When temperatures rise, so do the risks for our four-legged friends. Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat through their skin; they rely on panting and limited sweat glands in their paws to regulate body temperature. This makes them more susceptible to overheating in summer.
So, if you’re wondering how to keep your dog cool, especially during a UK heatwave, here are the must-know tips every owner should follow.
Why Dogs Are at Risk of Overheating in Summer
Dogs are more sensitive to heat than humans. Breeds with thick coats, short noses (like Pugs or Bulldogs), and older or overweight dogs are particularly vulnerable. In extreme cases, overheating can lead to heatstroke, which is potentially fatal if not treated quickly.
Even moderate temperatures can become dangerous if dogs are over-exercised or left in hot environments like parked cars, conservatories, or unshaded gardens.
Signs of Overheating and Heat Stroke in Dogs
It’s crucial to spot the signs early. Symptoms of overheating and heat stroke include:
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Excessive panting or drooling
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Bright red gums or tongue
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Rapid heartbeat
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Vomiting or diarrhoea
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Weakness, wobbling, or collapse
If you notice any of these, act fast. Move your dog to a shaded, cool area and begin cooling them down (tips below), and contact your vet immediately.
How to Keep a Dog Cool in Summer: Essential Tips
1. Provide Shade and Fresh Water
Always ensure your dog has access to clean, cool water and a shaded spot indoors or outdoors. Consider placing multiple water bowls in different areas.
2. Walk During Cooler Parts of the Day
Early morning and late evening are the best times for walks. Avoid midday sun when temperatures peak, and never force your dog to walk if it’s too hot.
3. Use Cooling Mats or Damp Towels
Cooling mats, damp towels, or even a paddling pool can give your dog a safe place to chill. A frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel also works well.
4. Avoid Hot Pavement
Tarmac can burn your dog’s paws. A quick test: place the back of your hand on the ground. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.
5. Limit Strenuous Activity
Dogs don’t need intense play or long walks during a heatwave. Keep activities light and take frequent rest breaks.
How to Keep a Puppy Cool in Summer
Puppies are especially vulnerable in the heat because they can’t regulate their temperature as well as adult dogs. Tips to help keep your puppy cool in summer include:
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Keeping them indoors during peak temperatures
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Using a cooling mat or shaded area for naps
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Playing in short bursts in cooler times of day
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Offering small amounts of water regularly
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Avoiding car journeys where possible
Always monitor puppies closely, as they can overheat faster than you might expect.
How to Cool Down Your Dog Safely
If your dog starts showing signs of overheating, you need to act quickly - but safely. Here’s how to cool down your dog without putting them into shock:
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Move them to a cool, shaded area
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Wet their paws, ears, and chest with cool (not cold) water
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Offer small sips of water, not large amounts at once
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Use a fan or light breeze to help evaporation
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Avoid ice-cold water or ice packs directly on their body
Always consult a vet if symptoms persist.
Hydration and Digestion in Hot Weather
Hydration is key. Just like us, dogs need more water when it’s warm. Dehydration can lead to lethargy, constipation, and serious health risks. Ensure water is always available and refresh it regularly to maintain its coolness and appeal.
Digestion also plays a role in maintaining body temperature. Heavy meals can overwork your dog’s system in the heat, leading to discomfort and sluggishness.
Feeding Tips for Hot Weather
When temperatures climb, your dog’s appetite and digestion can shift. Many dogs eat less in hot weather, so it’s important to adjust how and what you feed them to keep them feeling comfortable and energised.
Here are some simple but effective feeding strategies:
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Offer smaller, more frequent meals to avoid overwhelming their digestive system
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Feed during the coolest parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening
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Avoid feeding just before or immediately after walks or play
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Always ensure fresh, cool water is available nearby during and after meals
Why Grain-Free and Hypoallergenic Food Makes a Difference Year-Round
At Sloane Pet Foods, we believe diet plays a key role in your dog’s overall health, and that’s especially true in the heat. However, the benefits of grain-free, hypoallergenic food extend far beyond the summer months.
Grain-Free Dog Food Benefits
Grain-free diets are ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or grain intolerances. In warmer weather, a grain-free formula:
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Aids digestion by removing heavy, hard-to-process grains like wheat and corn
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Reduces the risk of bloating or stomach upset, especially important during heat-related stress
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Supports steady energy levels without spiking blood sugar
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Helps maintain a healthy weight, as many grain-free recipes are naturally lower in carbs
Year-round, a grain-free diet promotes lean muscle, sustained energy, and a healthier gut, all key factors in long-term wellbeing.
Hypoallergenic Dog Food for Sensitive Dogs
As dogs age or experience environmental changes (like seasonal allergens), food sensitivities may develop. Our hypoallergenic recipes are free from common irritants like dairy, gluten, artificial additives, and low-quality fillers. This supports:
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Clearer skin and a shinier coat
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Fewer itchy, irritated patches, which are often caused by food triggers
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Better stool quality and digestive comfort
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A stronger immune system, thanks to reduced internal inflammation
During hot weather, avoiding inflammatory or allergenic ingredients can also help prevent additional discomfort like skin flare-ups, heat rashes, and fatigue.
Natural, Balanced Nutrition - Whatever the Season
All of our recipes are made with natural, gently cooked ingredients to retain essential nutrients and flavour. Fresh meat and fish are always the main ingredients, providing high-quality protein for muscle support without overburdening the digestive system.
So, whether it’s a heatwave or a chilly winter day, feeding Sloane Pet Foods’ natural, grain-free, and hypoallergenic diets gives your dog a reliable foundation of nutrition - one that keeps their body strong, their energy steady, and their tummy happy.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to keep your dog cool in summer isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. From recognising early signs of heatstroke to making smart decisions about hydration, feeding, and activity, a little preparation goes a long way.
By combining smart daily habits with high-quality, natural dog food like ours at Sloane Pet Foods, you can ensure your dog stays healthy, hydrated, and happy all summer long.
For more guidance, check out these trusted UK resources:
