How to Keep Your Dog Safe in a Heatwave
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When the temperature rises, our dogs rely on us to keep them safe. Unlike humans, dogs can't sweat to cool themselves down effectively. They’re covered in fur, don’t sweat through their skin, and can overheat quickly - especially in hot or humid weather. Heat-related illness is not only distressing but can be life-threatening.
So, whether you're out on a walk, enjoying the garden, or relaxing at home, knowing how to protect your dog during a heatwave is essential.
Table of contents
What Happens to Dogs When They Get Too Hot?
When dogs overheat, their natural cooling methods - mainly panting and limited sweating through their paw pads - can quickly become ineffective. While this is effective in normal temperatures, it doesn’t work as well in extreme heat or when humidity is high.
If their body temperature rises above 40 °C (104 °F), they’re at risk of heatstroke, a serious and potentially fatal condition.
Heatstroke happens fast and affects the entire body. As the temperature climbs, blood pressure drops, organs begin to fail, and the risk of brain damage, internal bleeding, or death increases.
Common causes include:
- Being left in a hot car
- Exercising in high heat
- Lack of shade or water
- Poor ventilation indoors or in kennels
What Makes Dogs Susceptible to Heat?
Dogs don’t regulate their body temperature the way we do. They have sweat glands only in their paw pads, so they mainly rely on panting to cool down. While this is effective in normal temperatures, it doesn’t work as well in extreme heat or when humidity is high.
Some dogs are especially vulnerable to heatstroke:
- Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs (known as brachycephalic breeds) can’t breathe as efficiently, making it harder for them to cool down through panting.
- Older dogs, puppies, and dogs with underlying health issues such as heart disease or obesity are also at increased risk.
- Dogs with thick coats or darker fur may retain more heat, especially if they’re exercising or exposed to direct sun.
Understanding your dog’s personal risk is the first step in preventing heat-related illness.
Signs of Overheating or Heatstroke
Heatstroke can develop quickly - often within minutes of heat exposure. Spotting the early signs can help prevent the situation from escalating.
Mild to moderate signs of heat stress:
- Rapid, heavy panting
- Bright red tongue and gums
- Drooling
- Restlessness
- Seeking shade or lying flat on cool surfaces
More severe signs of heatstroke:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea (sometimes with blood)
- Weakness, wobbling, or collapse
- Disorientation or confusion
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
If your dog shows any signs of heatstroke, contact your vet immediately. Heatstroke can lead to organ failure and death if not treated quickly.
Top Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool
1. Adjust Walking Routine
Daily walks are important - but in a heatwave, the timing matters more than ever. Aim to walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening when the pavement and air temperature are cooler.
Always test the pavement before heading out. The “five-second rule” is a good guide: place the back of your hand on the ground - if it’s too hot to hold for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
On particularly hot days, skip the walk altogether and try enrichment games indoors instead, like hide-and-seek with treats or snuffle mats.
2. Provide Shade & Shelter
Your dog should always have access to a shaded, ventilated space - whether indoors or out. If your dog is spending time in the garden, ensure there are shaded areas under trees, parasols or canopies. Indoors, close curtains to block out direct sunlight and use fans or air conditioning to keep rooms cool.
Avoid leaving dogs in sun-trap areas like conservatories, greenhouses, or parked cars - even with the windows cracked, these spaces can become dangerously hot within minutes.
3. Keep Hydration Accessible
Water is a dog’s best defence against overheating. Make sure they have constant access to cool, fresh water, and place bowls in multiple locations around the home and garden.
To encourage drinking, you can:
- Add ice cubes to the water bowl
- Offer water-rich snacks like cucumber or melon (without seeds)
- Freeze low-sodium chicken broth into ice cube trays for a tasty treat - the Years Chicken Bone Marrow Broth and Beef Bone Marrow Broth are always winners!
- Add a splash of water or tasty gravy to meals to increase the amount of liquid they’re consuming
- Frozen dog treats can provide a delicious and cooling treat for your dog. Why not try these two ingredient frozen dog treats? Or what about these treats which can sooth itchy pups?
If your dog is panting heavily and not drinking, or if they appear lethargic, it could be a sign of heat stress or dehydration - seek advice from your vet immediately.
4. Use Cooling Aids
Cooling products and water play can go a long way in keeping your dog comfortable. Popular options include:
- Cooling mats
- Paddling pools or sprinklers
- Cooling bandanas or jackets
Avoid anything ice-cold on very hot dogs - cool water is safer and more effective
5. Regular Grooming
A well-maintained coat allows for better airflow and insulation, helping your dog stay cool. Regular brushing removes excess undercoat and prevents matting, which can trap heat and moisture.
Avoid shaving your dog’s coat unless advised by a vet (as opposed to trimming). Fur helps to regulate body temperature and protect against sunburn. Shaving can actually make dogs more prone to overheating and sun exposure.
5. Regular Grooming
A well-maintained coat allows for better airflow and insulation, helping your dog stay cool. Regular brushing removes excess undercoat and prevents matting, which can trap heat and moisture.
Avoid shaving your dog’s coat unless advised by a vet (as opposed to trimming). Fur helps to regulate body temperature and protect against sunburn. Shaving can actually make dogs more prone to overheating and sun exposure.
6. Avoid Hot Cars
Even on a mild day, temperatures inside a parked car can become deadly in minutes.
A 22 °C day can cause temperatures of up to 47 °C inside the car within an hour. Dogs left in cars - even for a few minutes with the windows cracked - are at serious risk of heatstroke and death.
7. Modify Exercise & Activities
It’s important to reduce strenuous exercise during hot weather. Fetch, running or intense play can quickly lead to overheating, even in shaded areas.
Instead, try:
- Short walks in shaded spots
- Mental stimulation like treat puzzles
- Basic training exercises indoors
Keeping your dog mentally engaged is just as valuable as physical activity - and it’s much safer during high temperatures
What to Do If Your Dog Overheats
If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, act quickly:
- Move your dog to a shaded or cool space
- Pour cool (not ice-cold) water over their body - focus on the paws, belly, armpits, and groin. Do not wrap them in wet towels as it can trap heat.
- Encourage drinking small amounts of cool water
- Use airflow, such as a fan or open window, to help cool them down
- Contact your vet immediately. Even if your dog seems to recover, internal damage may have already occurred
Summary
Dogs don’t ask for much - but they do rely on us to keep them safe. During a heatwave, that means taking proactive steps to avoid overheating, ensuring constant access to water and shade, and knowing the early signs of heatstroke.
With a little planning, your dog can stay happy, cool, and healthy - even on the hottest days.
About the author
Kate Hepplewhite
Digital Marketing Manager, Years (Dog mum to a Sprollie-ocker)
Kate Hepplewhite is the Digital Marketing Manager at Years, where she combines her love for dogs with a passion for words. She shares her life with Barney, a lively Springer, Cocker Spaniel and Collie mix, who’s her hiking buddy and daily dose of joy. Together, they’re on a mission to conquer Hadrian’s Wall this year, one muddy mile at a time. When she’s not building digital campaigns, Kate is out in the country with Barney or planning their next big adventure.
