Hot weather and your dog

January 05, 2024

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8 tips to keep your dog cool in hot weather

When hot weather arrives your dog may feel hot and bothered. Apart from that, he could also possibly be at some risk of heatstroke. Keep your dog safe by keeping him as cool as possible during the hot weather.

This is especially important for flat-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs as heat can be very dangerous for them.

1. Have more than one bowl of water available

Especially during hot weather, one water bowl can be dangerous as, if your dog spills that when you go out, they may spend hours without any water.

It’s essential to have multiple bowls of water in different spots. Also ensure that bowls are kept in cool places so the water doesn’t become too hot to drink.

2. Water for your dog to play in during hot weather

In hot weather provide your pooch with a paddling pool in a nice shady place. Even standing in the pool is effective (for both your dog and you 😊) as dogs release heat through their paws.

Some dogs will be straight in there, splashing about, but others might need some encouragement. Put a couple of their favourite, waterproof toys in the middle to entice them to hop in.

If your dog is comfortable with water you can also dampen their coat by splashing some water on them. Or, you can fill a spray bottle and regularly spray their body – keep the spray away from their face

3. Use a wet towel

Wetting a towel with cool water and placing it over your dog can help to cool them, especially if they have heatstroke.

Keep checking the towel and replace with a fresh one as soon as the current one starts to warm up. It is important to do this as, once the towel warms up, it will make your dog feel warmer rather than cooler.

4. Make some icy treats for your dog

Try these simple recipes to create some great, icy treats for your dog during hot weather. She will love them and it’s a great way to help her to cool down.

It is important to make sure that the treats are an appropriate size for your dog.

5. Cooling mats in hot weather

I have had cooling mats for two of my dogs and they really get some relief when lying on them.

Another option is to wrap a frozen bottle of water in a towel and place that in your dog’s bed.

6. Cool your dog with a fan

If it’s hot inside your house having a fan going can help to cool your dog. To make it even cooler put some frozen water bottles in front of the fan. This can send extra cool air towards your dog, and you too!

7. Hot weather walks – walk your dog at cooler times of the day

Your dog most likely loves their daily walk but in hot weather it’s important to walk at cooler times of the day. Walking during the middle of the day can be dangerous as can any energetic games. These can lead to heatstroke. Go for that walk first thing in the morning or after everything cools down.

The other danger of walking during hot times of day is that your dog’s paws can burn on hot pavement. If holding your palm on the ground is too hot for you it is too hot for your dog’s paws.

8. Don’t leave your dog in a car in hot weather

Car interiors can become very hot in a very short period of time. Because of this you should NEVER leave your dog in a car, even if only for a moment and even with the windows open.

When travelling in the car with your dog, remember to take water and a bowl with you. If the weather is really hot turn on the air conditioning and stop every now and then to give your dog some water.

Signs of heatstroke in dogs

Heatstroke in dogs can be fatal. Signs of heatstroke are:

Excessive panting
Lethargy
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Purple gums and redness of the skin
Collapse

If you notice these symptoms, move your dog out of the sun and keep them as still as possible. Dampen their coat with cool water and try to get them to drink some water. Contact your vet immediately.

Disclaimer: This information is general in nature only. While “Don’t Fret Pet!” has endeavoured to ensure the information we’ve relied on is accurate and current, we do not guarantee it. “Don’t Fret Pet!” accepts no liability for this information.