There’s nothing quite like a sunny stroll with your four-legged friend, but when the temperature climbs, summer dog walking requires a bit of extra thought and preparation. At Rooke’s, we love seeing dogs out enjoying the fresh air, but we also know that hot weather can bring a number of risks to our furry companions.
Whether you’re planning a quick lunchtime dog walk or heading out for a longer adventure, keeping your dog safe in the summer sun should always come first. In this guide, we’ll walk (pun intended!) you through everything you need to know to keep your pooch cool, hydrated, and happy during the warmer months.
Why Summer Dog Walking Requires Special Care
Dogs don’t sweat the way humans do – they rely mostly on panting to cool down which isn’t always effective on particularly hot days. Combine that with a thick coat of fur and sensitive paw pads and you’ve got a recipe for overheating and potential health hazards.
But don’t worry – with a few simple precautions, you and your pooch can still enjoy safe, stress-free walks all summer long. Before we dive into the safety tips, it’s important to understand the most common heat-related risks for dogs:
🐶 Heatstroke – a potentially life-threatening condition.
🐶 Burnt paw pads – from hot pavement, sand, or artificial grass.
🐶 Dehydration – from lack of water during walks.
🐶 Sunburn – especially for dogs with short or light-coloured coats.
Time Your Dog Walks Wisely
One of the easiest ways to avoid the heat is to adjust the time of your walks. During summer, it’s best to walk your dog either early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature is cooler and the pavement has had a chance to cool.
Top Tip from Rooke’s: If you’re unsure whether it’s too hot, place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws!
Keep Them Hydrated
Just like us, dogs need to stay hydrated, especially in warmer weather. Always bring a portable dog water bottle and a collapsible bowl with you on walks, and encourage your dog to take regular drinks, particularly if they’re panting more than usual.
At Rooke’s, we stock a range of travel-friendly hydration solutions, from doggy water bottles to cool bowls that keep water fresh for longer.
Choose the Right Route
Shaded paths, grassy areas, and woodland walks are all ideal for summer dog walking. They not only help protect your dog’s paws, but also keep your pooch cooler and more comfortable.
Avoid long stretches of tarmac, sand, or gravel where the heat can intensify. A good rule of thumb is: if you’d rather be in the shade, your dog probably would too!
Mind the Signs of Overheating
It’s important to recognise the warning signs of heatstroke early. Symptoms include:
⚠️ Excessive panting or drooling
⚠️ Bright red gums or tongue
⚠️ Lethargy or confusion
⚠️ Vomiting or diarrhoea
⚠️ Collapse or seizures
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, move them to a shaded or cool area, offer water, and contact your vet immediately.
Never leave your dog in a parked car – not even for a moment. Even with the windows slightly open, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise to life-threatening levels within minutes, leading to heatstroke, irreversible organ damage, and ultimately death. It’s a tragic and entirely preventable risk.
Protect Those Paws
It can’t be stressed enough, but hot surfaces can seriously harm your dog’s paws. Pavements, artificial grass, sand, and even decking can become scorching in the summer sun. A dog’s paw pads are far more delicate than they seem, and prolonged contact with hot ground can cause painful burns, blisters, and long-term damage.
At Rooke’s, we stock a carefully selected range of paw protection products to help keep your pet safe and comfortable year-round. One of our favourites is Johnson’s Paw & Nose Balm – it’s perfect for soothing, moisturising, and protecting delicate paw pads from heat, rough terrain, or dryness.
Don’t Overdo It
While some dogs are bundles of energy all year round, it’s important to adjust your walking routine in hot weather. A shorter, slower-paced walk might be safer than your usual route.
Keep a close eye on how your dog is coping; older dogs, puppies, brachycephalic breeds (like Pugs, Bulldogs and Shih Tzus), and dogs with medical conditions are especially vulnerable to heat stress.
Cooling Accessories to the Rescue
Technology and innovation have made summer dog walking easier than ever. Here are some of our favourite cooling products available at Rooke’s Pet Products:
👉 Cooling vests and bandanas – simply soak them in cool water and gently place them on your dog. These products are designed to promote effective heat evaporation and provide safe, refreshing relief on hot days.Avoid fully wrapping your dog in a wet towel – especially tightly – as it can trap heat instead of releasing it, preventing proper airflow and making your dog even hotter. Also, steer clear of ice-cold water or frozen towels as extreme cold can cause shock or constrict blood vessels, slowing down the cooling process. Always opt for cool (not freezing) water for safe and effective temperature regulation.
👉 Cooling mats – ideal for post-walk relaxation and relief.
👉 Cooling toys – keep your dog engaged and chilled at the same time with our Rooke’s range of soakers (they’re lots of fun!).
Whether you’re out and about or relaxing in the garden, these clever products can make a world of difference when temperatures rise.
Stay Safe on the Go
If you’re heading off for a longer walk or hike, plan ahead:
🗣️ Let someone know your route
🚰 Carry extra water (for both of you!)
🩹 Bring a first-aid kit tailored for dogs
🪲 Check your dog for ticks if you’ve been in long grass or wooded areas
And remember, the adventure should be fun – not exhausting. Always prioritise your dog’s safety and comfort over your distance or duration.
Make Indoor Days Enriching
If it’s too hot to go outside, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated indoors, such as:
🧩 Puzzle toys to keep their minds active
🫣 Hide-and-seek games with dog treats
🧠 Short training sessions to reinforce skills
🦴 Frozen dog-safe treats to beat the heat
At Rooke’s, we’re big fans of keeping pets entertained and enriched even when the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor play.
A Word on Sun Protection
Yes, dogs can get sunburnt, particularly on their noses, ears, bellies, and anywhere with thin or light-coloured fur. Look for pet-safe sun protection (never human suncream) and apply it to the vulnerable areas before walks.
We stock pet-safe sun protection products at Rooke’s and are happy to help you choose the right one for your dog.
Summer is a fantastic time to bond with your dog, explore the outdoors, and enjoy some fresh air together. But with rising temperatures, a little extra awareness goes a long way.
At Rooke’s, we’re committed to helping pet owners enjoy every season safely. Whether you need summer walking gear, hydration solutions, or cooling products, our expert team is here to help. So grab that lead, check the temperature, and enjoy your next dog walk the safe way (because at the end of the day, nothing matters more than your dog’s health and happiness).