How can I keep my dog safe in summer?
When the sun comes out in the UK, most of us don’t need much convincing to spend more time outside with our dogs. Longer walks, afternoons in the garden and trips to the beach are all part of summer.
But while we’re reaching for sunglasses and sun cream, it’s important to remember that dogs experience hot weather very differently. Temperatures that feel manageable to us can quickly become dangerous for them.
Heatstroke in dogs
Dogs can struggle to cool down when the temperature climbs. Unlike us, they can’t sweat - they rely on panting to regulate their body temperature, which only goes so far in hot weather.
Early signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, drooling, restlessness, slowing down on walks or seeming unusually tired or confused. As it progresses, dogs may vomit, develop diarrhoea, lose coordination or collapse.
If you think your dog is overheating, move them to a cool, shaded area immediately, cool them with cool water and airflow, and offer small amounts of water if they're able to drink.
Top tips:
-
Make sure your dog always has fresh water available.
-
Create a shaded, breezy spot for them to rest.
-
Walk during the coolest parts of the day – early morning or late evening.
Heatstroke should always be treated as a veterinary emergency, even if your dog seems to improve. Around one in seven dogs treated by vets for heatstroke do not survive, although research shows that most dogs treated early with mild symptoms usually make a full recovery.
Walking safely in summer
Walking safely in summer
Walks are an important part of your dog’s routine, but during a heatwave, when you walk matters more than how far.
Aim for early morning or late evening, when temperatures are cooler and the ground is less intense. Exercise is the leading cause of heatstroke in dogs, accounting for around three-quarters of cases. Research has found that nearly 70% of dogs with exercise-induced heatstroke became unwell after simply going for a walk on a hot day.
Stick to shaded routes where possible, carry fresh water, and don't worry about cutting walks short. On particularly hot days, it's often safest to skip the walk altogether and opt for calm indoor enrichment instead.
Don't forget the pavement, either. A simple seven-second test can help: place the back of your hand on the ground. If it's too hot to hold there comfortably, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
Some dogs are especially vulnerable to hot weather, including flat-faced breeds, older dogs, puppies, overweight dogs and those with thick coats.
Grass seeds
After every walk:
-
Check between toes, underarms, ears, and tail for seeds.
-
Brush your dog’s coat thoroughly.
-
If you suspect a grass seed is embedded, speak to your vet.
Blue-green algae
This toxic algae can lurk in still water like ponds, lakes, and reservoirs. It’s dangerous to both dogs and people, causing vomiting, twitching, breathing issues — and can be fatal.
Keep your dog safe:
-
Avoid letting them swim or drink from discoloured or scummy water.
-
Look out for local warning signs.
-
If your dog has been in suspect water, rinse them immediately and call your vet.
Ticks
Ticks are small parasites found in long grass, woodland and rural areas, especially in warmer months. They attach to your dog to feed and can sometimes carry diseases such as Lyme disease. They are oval-shaped, flat and can be as small as a sesame seed before feeding. Once attached, they become larger and more visible.
After every walk:
- Check your dog thoroughly, especially around the ears, neck, armpits, groin and between the toes.
- Run your hands through their coat to feel for any small bumps.
- Remove any ticks carefully using a proper tick removal tool or contact your vet if you’re unsure.
Travelling in the car
Cars can become dangerously hot in a matter of minutes, even on days that don't feel particularly extreme.
-
Use air conditioning or open windows slightly for airflow.
-
Fit sunshades if your dog sits near a window.
-
Take regular rest stops for water, toilet breaks, and a leg stretch.
-
Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes — it can become life-threateningly hot in no time.
Days at the beach
There’s nothing like a beach day with your dog, but seaside fun can come with hidden risks. Watch out for:
-
Sea water: Dogs that drink or swallow too much can develop salt poisoning — bring plenty of fresh water and encourage them to drink it instead.
-
Sunburn: Pale or thin-coated dogs can burn on noses and ears, so apply a pet-safe sunscreen.
-
Sand irritation: Rinse your dog after a beach trip to remove salt and sand from their coat and paws.
In the garden
A sunny garden is a dog’s paradise but it’s worth being cautious.
-
Toxic plants: Some flowers and bulbs can be poisonous if chewed. Check out our list of poisonous plants for dogs.
-
Insect stings: Some dogs react badly to wasp or bee stings. If you spot swelling or discomfort, contact your vet.
-
Slug pellets and insect killers: These can be deadly if swallowed. Keep them out of reach or use pet-safe alternatives.
Barbecue safety
Dogs plus barbecues can be a recipe for trouble. Tempting smells aside, many BBQ treats are far too fatty, salty or seasoned for dogs, and cooked bones can splinter and cause internal injuries.
BBQ dos and don’ts:
-
Keep food and skewers well out of reach.
-
Avoid sharing scraps or leftovers.
-
Watch for sneaky scavenging under the table!
Enjoying a safe and happy summer
Heatwaves don’t have to stop you enjoying summer with your dog, but they do mean adapting your routine. In hot weather, it’s our responsibility as owners to make the right choices to keep our dogs safe and well.
A bit of extra care goes a long way when the sun’s shining. Keep your dog cool, hydrated and protected from hidden hazards, and you’ll both enjoy a summer full of wagging tails and happy memories.
