28/05/2026
Tips for keeping your dog cool in summer
Hi everyone, yes fine weather is finally upon us and after such a cold winter and spring we need to remind ourselves how to look after our four legged friends during hopefully a hot and sunny summer!
We have listed some tips and advice which we hope will help in ensuring our pampered pouches are both comfortable and safe during spells of hot weather.
(1) Always ensure your dog has constant access to both shade and water both inside and outside the home. Water should be changed regularly to ensure the water is always clear and cold.
(2) Dog Walking
If possible take your dog out in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler. If this is not possible take water with you on your dog walks and always walk at your dog’s preferred pace. Allow time for your dog to take regular stops (in shade where possible).
If you intend taking a day trip with your dog do some pre planning and ensure the attraction you are visiting is dog friendly. If dogs are not welcome either find another dog friendly attraction or as an alternative arrange a pet sitter as you need to avoid leaving your dog in the car especially during hot weather.
Remember pavements can easily become very hot, if you can touch a surface and feel the heat imagine what your dog feels through it’s paws. As a very general rule if the ground is too hot to touch for five seconds it is also far too hot for your dogs paws.
Always regularly check your dog looking out for the following:
*limping or refusing to walk
• licking or chewing at their feet
• pads darker in colour
• missing part of pad
• blisters or redness
(3) Keep your dog cool and safe
• Prevent sunburn by using pet-safe sunscreen on exposed parts of your pet's skin, such as the nose and tips of ears especially if your dog has white or light-coloured fur.
• Groom your dog regularly as in hot weather grooming can help brush away any dead or excess hair, as well as matts and knots. Regular grooming leaves your dog with a less dense coat which benefits your dog in spells of hot weather.
• Place ice cubes into your dog's water bowl or make some tasty ice cube treats which you could place in a Kong toy full of treats and water!
• Give your pet damp towels to lie on or an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Please however remember never to place a damp towel over your dog as this can trap in heat
• Please also remember not all dogs like water so do not force dogs to use frozen toys, paddling pools, or water sprinklers if they don't want to!
(4) Hot weather can be very dangerous for dogs
Never leave dogs in cars or other vehicles, caravans, conservatories or outbuildings in warm weather, even if only for a short while. Be aware temperatures inside vehicles can rise very quickly to intolerable levels for your dog.
The following are signs of heatstroke
• heavy panting
• excessive drooling
• lethargy
• drowsiness
• uncoordinated movements
• collapsing
• vomiting
Now you aware of the potential dangers please enjoy your summer. As long as you take adequate precautions, you and your dog should venture out and enjoy the long sunny days together. Everyone here at Dapper Dogs wish everyone and their dogs a safe and enjoyable summer.
