Heatstroke in Dogs: How to Keep Your Dog Safe This Summer

As the weather warms up, many of us are excited to spend more time outdoors with our dogs. However, whilst we may enjoy the sunshine, hot weather can be incredibly dangerous for our canine companions. Dogs cannot regulate their body temperature in the same way that we can, meaning they can overheat quickly and develop heatstroke, which is a life-threatening emergency.

The good news is that heatstroke is largely preventable with the right knowledge. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your dog safe during the warmer months.

What is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises to dangerous levels and they are no longer able to cool themselves down effectively. It can happen far more quickly than many people realise and, if left untreated, can cause organ failure, permanent damage or even be fatal.

Prevention is always better than treatment.

Walk Smart, Keep Them Safe

One of the biggest mistakes owners make is walking their dogs during the hottest part of the day.

Instead:

✅ Walk early in the morning before temperatures rise.

✅ Wait until later in the evening when it has cooled down.

These walks are not only much safer but are also far more enjoyable for your dog.

Always check the pavement

Roads, pavements and artificial grass can become dangerously hot.

A simple rule to remember is:

If it’s too hot for the back of your hand for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Burnt paw pads are extremely painful and entirely preventable.

Always carry water

Take fresh drinking water on every walk and offer your dog regular opportunities to drink.

Adjust your walks

When temperatures are higher:

• Choose shorter walks.

• Take regular breaks in the shade.

• Allow your dog plenty of time to sniff and explore.

Remember, a relaxed sniff walk can be just as tiring as a long physical walk because sniffing provides excellent mental enrichment.

Why Enrichment is So Important During Hot Weather

When it’s too hot to go for long walks, many owners worry their dog won’t get enough exercise.

The truth is that mental stimulation can be just as important as physical exercise.

Providing enrichment allows your dog to use their brain whilst staying cool indoors or in the shade.

Licking activities

Licking has many benefits, including:

• Promoting relaxation and calmness.

• Helping reduce stress, anxiety and frustration.

• Cooling dogs down when enrichment is frozen.

• Helping dogs decompress after exciting or stressful events.

Try freezing a lick mat with plain Greek yoghurt or xylitol-free peanut butter for a cooling summer treat.

Chewing

Chewing is a completely natural behaviour and offers many benefits:

• Helps dogs relax and unwind.

• Provides mental stimulation.

• Reduces boredom and frustration.

• Satisfies their natural urge to chew and investigate.

• Can support good dental health, depending on the chew chosen.

Always supervise your dog and choose appropriate, dog-safe chews.

Sniffing

Did you know your dog’s nose is one of the most powerful tools they have?

Sniffing:

• Allows dogs to gather information about their environment.

• Is one of the most mentally enriching activities they can do.

• Builds confidence, especially in nervous dogs.

• Leaves dogs mentally tired without excessive physical exercise.

• Is perfect during hot weather when long walks aren’t safe.

A fun way to think about it is this:

That lamp post your dog is sniffing? It’s like checking their social media or reading a community noticeboard!

Easy Summer Enrichment Ideas

Keeping your dog cool doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here are some simple ideas you can try at home:

Frozen Lick Mats

Spread plain Greek yoghurt or xylitol-free peanut butter onto a lick mat and freeze it.

Stuffed Frozen Toys

Stuff a Kong or similar toy with wet food or treats and freeze it for a longer-lasting challenge.

Sniff & Search Games

Hide treats around your home or garden, scatter kibble in the grass, or use a snuffle mat and let your dog sniff them out.

Safe Chews

Offer a suitable natural chew to provide enrichment and encourage relaxation.

Puzzle Toys & Training

Use puzzle feeders or create a simple enrichment box filled with cardboard and hidden treats. You can also practise short training sessions indoors to keep your dog’s brain active.

Know the Signs of Heatstroke

Heatstroke can develop quickly, so it’s important to recognise the warning signs.

Watch out for:

• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing

• Heavy drooling or thick, sticky saliva

• Bright red or very pale gums and tongue

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Refusing water

• Lethargy or weakness

• Restlessness

• Wobbliness or loss of coordination

• Confusion or disorientation

• Collapse

• Seizures

• Loss of consciousness

If you notice any of these signs, treat it as an emergency.

What To Do If You Suspect Heatstroke

Act immediately.

1. Move your dog somewhere cool

Take them into a shaded, cool and well-ventilated area as quickly as possible.

2. Start cooling them down

Pour cool (not ice-cold) water over their body, paying particular attention to:

• Belly

• Groin

• Armpits

• Paws

Avoid wrapping them in wet towels, as this can trap heat against the body and slow cooling.

3. Use a fan

A fan helps water evaporate more efficiently, which cools your dog more effectively.

4. Offer water

Offer small amounts of cool drinking water if your dog is able and willing to drink.

Never force them.

5. Contact your vet immediately

Even if your dog appears to recover, they still need veterinary assessment.

Continue cooling your dog while travelling to the practice, as every minute they remain overheated increases the risk of internal organ damage.

Prevention is Always Better Than Treatment

Most cases of heatstroke can be prevented with sensible management.

During hot weather:

• Walk early morning or late evening.

• Check the pavement before every walk.

• Carry water.

• Keep walks shorter.

• Prioritise sniffing and enrichment over strenuous exercise.

• Never leave a dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes.

• Make sure your dog always has access to shade and fresh drinking water.

Final Thoughts

Summer should be a time for making happy memories with your dog, but it’s also a time to be extra cautious.

At Flintshire Dog Training, we’re passionate about helping owners understand their dogs and make informed choices that keep them safe, happy and healthy. Remember, your dog relies on you to make the right decisions for them. By adjusting your routine and incorporating enrichment into their day, you can keep them mentally stimulated whilst protecting them from the dangers of the heat.

If you’d like more practical training tips, enrichment ideas and puppy advice, be sure to follow Flintshire Dog Training on social media or get in touch—we’d love to help you and your dog build a happier life together. 🐾