Exercising dogs safely in hot weather 

What is heatstroke? 

Heatstroke occurs when core body temperature becomes too high, and the animal’s normal cooling mechanisms cannot lower it again. 

Most dogs will maintain a normal temperature during hot weather by modifying their behaviour, including resting more and seeking shade and water. Some physical changes will also occur, such as blood vessels dilating near the skin’s surface to allow heat to be lost through radiation. Panting also encourages heat loss through evaporation of fluid from the tongue and respiratory tract. Dogs do sweat a small amount through their paws too. 

While these methods work well most of the time, when environmental conditions are overwhelming, your dog’s core temperature could rise uncontrollably. This will lead to heatstroke which can cause organ damage and death. 

What dogs are most at risk from heatstroke? 

While any dog could suffer from heatstroke, some pets are more at risk than others. These include –  

Very energetic dogs or those that continue to exercise as normal in high temperatures  

It’s very easy for dogs to get carried away and hyper-focused on their game, not realising they’re too hot until they collapse. It’s been shown that three-quarters of heatstroke cases are exercise-induced, which is why we are highlighting this risk factor first. This is often referred to as exertional heat related illness, with young, active male dogs most at risk. 

Brachycephalic breeds  

Brachycephalic dogs (flat-faced) are at much higher risk of overheating due to their compromised anatomy. Narrow nostrils, constricted windpipes, and excess soft tissue in the back of their throat all interfere with normal cooling mechanisms. 

Breeds with thick coats  

Thick fur traps a layer of air which quickly warms with radiating body heat. While this is great for dogs designed to face icy temperatures, it’s not such a great adaptation for warm weather. One myth that continues to circulate is that thick fur actually provides some protection against high external temperatures and therefore shouldn’t be clipped. This is not true, and this rumour is based on poor thermal imaging evidence, which only detected the dog’s surface temperature rather than their core temperature.  

Large and giant breeds  

Larger breeds are more prone to overheating than smaller ones. Their mass relative to their surface area means that they radiate heat less effectively than a smaller dog. 

Check your pets symptoms

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Dogs with health conditions  

Health conditions such as obesity or respiratory conditions like  laryngeal paralysis or tracheal collapse can increase a pet’s risk of overheating. 

Elderly pets  

Elderly dogs are less able to cope with extreme temperatures than healthy adult pets. This is perhaps due to their increased risk of having underlying respiratory and cardiac issues, though other factors may play a part.  

With all these at-risk categories, extra special care must be taken in warm weather, even when temperatures are not extreme.  

What are the symptoms of heatstroke?  

If your pet is suffering from heatstroke, you may notice one or more of the following signs – 

• Excessive panting 
• Excessive drooling – drool is often thicker than usual 
• Staring, glassy expression 
• Shaking 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Feels hot to the touch 
• Weakness or collapse 
• A change in gum colour (bright red or pale, instead of normal pink) 
• Vomiting or diarrhoea, which may be bloody in appearance 
• Loss of consciousness 
• Seizures 
• Death 

If you suspect heatstroke, you must start cooling your dog immediately, before transporting them to a vet 

What should I do if my dog is suffering from heatstroke? 

Dogs that have been actively cooled before being brought to their vet have a lower mortality rate than those transported straight away. So, if you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, you must – 

• Immediately place them somewhere cool and shady. 
• Soak their coat thoroughly with cool water. Any water that is cooler than your dog’s body temperature will help, so don’t waste time – use whatever you have to hand. Never cover your dog with a damp towel as this will trap body heat. 
• Place an electric fan in front of them, if you have one. 
• Offer them cool water to drink, if they are conscious, but don’t force them to accept it. 
• Ring your vet to tell them that you will be bringing your dog in for further examination and treatment. 

Unfortunately, many owners are left confused about the exact water temperature to use on their pet. Based on social media rumours, they hunt around for water that is lukewarm, but not too cold, for fear of causing their dog to go into shock. This all just wastes precious time.  

Dogs are far more likely to die from their heatstroke than they are from water that is ‘too cold’ or being cooled too rapidly. According to the RSPCA and other sources, the risk of causing shock with icy water is extremely low, so if that’s what you have nearby, use it. Pour it gently all over your pet, soaking them to the skin. You can use a damp towel or sponge to apply water to their head, groin, armpits, or paws, but never cover your pet. 

A damp towel will stop evaporation, trapping body heat and causing your dog’s temperature to continue rising. 

Once you’ve started actively cooling your pet, you can then take them to your nearest veterinary practice where they can continue to support and treat them. 

How do I keep my dog safe this summer? 

The key message is that owners need to be proactive about their pet’s safety during summer, especially with climate change and UK temperatures rising. 

You are probably familiar with most of these tips, but they are always worth highlighting – 

• Always stick to the cooler parts of the day when exercising your pet (early mornings and evenings). If you are unable to take them out at these cooler times, it might be best to skip your walk altogether. No dog has died from missing a walk or two, but plenty have from heatstroke. 
• Think about the type of exercise you are doing with your pet on warm days. A gentle evening stroll in shaded woodland with a stream will be far better than jogging or continuous ball chasing in a sunny park. 
• If your dog enjoys paddling or swimming, this can help keep them cool but make sure they are not over-exerting themselves. Bounding in and out of the water or playing fetch repeatedly can still cause their body temperature to rise. 
• For their normal cooling methods to be effective, your pet must be well hydrated. Drinking water should always be available in warm weather, so consider taking a travel bottle and bowl for your dog if you are out walking. 
• Brush your dog regularly to remove loose fur from their coat. This extra insulation is not ideal in the summer. You may also want to consider having their fur clipped shorter if they have a thick coat. 
• Take extra care with dogs in at-risk groups like brachycephalic breeds or those that are overweight. They can overheat at much lower summer temperatures than other dogs might. 
• Never leave your dog in a stationary car or a conservatory in warm weather. Even if the windows are down, both temperature and humidity will rise quickly, overwhelming your dog’s natural cooling mechanisms.  
• Avoid unnecessary travelling or activity with your pet on hot days or when there is a hot weather warning and keep your dog at home. Your vet will understand and support you if you need to cancel your pet’s routine appointment due to hot weather.  

How can I keep my dog stimulated if I can’t exercise them normally? 

Most owners understand the message about not exercising their pets during hot weather, but struggle with the realities of this. A lack of a normal exercise routine can lead to their pets becoming frustrated, especially in bouncy and active dogs.  

So, on those days when you can’t safely take your pet out for exercise, why not try to tire your dog out with some mental stimulation?  

Training exercises 

Use the time spent at home to work on some training exercises together. This can be simple commands like ‘stay’ or ‘give ‘, through to more complicated tricks like ‘roll over’ or ‘play dead’. Small sessions throughout the day will hold your pet’s concentration better than one long marathon session. Keep your training reward-based to encourage your dog to engage with you.  

Puzzle toys – homemade or shop bought 

Puzzle toys are an excellent way of keeping a dog’s brain ticking. There is a vast array on the market, from rubber Kong toys that you can simply stuff with snacks or kibble, to more advanced toys that require problem-solving. Pets are all different, with cognitive abilities varying considerably between breeds and ages! Try to pick something that is readily achievable for your pet and gradually work upwards. If it’s too taxing, they may get frustrated or bored. 

Homemade puzzle toys can work just as well as shop-bought ones. Why not try filling a cardboard box with scrunched up paper and scattering some treats inside? Rolling a towel up tightly in a burrito style with some treats inside is another option. Placing treats under different plastic plant pots or egg cartons and moving them round to mix them up can encourage deeper thought too. 

Scatter feeding or search games 

Some owners turn mealtimes into a whole activity! Instead of feeding your pet their meal from a bowl, scatter it on the floor. This works well in a textured surface like grass, but it can be done on an easy-to-clean hard floor inside your home. Once your pet has got the hang of this, you could progress things further and start hiding bits of food from them in nearby areas of the house or garden. Pick areas that you don’t mind being rummaged in or licked. Behind plant pots or under their bed works well. If your dog is struggling to find their food, throw pieces nearby to the hidden item or gently guide them to the area. 

Other interactive games 

Hide-and-seek can be a fun interactive game to play at home. Hide yourself behind a door or curtain and then call your pet into the room to see how long it takes them to find you! Praise and reward them when they do. You can build on this by finding trickier hiding places or calling your pet from a greater distance across the house or garden. You could try a simple obstacle course indoors too with reward-based training to encourage them to step over or under things. Weave your pet in and out between cushions or chairs or use a broom as a small jumping pole – just get creative! 

Chewing 

Chewing releases feel-good hormones for dogs, relieving stress and anxiety. This natural behaviour can be encouraged through chews and toys, so make use of these while your dog is sheltering from the sun. Always use a chew item that is ‘tooth-friendly’. It should have enough give for you to dent it with a fingernail. Hard items like bones or antlers are not recommended as they could cause painful tooth fractures, or parts could splinter and be ingested, causing foreign bodies.  

Frozen treats 

Frozen treats provide great mental stimulation and stop your dog from eating snacks too quickly. You can soak kibble or place wet pet food into a Kong toy and then freeze this. Some owners also like to make their own ‘pupsicles’. Just freeze bone broth or diluted low-salt gravy in moulds, but don’t give your pet any lolly sticks in case they swallow them! These snacks can get messy, so feed them outdoors in the shade, or on an easy-to-clean floor in the house.  

Water play 

A paddling pool can be a great way for dogs to keep cool during the summer months. If you have space in your garden, set up a shallow pool in the shade so that they can have a refreshing dip. Kibble, treats or toys can be floated in the water to create a water-bobbing game. 

Water sprinklers can also be good cooling devices in the garden, but just make sure that your dog isn’t getting carried away with them. Chasing and biting water can lead to over exertion, plus your pup may swallow large amounts of water in the process, which can lead to other problems. Alternatively, just gently spritzing your dog down with cool water or a damp sponge at regular intervals can help them to lose body heat through evaporation. 

Remember to reserve some of their daily meal rations for use during these games, so that your pet isn’t getting overfed with too many extras. Also, if your pet is becoming over-excitable by their play, then consider having a break for a while.  

Summary 

Heatstroke is a very real risk for many dogs during the summer months, but there is plenty you can do to avoid it. We recognise that it can be a struggle to keep active dogs rested during heatwaves, but hopefully our suggestions will keep boredom at bay. 

Remember, even if your dog is still keen to go out for walks, it doesn’t mean you should. It is very much down to us to keep our pups safe this summer, so be sensible and make sure you are monitoring your pet’s activity levels on their behalf. 

If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, make sure to ‘get them wet, then take them to a vet’ as it could save their life.