How to Keep My Dog Cool in Hot Weather - Summer Survival Tips for UK Dog Owners
When the British summer finally makes an appearance, it brings sunny skies, BBQs… and a big risk to our companions. Dogs and puppies can struggle in hot weather, and knowing how to keep your dog cool is essential for their health and happiness.
Whether you're dealing with your first summer as a puppy owner or just need a refresher, here’s your go-to guide for how to keep your dog or puppy cool in hot weather, including low-energy training ideas, frozen treats for dogs, and early warning signs of dog heatstroke.
25°C+ can be dangerous. Dogs can start overheating on walks in temperatures most humans find comfortable.
When Is It Too Hot to Walk My Dog or Puppy?
The golden rule: if the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
In hot weather, aim to walk your dog during the coolest parts of the day - early mornings (before 8am) or later evenings (after 8pm). Even better, swap your usual longer walks for short training walks that focus on engagement, recall, and loose lead skills.
Avoid peak hours between 10am–6pm, especially for brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, older dogs, and young puppies who are more vulnerable to overheating.
Walk early or late. Before 8am or after 8pm is safest.
What to Do with My Dog in Hot Weather? Mental Enrichment Is Key!
Mental stimulation can wear a dog out more than a long walk. On hot days, swap physical exercise for problem-solving tasks like:
Lickimats or Kong-style feeders filled with your frozen treat mixture
Snuffle mats or rolled-up towels hiding kibble
Training mini-sessions (like teaching a new trick or refining recall)
Whether you're working on puppy training in Essex or ongoing adult dog training in Hertfordshire, these low energy activities are great for keeping dogs calm and content when the sun is blazing.
Mental stimulation indoors is often better on hot days!
Indoor Games and Low Energy Training Ideas for Hot Days
Just because it’s hot doesn’t mean training has to stop. Use this time to work on your dog’s focus, calmness, and relationship indoors with low-energy puppy training games like:
Find it: Hide treats around a room and let your dog sniff them out.
Place training: Teach your dog to settle on a mat while you move around.
Touch game: Build engagement by teaching your dog to target your hand with their nose.
Shaping games: Use a clicker or marker word to reward any interaction with a specific object (e.g., step on a mat, nudge a cone).
Short sessions of 3–5 minutes spaced throughout the day can really help maintain and even advance your training progress.
Flat-faced breeds overheat faster. Bulldogs, Pugs, Frenchies and similar breeds are at higher risk.
Frozen Treats for Dogs: A Simple Summer Recipe
Frozen dog treats aren’t just a cute Instagram moment - they’re a great way to cool your dog down and give them a bit of enrichment.
Easy Frozen Dog Treats Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 ripe banana
1 tbsp natural peanut butter (xylitol-free!)
200ml plain yoghurt or kefir
Optional: blueberries or a sprinkle of turmeric
Method:
Mash the banana, mix in the yoghurt and peanut butter, pour into ice cube trays or silicone moulds, and freeze overnight.
These frozen treats for dogs are ideal after a short training session or just to give your dog something nutritious to lick in the shade!
Heatstroke can set in within minutes. Early signs include drooling, wobbliness, and rapid breathing.
How to Spot Dog Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion
Even with the best prep, dogs can still overheat quickly. Know the signs of dog heatstroke and act fast if you see them.
Common Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs:
Excessive panting or drooling
Lethargy or collapse
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Bright red or pale gums
Confusion or unresponsiveness
Puppies are especially vulnerable, as they’re still building resilience and body regulation. If in doubt, get your dog to a shaded area, use cool (not cold) water, and call your vet immediately.
Keep Cool, Train Smart, and Stay Safe
Keeping your dog or puppy cool in hot weather doesn’t have to mean pausing progress or sacrificing fun. With a few smart adjustments - like indoor brain games, frozen treats, and knowing when to walk - you can continue building your dog’s skills while keeping them safe and comfortable.
Whether you’re navigating your first summer with a puppy or want to make better decisions for your older dog during heatwaves, a calm, cool approach is always the best one.