23/06/2026
☀️ This week is going to be a scorcher! ☀️
Common sense really, but I need to say it again anyway 😅
I can’t stress enough how quickly dogs can overheat in this weather.
If the pavement is too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. 🐾
A simple way to check is the 5-second hand rule, place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. 👋🏻
If it’s uncomfortable for you, it’s too hot for your dog.
And let’s be honest, if you’re a proactive pet parent and you’ve already checked the weather forecast this week, you’ll know this heatwave is going to need some real thought when it comes to caring for your dogs (and cats too).
🐕 🚶Please avoid walking your dog during the hottest parts of the day. Early morning or later in the evening is much safer, but even then, this week the earliest walks are still likely to feel too warm.
Remember that pavements, artificial grass and other surfaces can stay dangerously hot long after the air temperature starts to cool.
I’m already planning on staying home some days because it’s just not worth the risk. On those days, we’ll focus on short bursts of enrichment games indoors or shaded areas in the garden, if they want it. Keeping things calm, simple and engaging without adding heat stress.
☀️ Signs of overheating and heatstroke can include:
• Excessive panting
• Drooling
• Bright red gums
• Lethargy or weakness
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Disorientation or wobbliness
• Collapse
🚨 Heatstroke is a medical emergency.
If your dog shows any signs of heatstroke, act immediately.
✅ Move them into shade or a cool area.
✅ Start cooling them straight away with cool or cold running tap water, rapid cooling is the priority.
✅ Place them in a bath, shower, sink or use a hose if available.
✅ Focus the water on their chest, belly, neck, armpits and inner thighs where cooling is most effective.
✅ Allow air to circulate around them and use a fan or air conditioned room (or car) if possible.
✅ Offer small amounts of cool water to drink if they are conscious and able to drink.
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🟡 Update: This section has been added after the original post to include additional information on emerging veterinary discussions around cooling methods.
🔬 Some veterinary discussions and recent educational material also explore the use of cold water immersion.
📚 You can find a link to an informative webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8TzwXnjGYc
🤝 With thanks to Rachel Bean for highlighting this resource and contributing to the discussion.
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❌ Do not pour water directly over their face, especially if they are panting heavily, as this can cause distress and increase the risk of them inhaling water.
❌ Do not cover your dog with wet towels, as these can trap heat against the body.
❌ Avoid ice baths or very extreme cooling methods at home.
🆘 Once you’ve started cooling your dog, get them into an air-conditioned car and head straight to the vet, calling them on the way so they’re ready for your arrival.
🎭 This may sound dramatic, but dogs do die from heatstroke and extreme heat. Every summer, vets see cases that could have been prevented with a few simple precautions. If you’re ever unsure whether it’s too hot, err on the side of caution. Missing a walk or changing your plans for a day or two is far better than risking your dog’s health or life.
Prevention is always better than treatment:
💧 Ensure fresh water is available at all times.
🌳 Provide plenty of shade.
🚫 Never leave your dog in a car, even for a few minutes.
🐕 Skip walks altogether if temperatures are too high.
🧊 Offer frozen enrichment treats and indoor activities to help keep your dog comfortable.
Stay safe and keep your dogs cool this week. ❄️🩵
🙋🏼♀️ 💭 What are you doing this week to keep your dogs comfortable in the heat?
Every home setup is different, and sharing practical ideas can really help others make safer choices for their dogs during hot weather 🐕☀️
