How does heat affect your daily routine? Do you move to a cooler workspace, work shorter hours, or take a day off? Maybe you sit in front of a fan or eat more ice cream. These are just a few ways to beat the heat during summer.
But hot temperatures don’t just affect us — they also impact our furry friends. And just like people, every dog handles heat differently. Dogs bred for cold climates with thick coats may struggle more in the heat than short-haired breeds. Dogs with short snouts might tolerate heat worse than long-snouted breeds. Puppies, senior dogs, overweight dogs or those with certain illnesses or on medication may also have a harder time in the heat.
That’s why caring for our dogs during hot weather means making some routine adjustments. This might include modifying their activity levels or adjusting walk times to avoid the hottest part of the day — especially to prevent walking on hot asphalt.
Did you know that dog’s paws play an important role in regulating their body temperature? In warm weather, their paws help them cool down — and in cold weather, they help them warm up. But this process becomes much harder when they walk on hot surfaces, like asphalt during a hot day.
Unlike dogs, we usually wear shoes, which protect our feet and prevent us from realising how quickly asphalt can heat up. Here’s a simple test: place your hand on the asphalt in a sunny spot and hold it there for 5 seconds. If it feels too hot for your hand, it’s definitely too hot for your dog’s paws — especially over a longer walk.
As shown in the graph, air temperature and asphalt temperature can vary significantly. So even if it doesn’t feel that hot to you, your dog’s paws might already be at risk of burns.
Besides the dangers of hot pavement, cars can trap heat even faster. Remember, never leave your dog unattended in a car. Even with the air conditioning on or a window cracked open, the inside of a car can heat up dangerously fast — often before you even realise it.
The signs of your dog getting too hot
You may already know that when your dog gets warm, they start panting to cool themselves down. In addition to panting, you might notice other signs such as difficulty breathing, fatigue, changes in behaviour, or a lack of interest in activities your dog usually enjoys, like playing or learning tricks. These signs mean it’s time to help your dog cool down (see the tips below). If not addressed promptly, overheating can quickly lead to heatstroke—a critical condition that requires immediate attention. Recognising the signs of heatstroke is vital, as identifying them too late can be fatal.
Signs of heat stroke in dogs:
- Excessive panting and difficulty breathing
- Drooling and salivation
- Bright red or purple tongue and gums
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy, drowsiness, or confusion
- Stumbling or collapsing
- Seizures
If you notice any of these signs, take your dog to the vet immediately. While you’re on the way or waiting for veterinary assistance, start cooling your dog down:
- Gently move your dog to a shaded, cool and well ventilated area
- Place your dog in front of the fan
- Spray or hose them with cool (not ice-cold) water or keep wiping them down with a wet towel
- Do not use ice-cold water — this can cause body shock
- Offer (but don’t force) small amounts of cool water to drink
Tips for safe activities during hot days
It’s important to adjust your dog’s activities and make environmental changes on hot days. This helps ensure your dog gets mental stimulation safely while also having opportunities to cool down.
- Avoid walking your dog during midday, or limit it to a short potty break. Choose routes with plenty of shade and grassy areas, as asphalt can become dangerously hot and burn your dog’s paws.
- Take longer walks in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
- Avoid dog parks, frisbee or ball throwing, and other high-energy activities. Instead, choose a calm off-leash or long-line walk in a quiet area, focusing on slow, sniffing-paced walks. Dogs who are excited and eager to play may not know their limits, so using a long line can help prevent overheating from excessive running and playing.
- When sleeping, dogs regulate their body temperature by changing positions and the surfaces they sleep on. Therefore, never leave your dog confined in a covered crate or placed in a sunny spot. Make sure they are in a well-ventilated, cool area where they can choose from different resting surfaces.
- Focus on indoor activities like sniffing games or trick training.
- Make sure your dog always has access to plenty of fresh, cool water. Make it a habit to always bring a bottle of water on walks and offer your dog to drink.
- Offer frozen enrichment, such as a Kong, Toppl, or LickiMat stuffed with wet dog food (note: start with small amounts when introducing new food to avoid digestive upset).
- If you have outdoor space, consider setting up a small doggy pool — but only allow your dog to use it if it’s in the shade and not during the hottest part of the day. If it’s too hot or you don’t have a garden, you can place a wet towel on the floor indoors or offer a cooling mat for your dog to lie on.
Summer is a wonderful time for outdoor adventures with your dog. Keep these safety tips in mind to make every outing fun and safe for both of you!
