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How to stop your dog from overheating in the hot weather, according to an expert
With over a decade of experience at Which?, Tom covers everything from tech advice to money-saving tips, and highlights the best deals during major sales events.
When temperatures rise, it’s essential to protect your dog from overheating, whether you're out walking or relaxing at home.
To help pet owners navigate hot spells, we checked in with Caroline Reay, veterinary standards lead at the animal welfare charity Blue Cross.
Caroline shares practical advice on spotting the early signs of heatstroke and explains why products such as cooling coats aren't always as effective as they seem, as they can quickly warm up and trap heat.
Keep scrolling for our top tips on keeping your pet cool and comfortable, along with some easy homemade frozen treats your pooch is sure to enjoy.
- Don't take your dog out if it's too hot As temperatures rise above 20°C, the risk of heatstroke increases, especially for overweight dogs, very young or elderly pets, and breeds with thick coats or flat faces.
- Learn how to identify heatstroke Watch for signs of overheating, such as excessive panting or heavy breathing. More serious symptoms can include vomiting, collapse or seizures.
- Consider cooling products There are various products designed to help keep dogs cool in hot weather, including cooling mats, cooling coats and paddling pools. We take a closer look at the different options further down the page.
- Tackle excess fur Brush your pet regularly to remove loose fur and help air circulate through their coat.
- Never leave your dog alone in the car Even in the shade, it only takes a few minutes for a car to become dangerously hot.
Walking dogs in hot weather
A walk in the summer sun might sound appealing, especially if your dog is already waiting by the door in anticipation. But when temperatures rise, it can do more harm than good. Some dogs are also more vulnerable to heat than others.
Caroline said: ‘Flat-faced dog breeds, such as French bulldogs and pugs, can struggle in hot temperatures, along with overweight pets, very young or elderly animals and those with thick coats.’
Once temperatures rise above 20°C, dogs can be at greater risk of heat-related illness, so it’s worth taking extra care before heading out for a walk – especially if your pet is older or is carrying excess weight.
It's also important to remember heatstroke isn't only caused by hot weather.
Long walks, vigorous exercise or extended periods of excited play can cause dogs to overheat, even when the temperature feels comfortable. Make sure your dog has regular opportunities to rest, cool down and drink water.
Are black dogs more likely to overheat?
Many owners worry that black dogs are more likely to suffer from heatstroke because dark colours absorb more heat. While darker coats can become warmer in direct sunlight, animal welfare charities say there's no evidence black dogs are at greater risk of heatstroke than dogs with lighter-coloured coats.
According to Blue Cross, factors such as breed, age, weight and overall health have a much bigger influence on a dog's ability to cope with hot weather.
Regardless of coat colour, it's best to avoid walking dogs during the hottest part of the day, carry water and watch for signs of heat-related illness, including excessive panting, drooling and lethargy.
Caroline added: ‘For times when you can’t avoid going out on pavements, for example if your pet needs a quick toilet break, try to avoid periods when the entrance or exit is in direct sunlight. You can also bring a towel to place over the pavement to help your pet reach the grass safely.’
To check whether a pavement is too hot for your dog, place your hand on the surface for five seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your pet.
Protective boots are available to help shield dogs’ paws from hot surfaces, but Caroline doesn’t recommend them.
She said: ‘Protective boots aren’t the best option. If the temperature has climbed high enough to risk damage to your pet’s paws, we'd recommend reconsidering where you're letting them walk or avoiding hot times of day.’
Attaching a lead to a dog harness gives you more control over your pet than a traditional collar. See our guide to the best dog harnesses.
How to identify heatstroke in dogs
It's important to familiarise yourself with the signs of heatstroke so you can spot them early and act quickly.
Early signs that your dog might be struggling with the heat include:
- Panting
- Slowing down or stopping on walks
- Fast or heavy breathing.
As overheating worsens, you may notice drooling or your dog lying down and becoming reluctant to move. More serious symptoms can include vomiting, collapse or seizures. If you think your dog has heatstroke, start cooling them down immediately, using cool – but not freezing – water and contact a vet.
If your dog shows any signs of heatstroke, start cooling them by moving them out of the heat and gently pouring cold water over them.
Wetting the stomach and other thin-furred areas can help cool a pet quickly. However, if they have heatstroke, continuously pouring cold water over their entire body is likely to be more effective than targeting specific areas alone.
For pets with thick or waterproof coats, make sure the water reaches the skin – you can check this by parting the fur to see whether it's fully saturated, which will help cool them more effectively.
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Food and drink for hot weather
Fresh, clean water is essential during warmer weather, and adding ice cubes can help keep it cool. You can also offer your dog a few refreshing treats to help them beat the heat.
The Blue Cross website recommends homemade peanut butter bites, which you can make by mixing yoghurt and peanut butter in a bowl. Add small chunks of apple, making sure you've removed the core, pips and stalk first.
However, Caroline notes such treats should only given in moderation, as calorie-dense ingredients such as peanut butter can contribute to weight gain if fed too often.
Dog-friendly ice creams are becoming increasingly common in supermarkets, coffee shops and even some kiosks. Caroline said: 'These are safe, but should be given – like any treat – in moderation as they are quite calorific. Owners should avoid feeding their pets human ice cream, as this can contain harmful ingredients for dogs.
'This includes lactose, the sugar found in dairy milk, which dogs can’t digest and may cause stomach upsets. Flavours and additives can also be dangerous. For example, chocolate is toxic to dogs.'
A tip from our team
'In hot weather, I freeze bone broth into ice cubes and give them to my dog, Peggy.
'These mini snacks are a simple, mess-free treat that helps keep her cool and hydrated. The sound of the freezer opening is usually enough to get her attention. She really loves the taste, and they keep her occupied for a little while too. Plus, I like knowing they're nutritious for her.'
Jade Harding, Which? Content Editor (owner of Peggy the whippet)
Keeping your home cool
During heatwaves, Caroline says it's often best to keep pets indoors during the hottest parts of the day. Even so, some rooms can heat up quickly in the sunshine and become uncomfortably warm.
She said: 'This is especially true in rooms with lots of windows and limited airflow. Conservatories and porch areas can be particularly dangerous and may put pets at risk of heatstroke.
'I recommend keeping your pet in a shaded room, such as one with the curtains closed, and opening windows if it's safe to do so, especially when the air outside is cooler or there's a breeze.'
You could also place a fan near your dog's usual resting spot to help improve airflow. Make sure they have enough space to move away from the breeze if they want to, and always ensure they have access to fresh drinking water.
See our expert guide to the best fans for cooling for a pleasant, quiet breeze, or discover the best portable air conditioners.
Cooling mats and coats
From cooling mats and coats to paddling pools, there are plenty of products designed to help keep pets comfortable in hot weather. But how effective are they?
Cooling mats are generally safe for dogs to use, as many contain non-toxic gel. However, Caroline advises checking the packaging carefully before use, especially if your dog is prone to chewing toys or bedding.
She said: 'It's also worth remembering that cooling mats often warm up to body temperature after a short time, so they don't always keep pets cool for long.'
The same applies to cooling coats. Caroline explains: 'Cooling coats might seem like a good idea and can help cool your pet down initially, but they often warm up to body temperature quite quickly and can end up acting like a jacket, trapping heat instead.'
A tip from our team
'We bought cooling mats for our two Boston Terriers to help keep them cool on car journeys across Europe. We tried to get them used to the mats before we set off, but they have a habit of scratching and circling to make their bed before settling down. Unfortunately, the cooling mats weren't spared.
'This meant they had sprung leaks in a few places before we'd even taken them anywhere. My husband tried to rescue the mats with a puncture repair kit, but it was just a short stay of execution for them, and they were soon weeping again – and then quickly into the bin. Not something we'll be shelling out for again.
'We did find another way to keep our dogs cool on longer journeys, though. They love cheese more than anything, so I always travel with a few mini Babybels. I crush half of one into a few chunks and drop them into their water bowl during our stops. They go Babybel bobbing while keeping themselves hydrated at the same time.'
Daniella Delaney Mendes, Which? Senior Editor (owner of Mr Darcy and Lizzy the Boston terriers)
Blue Cross advice says dogs can eat cheese (except for blue cheese), but like all treats, it must be given occasionally and in moderation alongside a healthy diet. Avoid cheese with added ingredients that could cause a dog harm, such as onion, garlic or herbs.
Paddling pools for dogs
Dogs release heat through their paws, so a quick dip in a shaded paddling pool can help them cool down quickly. Pools designed specifically for dogs typically cost £30 or less. If you have more than one dog, you might need to buy a bigger pool.
The Blue Cross advises filling the pool halfway with cold (but not freezing) water and adding some of your dog’s favourite toys to encourage them to get in and enjoy it. Some dogs will jump right in, while others might need some gentle encouragement.
Amazon sells pools of various sizes suitable for dogs, including:
A tip from our team
'I bought a fold-away paddling pool for my dog to help her cope with the heat. I knew she’d probably claw her way through an inflatable one by accident, so I chose one with sturdier sides. She doesn’t lie down in it completely, but she enjoys standing in the middle with her toy while I splash her fur.
'Although water can help keep your dog cool, energetic play in a pool can still lead to overheating. It's best to encourage regular breaks and avoid overexertion.'
Tom Morgan, Which? Senior Consumer Writer (owner of Luna the Husky)
Dogs and hot cars
You should never leave your dog in a car. Even
Caroline said: 'While it might feel cool in the car while you're driving, that’s often due to the active cooling from fans or air conditioning. In reality, the vehicle’s internal temperature can be much higher than you realise. Simply putting the windows down is not enough to prevent the heat from rising. Deaths from heatstroke in hot cars are entirely avoidable, so it’s never worth the risk.'
Read next: We spoke to three veterinary nutrition experts and more than 1,400 dog owners to find the UK’s best dog food brands.
