Every summer, dogs die from heatstroke after being walked in the heat. Every one of those deaths was avoidable. So here's the hard truth: on a hot day, the walk is for you, not your dog. Missing a walk won't hurt your dog. Heatstroke could kill them.
We know how tempting it is. The sun's out, you want to get outside, and your dog is bouncing by the door. But dogs can't sweat like we can. They cool down mainly by panting, which simply doesn't work well when the air around them is hot. They will keep running and playing to please you long after they should have stopped, and by the time they show signs of struggling, they can already be in serious trouble.
If in doubt, don't go out
On very hot days, the kindest thing you can do is skip the walk altogether. A day or two without a walk will do your dog no harm at all. Keep them cool indoors and use the tips below to keep their brains busy instead.
If it's warm rather than scorching:
- Walk early in the morning or late in the evening, when it's coolest. Midday is never the time.
- Do the seven second test. Put the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for their paws.
- Keep it short and slow. A gentle sniff around the block is plenty. No running, ball throwing or long hikes.
- Stick to the shade, and carry plenty of water for your dog, offering it often.
Some dogs are at even greater risk
Any dog can get heatstroke, but some are especially vulnerable:
- Flat-faced breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs, bulldogs and boxers
- Older dogs and young puppies
- Overweight dogs
- Dogs with thick or dark coats
- Dogs with heart or breathing problems
For these dogs, even a warm day can be dangerous.
Know the signs of heatstroke
Heatstroke is an emergency. Watch out for:
- Heavy panting that doesn't settle with rest
- Drooling, a bright red tongue or gums
- Seeming tired, weak, wobbly or confused
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Collapse or fitting
What to do if you think your dog has heatstroke
Cool them down immediately and call your vet straight away. Move them into the shade or somewhere cool, pour cool (not ice-cold) water over them, and let them drink small amounts. Keep cooling them on the way to the vet, with the car windows open or air conditioning on. Every minute counts.
Never leave a dog in a car
Not even for "just five minutes", not even with the windows open. A car can become an oven in minutes, even on a day that doesn't feel especially hot to you.
Keeping them happy at home
Skipping a walk doesn't mean a boring day. Try:
- Frozen treats, like a stuffed Kong or our tuna ice cubes from keeping dogs cool in a heatwave
- Snuffle mats and scatter feeding to get their nose working
- Short training sessions to learn a new trick
- A paddling pool in a shady part of the garden
- A cool mat or damp towel to lie on, and a fan in their favourite room
Your dog trusts you to make the right decision for them. On a hot day, that decision is simple: keep them cool, keep them calm, and save the long walks for cooler weather.
If you're ever worried about your dog in the heat, call your vet immediately. It's never worth the risk.