Dogs cannot sweat the way we do, which means hot weather hits them harder than most owners realise. The good news is that keeping your dog comfortable through summer does not need to be complicated - a few small changes make a real difference.
Know the signs of overheating
Heavy panting, drooling more than usual, lethargy, or a wobbly walk are all early warning signs. If you notice any of these on a hot day, get your dog into shade and offer water straight away, and contact your vet if things do not improve quickly.
Walk at the cooler ends of the day
Early morning and late evening walks avoid both the heat and the risk of hot pavement burning sensitive paw pads. If you can hold the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds comfortably, it is safe for paws - if not, it is too hot to walk on.
Give them somewhere cool to retreat to
A breathable cooling mat placed somewhere shaded lets your dog choose comfort on their own terms rather than panting on the kitchen tiles all afternoon. Many are simple to use too, no fridge, no water, no fuss, just somewhere genuinely cooler to lie down.
Water, water, and more water
Fresh water should always be easy to find around the house, and a spare bowl outside if your dog spends time in the garden is a simple habit worth building. Some dogs drink more readily from moving water too, which is worth keeping in mind if yours is a fussy drinker.
Never leave a dog in a car
It is worth repeating every single summer, a car heats up dangerously fast, even with windows cracked, even for a couple of minutes. If your dog cannot come inside with you, they should not be in the car at all.
None of this needs to be complicated. A cooler walking time, a shaded spot, and something comfortable to lie on go a long way toward a happy, safe summer for your dog.