How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather
Dog training clicker and whistle used for positive reinforcement training
When the weather gets warmer, it can be tempting to carry on with your dog’s normal routine.
The usual walk.
The usual game of fetch.
The usual trip out in the car.
But hot weather changes things for dogs.
Dogs do not manage heat in the same way we do. They mainly cool themselves through panting, and when the temperature rises, especially during exercise, they can overheat quickly.
So in warmer weather, the kindest thing you can do is adjust the plan.
Your dog does not have to “get their walk”
One of the most common worries owners have is that their dog still needs their usual walk.
But on very hot days, missing a walk is often the safer choice.
Your dog does not need to be exercised in the heat just because it is part of their normal routine. A calm day at home, with shade, water and enrichment, is far better than risking overheating.
Dogs can suffer heat-related illness from exercise in hot weather, and hot walks can be dangerous.
A missed walk will not harm your dog.
A walk in unsafe heat might.
Walk early, keep it short, or skip it
If you do walk your dog in hot weather, choose the coolest part of the day.
Early morning is usually best. Evenings can still be warm, especially after pavements and roads have held heat throughout the day.
Keep walks shorter than normal, stay in shaded areas where possible, and avoid intense exercise such as ball throwing, running or long training sessions.
The goal is not to tire your dog out.
The goal is to keep them safe.
Be careful with pavements
Hot pavements, roads and artificial surfaces can be uncomfortable or even painful for dogs’ paws.
If the ground feels hot to your hand, it is likely too hot for your dog’s paws.
Choose shaded grass where possible, avoid walking during the hottest part of the day, and remember that dark surfaces can hold heat long after the sun has moved.
Provide shade and fresh water
Your dog should always have access to clean, fresh water.
In hot weather, this becomes even more important. Have water available at home, in the garden, and when you go out.
Make sure your dog has shaded areas to rest in, both indoors and outdoors. Some dogs will naturally seek out cool floors, shaded corners or breezy areas, so give them options.
You can also use cooling mats, damp towels, paddling pools or frozen treats, as long as your dog is comfortable with them and not forced to use them.
Swap exercise for calm enrichment
If it is too hot for a proper walk, you can still give your dog something useful to do.
Try calm indoor activities such as:
Scatter feeding
Snuffle mats
Lick mats
Simple scent games
Chews
Gentle training practice
Practising settle on a mat
These activities help your dog use their brain without raising their body temperature in the same way as physical exercise.
A few minutes of calm scent work can be far more appropriate than a hot, fast walk.
Avoid over-exciting games
Some dogs will keep going even when they are too hot.
This is especially true for dogs who love chasing, retrieving or running. They may not naturally stop themselves soon enough.
In hot weather, avoid repeated ball throwing, high-energy games, or anything that encourages your dog to sprint again and again.
It is our job to manage the environment and make sensible choices for them.
Never leave your dog in a hot car
Dogs should not be left in cars in warm weather.
Even with windows open, cars can heat up quickly and become dangerous. If you cannot take your dog with you safely, it is usually better to leave them at home.
This also applies to conservatories, poorly ventilated rooms, caravans and anywhere else that can heat up quickly.
Know the signs of heatstroke
Heatstroke is serious and can become life-threatening.
Signs can include:
Heavy panting
Excessive drooling
Weakness or wobbliness
Lethargy
Red or very pale gums
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Confusion
Collapse
If you think your dog may be overheating, move them to a cool shaded area, start cooling them with cool water, and contact your vet immediately.
Do not wait to see if they improve.
Some dogs are more at risk
Any dog can overheat, but some dogs need extra care in warm weather.
This includes:
Puppies
Older dogs
Overweight dogs
Flat-faced breeds
Dogs with thick coats
Dogs with medical conditions
Very energetic dogs who struggle to stop
If your dog falls into one of these groups, be especially cautious.
Training still matters in hot weather
Hot weather is a good reminder that training is not just about teaching behaviours.
It is also about helping dogs cope calmly with everyday life.
Teaching your dog to settle, relax, respond to cues, take breaks, and enjoy calm enrichment can make hot days much easier.
Instead of relying only on physical exercise, you can help your dog learn that quiet time is valuable too.
That is useful all year round, not just in summer.
Final thought
In hot weather, the safest choice is often the simplest one.
Walk early, keep it short, avoid the midday heat, provide shade and water, and do not feel guilty about skipping a walk when it is too hot.
Your dog does not need to be exhausted every day.
They need to be safe, comfortable and understood.
Sometimes the best thing you can do for your dog in the heat is very little at all.
Calm, Practical Dog Training in Richmond & SW London
If you'd like help with recall, engagement, puppy training or building stronger communication with your dog, I offer private, force-free dog training across Richmond, Teddington, Twickenham, Kingston and surrounding areas.
Training is tailored to your dog, your goals and the situations you face every day.
The aim isn't just teaching behaviours.
It's helping you communicate more clearly with your dog and enjoy the process of learning together.
