Keeping Dogs Safe in Hot Weather
Dog safety is my number one priority, especially once summer starts turning up the heat. Every decision I make about walking, whether it's for my own dogs or the ones in my care, is made with that in mind. Here's what I do, and what I'd encourage every dog owner to think about too.
Loading Peterborough forecast…
How hot is too hot?
As a rough guide, this is how I judge it:
-
28°C and above
Too hot for exercise, full stop. Dogs stay indoors somewhere cool, with fans or a cooling mat, constant fresh water, and a damp towel or cooling vest if needed.
-
24–27°C
Walks are generally early morning or late evening where possible, and we avoid peak times. I always test the pavement with the back of my hand first, if it's too hot for that, it's too hot for paws.
-
Below 24°C
Generally fine to walk, but I still keep it shorter and stick to shady, grassy routes during the hottest part of the day, and keep a closer eye on older, larger or flat-faced dogs.
Keeping cool
- Shade and water: constant access to a shaded spot, indoors and out, and cold, clean water always on hand.
- Cooling pads: a fridge-cooled or self-cooling gel mat gives a dog somewhere to lie down and bring their temperature straight down, brilliant for the hottest part of the day.
- Frozen toys and treats: a frozen stuffed Kong or treats frozen into ice is an easy way to help a dog cool down while keeping them entertained.
- A paddling pool: I keep a kids' paddling pool out in the garden through summer, and every dog staying with me gets full use of it. It makes a real difference between walks.
- Pet-safe sunscreen on ear tips and noses, particularly for lighter-coated or pink-skinned dogs.
- Regular brushing to keep coats thin and free of matting, which traps heat against the skin.
A few of the spots in my guide to the best places to walk dogs in Peterborough suit warmer weather especially well, since there's plenty of water and shade: Nine Bridges (river), Ferry Meadows (lakes and rivers, shade), and Eye Green Nature Reserve (lake, shade, just watch out for swans).
A note on breeds: flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like pugs, bulldogs and boxers are far less able to regulate their body temperature than longer-nosed breeds. If you've got a flat-faced dog, treat all of the above more cautiously: shorter walks, cooler times, closer watching.
If walks aren't happening
Some days, the safest option is simply not to walk. My policy: if it's too hot to walk safely, I won't take dogs out, no exceptions. I'll never charge for a walk that didn't happen, and I'll always let you know as soon as I've made that call. Your dog's safety comes before anything else.
Signs of heatstroke
Know what to watch for: heavy panting, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness or lack of coordination, and collapsing.
If you see any of these signs: move your dog into shade immediately and offer them water. Start cooling them with cold water, avoiding their face, and contact your nearest vet straight away.
Never leave a dog in a car, caravan, conservatory or outbuilding in warm weather. Heatstroke can kill.
Stay cool out there. If you're ever unsure whether it's safe to walk your dog, message me, I'm always happy to talk it through.