Summer Safety for Dogs: Keeping Your Dog Cool and Safe
Hot weather brings real risks for dogs, from heatstroke to burnt paws. Here is how to keep your dog safe, cool and happy through a British summer.
A sunny day is a joy for most dogs — right up until the heat becomes a hazard. Dogs cope with high temperatures far less well than we do, and every summer UK vets see avoidable cases of heatstroke and burns. A little planning keeps the season fun and safe.
Why dogs struggle in the heat
Dogs cannot sweat the way we do. They cool themselves mainly by panting, which is far less efficient, especially in humid weather. That makes them surprisingly vulnerable to overheating. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, very young or old dogs, overweight dogs and those with thick coats or heart conditions are at even higher risk.
The golden rules
A handful of habits prevent the vast majority of summer emergencies:
- Never, ever leave a dog in a car. Not for "just a minute," not with the windows cracked. A car becomes an oven within minutes, and it is fatal with frightening speed.
- Walk in the cool hours. Early morning and late evening, not the midday peak. If you would not lie in that sun in a fur coat, neither should your dog.
- Do the five-second pavement test. Press the back of your hand to the tarmac for five seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for paws — and burns are common.
- Always carry water and offer it often. A portable bowl is a summer essential.
- Provide shade and airflow at home, and consider a cooling mat or a paddling pool for keen swimmers.
Spotting heatstroke
Heatstroke is an emergency, and recognising it early saves lives. Warning signs include heavy, frantic panting, excessive drooling, bright red gums, lethargy or stumbling, vomiting, and collapse. If you suspect it: move your dog to shade, offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water, wet them with cool water and get air moving over them — and call your vet immediately, even if they seem to recover. Heatstroke can do internal damage that is not visible from the outside.
The little extras
Summer also brings grass seeds (which work into paws and ears), more parasites, and the temptation to over-trim a double coat — which can actually remove the insulation that helps regulate temperature, so check with a groomer before shaving. Rinse your dog after sea or chlorinated swims to protect the skin and coat.
Coat and skin in summer
Healthy skin and a well-conditioned coat handle the demands of summer — sun, salt water, more frequent baths — far better than dry, brittle ones. Supporting the coat from the inside is part of keeping your dog comfortable through the warmer months, alongside sensible grooming and rinsing off after swims.
Enjoy the season — safely
Summer should be the best time of year for a dog: long evenings, beaches, gardens, adventures. Keep them cool, watch the pavement, never leave them in a car, and know the signs of heatstroke, and you can both make the most of it.
To help keep your dog's skin and coat in good condition through a summer of swims and sun, PetJesty's Vegan Omega 3, 6 and 9 Algae Oil provides clean, mercury-free DHA that supports a healthy skin barrier and a glossy coat. If you ever suspect heatstroke, skip the home remedies and call your vet straight away.