At Rooke’s, we know how much you love your dogs – they’re family, friends, and loyal companions rolled into one, and just like us, they can feel the effects of warm weather (often more than we do). Unlike humans, dogs can’t simply strip off a layer, grab a cold drink from the fridge, or head into an air-conditioned room when they’re feeling overheated. Instead, they rely on us to help them stay cool, comfortable, and healthy when temperatures rise.
While hot weather can be wonderful for long walks, picnics, and lazy afternoons in the garden, it can bring some hidden dangers for our four-legged friends. From dehydration to heatstroke, the summer months can take a toll on your dog’s wellbeing if precautions aren’t in place. But there is good news… with a few simple steps, you can make sure your pooch enjoys the sunshine safely. Here’s how:
Know the Risks: Why Heat Can Be Dangerous for Dogs
Dogs can overheat quickly because they don’t sweat like we do. Instead, they regulate their body temperature mainly through panting and by releasing heat through their paw pads and noses. This isn’t as effective as sweating which means they can struggle to keep cool, especially in high humidity or extreme heat.
Some dogs are more vulnerable to heat-related issues, including:
🐶 Brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed dogs like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers) – their shortened airways make breathing and cooling less efficient.
🐶 Puppies and elderly dogs – they have less ability to regulate their body temperature.
🐶 Dogs with thick or dark coats – they absorb and retain heat more easily.
🐶 Overweight dogs – carrying extra weight can make heat regulation harder.
Being aware of these risk factors can help you take extra precautions for your dog’s needs.
Recognise the Signs of Heat Stress and Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate action. The earlier you spot the signs, the better your dog’s chances of a quick recovery.
Early signs of overheating include:
🐾 Excessive panting
🐾 Increased drooling
🐾 Restlessness or agitation
🐾 Seeking shade or lying down more often
Signs of heatstroke include:
🐾 Rapid heartbeat
🐾 Glazed eyes
🐾 Weakness or collapse
🐾 Vomiting or diarrhoea
🐾 Confusion or disorientation
If you suspect your dog is suffering from overheating or experiencing heatstroke, you need to:
⚠️ Move them to a cool, shaded area immediately.
⚠️ Offer small sips of cool (not cold) water.
⚠️ Wet their fur with cool (not icy) water, focusing on their belly, groin, and paw pads.
⚠️ Call your vet immediately – even if they seem to be improving.
Time is critical, so never wait to “see if they get better.”
Timing Is Everything: Walks and Exercise in the Heat
We all know dogs need their daily exercise, but during hot spells it’s important to adapt your routine. Avoid the midday sun and aim for walks early in the morning or later in the evening, when the air is cooler and more comfortable. Before setting off, test the pavement by placing your hand or bare foot on it for seven seconds – if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Opt for shorter, gentler outings rather than long, strenuous ones, and whenever possible, choose shaded routes including parks, woodland trails, or leafy streets instead of open, sun-baked pavements.
Remember, mental stimulation can tire a dog out just as much as physical activity, so on particularly hot days consider swapping a long walk for an indoor training session, a puzzle feeder challenge, or a fun scent game.
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
Fresh, cool water is your dog’s best defence against dehydration in warm weather. Make sure they have access to clean water at all times whether indoors, in the garden, or out and about. Here are some Rooke’s recommended hydration hacks:
🐶 Multiple water stations – place several water bowls around your home and garden so your dog always has easy access to a drink.
🐶 Fresh water on the go – carry a portable water bottle with a built-in dispenser or collapsible bowl whenever you’re out and about.
🐶 Water-rich snacks – offer safe fruits and vegetables with high water content such as cucumber, courgette, or seedless melon (in moderation and remove the rind).
🐶 Flavour boosters – add a small splash of pet-safe goat’s milk or a few drops of tuna water (from tuna in spring water) to encourage fussy drinkers.
🐶 Cool and clean bowls – refresh water frequently and keep bowls out of direct sunlight to maintain a cooler, more appealing temperature
Signs of dehydration in dogs include dry gums, excessive panting, lethargy, and skin that doesn’t quickly spring back when gently lifted.
Create Cool Spaces at Home
When the sun is blazing, your dog needs somewhere cool to retreat to. Indoors, keep curtains and blinds closed to block out direct sunlight, and use fans to improve airflow.
Outdoors, make sure there are shaded areas in your garden, whether that’s under a tree, a parasol, or a gazebo. Cooling mats and cooling bandanas can also make a big difference, and at Rooke’s we stock a range of summer essentials to help your dog chill out in style.
Grooming for Summer Comfort
While it might be tempting to give your dog a drastic haircut in summer, not all breeds benefit. In fact, some double-coated breeds (Huskies, Collies, and Retrievers), rely on their coat to protect them from both heat and sunburn.
Instead, focus on regular brushing to remove excess hair and prevent matting which can trap heat. A light trim around problem areas like the paws and belly can help improve airflow for Spaniels and Labradors.
It’s also important to use dog-friendly sun cream on exposed areas (noses and ears), especially in light-coloured or thin-coated dogs.
Never (and we mean, NEVER) Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car – Not Even for a Minute
It’s a message we can’t repeat enough: dogs die in hot cars. Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can quickly soar to dangerous levels in minutes – cracking a window is not enough.
If you see a dog in distress in a car on a hot day, dial 999 immediately and follow the RSPCA’s advice. It’s always better to act quickly than risk a tragedy.
Fun Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool
Summer safety doesn’t have to mean missing out on fun. In fact, there are plenty of ways to help your dog enjoy the warmer weather safely:
🐾 Paddling pools – many dogs love splashing around in shallow water.
🐾 Frozen treats – make ice lollies with dog-friendly ingredients like carrot sticks or chunks of banana frozen in water, or try Frozzys!
🐾 Water games – gentle hose play or sprinklers can be a hit, but introduce them slowly if your dog is unsure.
🐾 Cooling toys – Some toys can be soaked in water and even frozen, offering both fun and relief from the heat.
Travel Tips for Hot Weather
If you’re heading out with your dog this summer – to the beach, a friend’s garden, or on holiday – Rooke’s recommends planning ahead to keep them comfortable. Make sure your vehicle has good ventilation, never travel without a water supply for your dog, and take regular breaks so they can enjoy a drink and some shade. Using sunshades on your car windows will also help reduce direct sunlight and keep the interior cooler for the journey, particularly at the back of the car where most dogs tend to travel.
Listen to Your Dog
Above all, remember that every dog is different. Some love the heat, while others are quick to flop into the nearest shady spot. Pay attention to their behaviour – they’ll often tell you when they’re too hot or need a break.
At Rooke’s, we believe a happy dog is a healthy dog, and that means adapting your routine to the seasons. With these tips, you can make sure summer is a time of joy, not danger, for your furry best friend.
From all of us at Rooke’s, have a wonderful, safe summer, and give your four-legged friend a gentle ear scratch from us.