Most dog owners know not to leave their pet in a hot car. But summer throws up plenty of other risks that don't get talked about nearly enough. Burnt paw pads, skin flare-ups, dehydration and early-stage heatstroke can all catch you off guard on what seems like a perfectly normal warm day.
Rethink Your Walk Times
The simplest change you can make in summer is adjusting when you walk. Pavements absorb heat throughout the day, and by early afternoon, tarmac can hit 52°C even when the air temperature is only 25°C. That's hot enough to burn your dog's paws in under a minute.
Try to get out before 9am or after 7pm when surfaces have had time to cool. If you're unsure, use the five-second test: press the back of your hand flat against the pavement. If you can't hold it there comfortably, it's too hot for your dog.
On particularly warm days, shorter walks with more frequent water stops will do more good than one long outing. Carry a collapsible bowl and top it up often. Dogs lose moisture fast through panting, and most won't drink enough on their own once they're already overheated.
Paw Protection Beyond the Pavement
Burnt pads are painful and can take weeks to heal, so prevention matters. Grass is always the cooler option when it's available. Stick to shaded paths and grassy routes where you can, and avoid artificial turf, which heats up even faster than tarmac.
If your usual route is mostly paved, a protective paw balm applied before the walk will create a barrier between the pad and the surface. Dog boots are another option, though not every dog will tolerate them. Whichever you choose, check paws after every walk for redness, blisters or limping.
Summer Skin and Coat Care
Warm weather doesn't just affect paws. Hot spots, heat rashes and dry, irritated skin all tend to flare up during summer. The combination of higher temperatures, increased humidity and environmental allergens like pollen puts extra pressure on your dog's skin barrier.
Dogs with thick or double coats are especially prone to this, since dense fur traps heat and moisture close to the skin. Regular brushing will help air circulate through the coat, and rinsing your dog with cool water after walks removes pollen and dirt before they cause irritation.
Adding an omega-3 supplement to your dog's diet can also help. The EPA and DHA in salmon oil for dogs support skin hydration from within and have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce itching and redness. Consistent use throughout the warmer months will make a bigger difference than starting once a problem has already developed.
You'll often notice an improvement in coat condition too, with less excessive shedding and a healthier shine. Consistent use throughout the warmer months will make a bigger difference than starting once a problem has already developed.
Cooling Mats and Shade Set-ups
A cooling mat gives your dog somewhere to lie down and bring their body temperature down without any fuss. Most gel-based mats activate with pressure and don't need refrigeration, so you can place one by the back door or in your dog's favourite spot.
If you don't have a cooling mat, a damp towel laid flat on a cool floor works in a pinch. Just don't drape wet towels over your dog, as this can trap heat and make things worse. Always ensure there's a shaded area available in your garden, whether that's under a tree, a parasol or a simple pop-up canopy.
Frozen Enrichment to Beat the Heat
On days when it's too hot for a proper walk, frozen enrichment keeps your dog mentally busy and cool at the same time. A Kong stuffed with peanut butter and banana, then frozen overnight, will keep most dogs occupied for a good 20 to 30 minutes. Lick mats smeared with plain yoghurt or blended watermelon and frozen solid are another easy option.
You can also freeze low-sodium bone broth in ice cube trays and scatter them on a snuffle mat for a longer-lasting challenge. These activities replace some of the stimulation your dog would normally get from a walk, and the licking itself has a naturally calming effect.
How to Spot Heatstroke Early
Heatstroke can escalate quickly, and recognising it early is critical. A dog's normal body temperature is around 38 to 39°C. Once it rises above 40°C, organ damage can begin.
The earliest signs to watch for are heavy, continuous panting that doesn't settle, excessive drooling with thick or sticky saliva, red gums, and general sluggishness. If your dog seems confused, unsteady on their feet or collapses, that's a veterinary emergency. Move them to a cool area, pour cool (not ice-cold) water over their body, focusing on the stomach, inner thighs and neck, and call your vet immediately.
Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs are at significantly higher risk because they can't pant as effectively. But any dog can overheat, so don't assume your breed is safe just because they don't fall into a high-risk category.
Small Changes That Add Up
Keeping your dog comfortable in summer doesn't require expensive equipment or a complete routine overhaul. Most of it comes down to timing your walks better, watching the ground temperature, offering water more often and paying attention to the small signs that something's off.
The dogs that struggle most in summer are usually the ones whose owners didn't notice the early warning signs until things got serious. A bit of planning goes a long way.