in their food, or respond differently to being touched when they’re too warm. Certain groups of dogs like puppies, brachycephalic breeds (those with shorter muzzles), older dogs, dogs with health issues, and overweight dogs may have an even harder time regulating their temperature.

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk in Hot Weather?

Some dogs face a much higher risk of heat-related illness than others. Knowing where your dog sits on that scale changes how careful you need to be.

Flat-Faced and Brachycephalic Breeds

Research on UK dogs found brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs face significantly higher odds of heat-related illness than other breeds [1]. A related VetCompass study found these same flat-faced breeds were also disproportionately represented among dogs that developed heatstroke simply from being outside in hot weather, with no exercise involved [2].

If you share your life with a flat-faced breed, treat hot weather as a higher-stakes situation than you would for most dogs.

Other Higher-Risk Groups

Risk isn’t limited to brachycephalic breeds. Puppies and senior dogs regulate their temperature less efficiently, overweight dogs carry extra insulation that traps heat, and dogs with heart, lung, or other health conditions have less capacity to cope with heat stress. Large and giant breeds, thick or double-coated dogs, and dogs simply unused to warm weather are also more vulnerable, so keeping older dogs cool in summer often takes extra planning, not just extra water.

How Hot Is Too Hot for Dogs?

There’s no single temperature that’s safe for every dog, but UK research offers a useful reality check: the median heat index recorded on the day of a heat-related illness event in dogs was just 16.9°C [3]. That figure is a WBGT reading (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature), a humidity-adjusted measure of heat stress rather than a plain air temperature, so it’s not directly comparable to the thermometer readings most of us check before a walk. What it does confirm is that exertion, not the number on the thermometer, is usually the deciding factor. A dog can overheat on a mild, overcast day if they’re exercising hard enough, which is exactly why the practical temperature thresholds below matter more than chasing a single “safe” number.

As a general guide, take extra care above 20°C, treat anything over 25°C as a genuine risk for most dogs, and remember that flat-faced, overweight, senior, or unwell dogs can struggle at lower temperatures still. Humidity, direct sun, and how hard your dog is exercising all matter as much as the number on the thermometer.

Can Dogs Overheat in Winter Too?

Yes. Because exercise is the leading trigger of heat-related illness in dogs, cases are recorded year-round, not just during heatwaves [2]. A brisk run on a mild but humid day, or a thick-coated dog exercising hard in spring sunshine, can cause the same problem as a summer heatwave. The safest habit is to judge by your dog’s behaviour and effort, not just the calendar or the temperature.

How to Keep Dogs Cool in Summer

Although we can’t control the weather, we can still help our dogs stay safe and comfortable when the temperature heats up.

Provide Shade and Fresh Water

The basics matter most. Make sure your dog always has access to a shaded spot, indoors and out, and check that water bowls are topped up with fresh, cool water throughout the day. In the garden, remember that shade moves with the sun, so a spot that’s cool in the morning may be in full sun by the afternoon.

Use Cooling Mats, Jackets and Damp Towels

Another great way to keep dogs cool is through external sources, like a cooling jacket or cooling mat. These are super helpful on extra hot days, are easily found online, and don’t usually cost too much. Just be careful not to overuse them, as prolonged exposure might cause your dog’s temperature to drop too low, which can cause a different set of problems.

You can also soak towels in cold water for your dog to lie on or douse your pup throughout the day in lieu of these products. Be sure not to cover them with a wet towel though, as this produces a sauna-like effect.

Encourage Water Play and Paddling Pools

Most dogs love water, which is why it’s a terrific way to keep them cool! A paddling pool in the garden, a trip to the river (you don’t want them drinking sea water), or access to your home’s sprinkler system provides both a fun activity and a cooling source for your dog on hot days. It also provides a boost of hydration for them, as they’re likely to lap up the water as they’re playing (but don’t let them drink salt water at the beach, or too much water!).

Feed Cold Raw Food and Provide Electrolytes

Feeding a natural dog food like raw provides more moisture than a dry diet, which is great for keeping your dog hydrated. Further, feeding them their raw cold from the fridge (versus at room temperature) will assist them to cool from the inside.

Electrolytes are key when it comes to hydration, so replacing the ones your dog loses to the heat helps keep their levels balanced. Bone broth is an excellent source of electrolytes and can be given cold, or even frozen, to satisfy your dog’s hydration needs, as well as helping them stay cool. Frozen treats of watermelon are also a great source of electrolytes.

If your dog seems to be eating less than usual during hot spells, that’s often completely normal. Find out more in our guide to dog not eating in the summer.

Dog Not Eating Food? Causes, Solutions, and Tips

Walking Your Dog Safely in Hot Weather

When Is It Too Hot to Walk Your Dog?

Walking during the earlier or later hours of the day allows your dog their much-needed exercise while keeping them cool. Going out in the morning or evening (or both) is far safer than heading out in the middle of the day, when both air and ground temperatures peak. If your dog is a flat-faced breed, overweight, senior, or has a health condition, build in even more caution and consider shortening or skipping the walk altogether on the hottest days.

The Five-Second Pavement Test

Surfaces like concrete, tarmac, and sand get far hotter than the air temperature, and can burn a dog’s paw pads in seconds. Before any walk, place the palm of your hand on the pavement and hold it there. If you can’t keep it there comfortably for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws too, and it’s time to find grass, shade, or wait for a cooler part of the day.

Exercise Is the Main Cause of Heatstroke

It’s tempting to assume heatstroke mostly happens in hot cars, but UK research tells a different story: exertion, including ordinary walks, was responsible for around 75% of heat-related illness cases in dogs treated by vets, compared with just over 5% caused by vehicles [2]. Even a familiar, everyday walk can tip a dog into trouble if the conditions are against them, so treat exercise as the main risk to manage, not an afterthought.

What to Carry on Summer Walks

A small kit makes hot weather walks safer. Bring fresh water and a collapsible bowl, choose routes with shade or grass where possible, and carry a towel in case your dog needs cooling down before you get home. If you’re walking somewhere remote, knowing the nearest shaded rest spot in advance is worth the two minutes it takes to check.

Keeping Your Dog Cool in the House

Indoors isn’t automatically safe. Close curtains or blinds on the sunniest side of the house during the day to stop rooms heating up, then open them again once the temperature drops in the evening. A fan helps circulate air, especially in rooms without natural cross-ventilation, and tiled or wooden floors tend to stay cooler than carpet, so don’t be surprised if your dog chooses to stretch out there instead of their bed. Let your dog choose their own cool spot rather than insisting they stay where you’d prefer. Avoid conservatories.

Keeping Your Dog Cool at Night

Warm nights can be just as uncomfortable as hot days, particularly for dogs who struggle to settle when overheated. Position a fan so air moves across your dog’s sleeping area rather than directly at them and offer a damp towel or cooling mat as an extra option. Leaving a window open (safely and securely) or cracking a blind can help a room cool down once the sun’s gone. As with daytime, the simplest fix is often to let your dog pick their own spot to settle, rather than their usual bed, if it’s warmer than they’d like. Opening the loft hatch can also help expel hot air that rises.

Keeping Your Dog Cool in the Car

Driving With Your Dog in Hot Weather

Driving with your dog in hot weather isn’t always avoidable; a vet appointment, a house move, a longer trip you’ve already committed to. If you do need to make a journey, pre-cool the car first: run the air conditioning if you have it for around five minutes with the doors closed before your dog gets in, rather than loading them straight into a car that’s been sitting in the sun. Stay with the car while it’s cooling rather than leaving the engine running unattended.

Once you’re on the road, travel during the coolest parts of the day where you can, pack a thermos of cold water or ice box and a travel bowl so your dog can drink during stops, and use a sunshade on the rear windows to cut direct sun without blocking the air con’s airflow. On longer journeys, build in shaded breaks rather than driving straight through, and keep the air con running rather than switching it off every time you stop.

Never Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car

The inside of a car can reach dangerous temperatures within minutes, even on a day that doesn’t feel particularly hot. At just 22°C outside, a car’s interior can climb to 47°C in a matter of minutes, and cracking a window or parking in shade isn’t enough to prevent it [4]. Never leave your dog in a car, even for what feels like a quick errand.

What to Do If You See a Dog in Distress in a Hot Car

If you see a dog showing signs of heatstroke in a parked car, call the emergency services. Only the police have the legal power to break into a vehicle to rescue an animal, so this isn’t something to attempt yourself unless the dog is in immediate, life-threatening danger and there’s truly no other option. Note the car’s registration, make, and location so you can give responders clear details, and stay nearby if it’s safe to do so until help arrives.

Keeping Your Dog Cool at the Beach

A day at the beach is one of summer’s biggest pleasures for most dogs, but it comes with its own risks. Bring a sun tent, umbrella, or windbreak if there’s no natural shade, since sand offers nowhere to hide from direct sun. Pack plenty of fresh water, as sea water can make dogs seriously unwell if they drink too much of it and check the sand’s temperature with your hand before letting your dog walk across it unprotected. Keep an eye on tide times and any posted swimming hazards and rinse sand and salt water from your dog’s coat and paws once you’re done.

Sunburn and Summer Skin Protection

Dogs can get sunburnt just like people can, and it’s easy to overlook. The areas most at risk are those with little fur or pigment, particularly the bridge of the nose, the tips of the ears, and the belly. White or light-coloured dogs, and breeds with fine or sparse coats, are especially vulnerable. Use a pet-safe sunscreen on these exposed areas (never a human sunscreen, as some ingredients are unsafe for dogs) and keep your dog out of direct sun during the strongest hours of the day where possible. For more on choosing the right product, see our guide on whether dogs need sunscreen.

If your dog’s skin looks red, sore, or crusty, it’s worth a vet check, as repeated sun damage can lead to more serious skin problems over time.

Summer Parasites: Fleas, Ticks and Flystrike

Warm, humid weather is exactly when fleas and ticks thrive, and flystrike, where flies lay eggs on a dog’s skin or coat, becomes a real risk too, especially around any wounds, soiled fur, or skin folds. Check your dog regularly during summer months, particularly after walks in long grass or woodland, and keep up with a suitable parasite prevention routine. ProDog’s Repel flea and tick repellent offers a natural approach to seasonal parasite defence as part of a broader prevention plan, alongside the usual grooming and vigilance that keeps problems from taking hold.

Discover Repel

Why Sunlight Is Still Important

Although it’s important not to overexpose your dog to heat, a certain amount of sunlight is beneficial, and actually necessary, for keeping dogs healthy. Since they are a diurnal species (most active during the day), dogs require exposure to the sun in order for their biorhythms to perform as they should. One of the more well-known of these biorhythms is the Circadian rhythm, the process that controls your dog’s sleep/wake cycles [5].

The Circadian rhythm can be thrown off balance if dogs don’t have exposure to sunlight during the day, affecting their ability to sleep well throughout the night. While keeping dogs cool during the summer months is obviously important, you can still allow them access to the sun’s benefits. Even a small amount of sunlight helps anchor your dog’s body clock

Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs

Heatstroke can lead to a host of health concerns for dogs and is very distressing to them to go through, both physically and mentally. Needless to say, it should be avoided at all costs! Keeping dogs cool in hot weather isn’t always possible, however, and accidents can happen. If you’re ever in a situation where you’re concerned about heat stroke, here are the symptoms to watch for:

Early Signs

Heavier panting than normal
Excessive drooling
Dry mucous membranes (underside of the lip)
Bright red gums and tongue
Rapid heart rate
Skin that’s hot to the touch
Hyperactivity
Shade-seeking or restless behaviour
A tense, “smiling” panting expression
Squinting eyes

Severe Signs

Pale mucous membranes
White or blue gums
Hyperventilation
Dilated pupils
Muscle tremors
Lethargy/unwillingness to move
Losing control of bladder/bowel
Collapsing

What to Do If Your Dog Has Heatstroke

When dogs suffer heat stroke, the most important thing is to cool them down.

For years, the advice was to use cool, never cold, water, in case cold water caused shock. Veterinary guidelines have since shifted: prehospital care recommendations endorse cold-water immersion for young, healthy dogs as the fastest cooling method, reserving evaporative cooling for older or compromised dogs [6]. Despite this, most UK dogs are still cooled with wet towels rather than either recommended method. For older dogs, or dogs with underlying health conditions, gentler evaporative cooling, pouring water over them and combining it with airflow from a fan or breeze, is the recommended approach instead.

The current best-practice approach is to cool first, transport second:

Stop. Get your dog out of the heat and stop any exercise immediately. A shady spot, air-conditioned cold vehicle or indoors is ideal.
Cool. For young, healthy dogs, cold water immersion or dousing is the fastest option. For older, unwell, or unconscious dogs, pour water of any temperature cooler than your dog over their body and combine it with a fan or breeze for evaporative cooling. Avoid covering your dog with a wet towel, as this traps heat rather than releasing it.
Offer water. Let your dog drink small amounts if they’re conscious and able to swallow but never force it.
Call your vet. Phone ahead so they know you’re coming and can advise you on the way. Don’t wait for your dog to look better before calling.
Transport once cooling has started. Once your dog’s temperature is coming down, move them to the vet in a cool, well-ventilated car, and keep cooling them on the way if you can.

Keeping Dogs Cool Makes Summer Enjoyable for All

Whilst it may seem like a lot to take in, keeping dogs cool during summer is essential to their wellbeing. Not only that, but it allows you and your dog to enjoy your summer without worrying whether you’re harming your best friend! Using the suggestions listed in this article will help both you and your canine pal have a stress-free, enjoyable summer.

And if you’re looking to support your dog’s overall resilience through the warmer months, from hydration to seasonal skin and coat health, our raw dog food and dog supplements range are designed to help, whatever the weather.

FAQs

How can I keep my dog cool in hot weather?

Provide constant shade and fresh water, walk during the coolest parts of the day, and use cooling aids like mats, damp towels, or paddling pools. Avoid hot cars and hot pavements entirely, and watch for early signs that your dog is struggling so you can act before it becomes serious.

Is 22 degrees too hot to walk a dog?

It can be, depending on your dog. At 22°C, pavement and car interiors can already be significantly hotter than the air temperature, and flat-faced, overweight, senior, or unwell dogs may already be at risk. Most healthy dogs can manage a short, shaded walk at this temperature, but the five-second pavement test and your dog’s own behaviour are better guides than the number alone.

How can I tell if my dog is too hot?

Watch for heavier panting than usual, excessive drooling, seeking out shade or cool surfaces, slowing down or seeming reluctant to continue, and a tense or “smiling” panting expression. These early signs are your cue to cool your dog down and rest, before things progress any further.

How hot is too hot to walk a dog in the UK?

There’s no single UK-specific threshold, since risk depends on your dog’s breed, age, weight, and health as much as the temperature. As a general guide, take extra care from around 20°C and treat anything above 25°C as a genuine risk for most dogs, with earlier caution needed for higher-risk dogs.

Can dogs cool themselves down on their own?

To an extent. Dogs cool down mainly by panting, with a small amount of heat loss through their paw pads, but neither is as efficient as human sweating. This is exactly why dogs overheat faster than we do, and why they often need our help to stay cool rather than managing it entirely on their own.

What temperature is dangerous for dogs?

There’s no single dangerous number that applies to every dog. UK research has found that the median temperature on days when dogs developed heat-related illness was just 16.9°C WGBT (ambient temperature), which shows that exertion and individual risk factors matter more than hitting a specific high temperature [3]. As a general guide, take extra care above 20°C, treat anything over 25°C as a genuine risk for most dogs, and remember that flat-faced, overweight, senior, or unwell dogs can struggle at lower temperatures still.

Do all dogs need to be walked every day in hot weather?

No. On the hottest days, it’s perfectly fine to skip the usual walk and keep your dog engaged at home instead with puzzle toys, scent games, or training. A missed walk is a far smaller risk than exercising in dangerous heat.

What should I do if my dog won’t drink water in hot weather?

Try adding a splash of bone broth or a little water to their food, offering ice cubes to lick or crunch, or feeding their meals cold. If your dog is refusing water entirely alongside other signs of being unwell, contact your vet.

References

Hall, Emily J., Anne J. Carter, and Dan G. O’Neill. “Incidence and Risk Factors for Heat-Related Illness (Heatstroke) in UK Dogs Under Primary Veterinary Care in 2016.” Scientific Reports 10 (2020): 9128. DoI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66015-8
Hall, Emily J., Anne J. Carter, and Dan G. O’Neill. “Dogs Don’t Die Just in Hot Cars—Exertional Heat-Related Illness (Heatstroke) Is a Greater Threat to UK Dogs.” Animals 10, no. 8 (2020): 1324. Doi: 10.3390/ani10081324.
Hall, Emily J., Anne J. Carter, Guaduneth Chico, Jude Bradbury, Louise K. Gentle, Dominic Barfield, and Dan G. O’Neill. 2022. “Risk Factors for Severe and Fatal Heat-Related Illness in UK Dogs—A VetCompass Study.” Veterinary Sciences 9 (5): 231. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9050231.
RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). n.d. “Caring for Your Dog in Hot Weather.” Accessed July 8, 2026.
Giannetto, C., Arfuso, F., Rizzo, M., et al. (2024). Persistence of clock gene expression in peripheral blood in dogs maintained under different photoperiod schedules. Chronobiology International, 41(3), 369–377. doi: 10.1080/07420528.2024.2315217
Hall, Emily J., Anne J. Carter, Jude Bradbury, Sian Beard, Sophie Gilbert, Dominic Barfield, and Dan G. O’Neill. 2023. “Cooling Methods Used to Manage Heat-Related Illness in Dogs Presented to Primary Care Veterinary Practices during 2016–2018 in the UK.” Veterinary Sciences 10(7): 465. Doi: 10.3390/vetsci10070465

Keeping Dogs Cool in Summer: How to Beat the Heat Safely

Blog in 60 Seconds

Why Dogs Struggle More Than Us in the Heat