Keeping Your Dog Cool in Summer: Heatstroke Signs & Cooling Kit

British summers catch a lot of dog owners out. We're not used to real heat, our homes aren't built for it, and dogs can go from panting to a genuine emergency far faster than people expect. Dogs can't sweat the way we do — they lose heat mainly by panting, with a little through their paw pads — and that system struggles quickly once it's properly warm. The good news is that heatstroke is almost entirely preventable with a bit of planning. Here's how to keep your dog safe and comfortable.

Walk early, walk late — or not at all

On warm days, walk in the cool of early morning or late evening and skip the middle of the day entirely. A missed walk never hurt a dog; heatstroke can kill one. Replace a hot midday walk with indoor enrichment to burn energy without the risk.

Use the five-second pavement test before every walk: press the back of your hand flat to the tarmac for five seconds. If you can't hold it there comfortably, it's too hot for paw pads, which can blister badly on hot ground.

Some dogs are at much higher risk and need extra caution:

• Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds — bulldogs, pugs, French bulldogs — struggle to pant efficiently and overheat dangerously fast.
• Puppies and senior dogs, who regulate temperature less well.
• Overweight dogs and thick double-coated breeds.
• Dogs with any heart or breathing condition.

Know the signs of heatstroke

Act the moment you see them — this is an emergency, not a wait-and-see:

• Heavy, frantic or noisy panting that doesn't settle
• Excessive drooling, bright red or very pale gums
• Wobbliness, stumbling or weakness
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Collapse, confusion or seizures

What to do: move your dog into shade or indoors immediately, offer small amounts of cool water, and start cooling them with cool (not ice-cold) water over the body — recent veterinary guidance is that "cool first, transport second" saves lives. Then phone your vet straight away and head in. Even a dog that seems to recover needs checking, as the effects can continue internally.

The simple cooling kit

A few inexpensive items make hot days far safer and more comfortable:

• A pressure-activated cooling mat draws heat away the moment your dog lies on it — no freezing, water or electricity needed, and it recharges itself once they step off. Put one in their favourite sunny spot, the crate, or the car (for travel, never for leaving them).
• A collapsible travel water bottle and bowl means fresh water is always to hand on walks and days out.
• A paddling pool, frozen treats (a stuffed, frozen toy is brilliant), damp towels to lie on, and plenty of shade do the rest.
• A cooling coat or bandana, soaked and worn, helps on longer outings.

Browse the full cooling range to get set up before the first heatwave.

Never leave a dog in a car

Not for "just five minutes", not with the windows cracked, not in the shade. On a 22°C day a car can reach 47°C inside within an hour, and most of that rise happens in the first 10–15 minutes. If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, in an emergency call 999. The simplest rule: if you can't take your dog with you when you park, leave them at home.

Keeping the home cool

• Close curtains and blinds on the sunny side of the house during the day.
• Leave fresh water in several rooms, and add ice cubes to the bowl.
• Give your dog access to the coolest floor in the house — tiles and a cooling mat beat carpet.
• A fan helps a little, but remember dogs don't sweat, so airflow does less for them than it does for us.

Frequently asked questions

Do cooling mats need freezing? No — ours are pressure-activated gel and recharge on their own once your dog steps off. There's nothing to plug in or put in the freezer.

What temperature is too hot to walk a dog? As a rough UK guide, take care above about 20°C and keep it short and to the cool of the day; above 24°C, and certainly for flat-faced, old, young or overweight dogs, it's safest to skip the walk. Always do the pavement test.

Can cats use cooling mats? Absolutely — cats love them on warm windowsills and floors. Just choose a size to suit.

My dog won't drink enough on hot days — what helps? Offer water in several spots, add a little water to their food, try ice cubes as a treat, and carry a travel bottle on every outing.

Is it safe to shave my double-coated dog in summer? Usually not — that double coat actually insulates against heat and protects from sunburn. Brush out the dead undercoat instead; ask a groomer if unsure.

A quick note: Everypaw is a pet-supplies shop, not a veterinary service. Heatstroke is a medical emergency — if you suspect it, cool your dog and call your vet immediately. The PDSA and Blue Cross publish free UK summer-safety advice.

Shop cooling gear and travel bowls for summer.