Keeping Your Dog Safe in Hot Weather: A Complete Summer Guide

As the temperatures rise, most of us can't wait to get outside and enjoy the sun. But while we might love the warmer weather, our dogs can struggle to cope with the heat.

At The Bark Studio, summer is one of the busiest times of year for owners asking how to keep their dogs cool and comfortable. Heatstroke can develop quickly, so knowing how to protect your dog is really important.

Being a dog grooming salon of 7 years and previously having a dog walking branch to the business there's a lot of Info we think will be useful to dog owners this summer. 

Here's our guide to helping your four-legged friend stay safe during hot weather.

When Is It Safe to Walk Your Dog?

One of the biggest mistakes owners make is walking their dog during the hottest part of the day.

During warm weather, aim to walk your dog:

🌅 Early in the morning (before 9am) 🌇 Later in the evening (after 7pm)

These cooler times help reduce the risk of overheating and burnt paws.

Check the Pavement

An easy test is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds.

If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws. Pavements, artificial grass and sand can become a lot hotter than the air temperature.

Signs Your Dog Is Too Hot

Look out for:

• Excessive panting
• Thick drool
• Bright red gums or tongue
• Lethargic behaviour
• Vomiting
• Confusion or wobbling
• Collapse

If you think your dog has heatstroke:

• Move them somewhere cool immediately.
• Offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water.
• Pour cool water over their body, focusing on the belly, paws and neck.
• Contact your vet straight away.

Simple Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool

Keeping your dog comfortable doesn't have to be difficult.

Try these simple ideas:

💧 Always provide fresh, cool water.

🧊 Freeze treats such as dog-safe peanut butter, banana or natural yoghurt inside toys or on lock mats

🌳 Keep them in the shade whenever possible.

🌀 Use cooling mats or fans to create a comfortable resting space.

🏊 If your dog enjoys water, let them paddle safely in a paddling pool.

🚗 Never leave your dog in a parked car, even with the windows open. Temperatures inside vehicles can rise a lot within minutes.

Fun Alternatives When It's Too Hot to Walk

Dogs still need mental stimulation, even if outdoor walks aren't safe.

Here are some great ways to keep them entertained indoors:

Hide & Seek

Hide treats or favourite toys around the house and let your dog sniff them out.

Frozen Treat Time

Freeze healthy dog-friendly snacks in ice cube trays or toys to keep them occupied.

Puzzle Feeders

Swap the food bowl for puzzle toys or slow feeders to make mealtimes more stimulating.

Dog Soft Play

There's dog soft plays in the northwest, we are actually taking our two for a play session at Wag n Waves later today in Liverpool. Check our socials for pictures 😊

Snuffle Mats

Scatter your dog's kibble in a snuffle mat and let them use their incredible sense of smell to find every piece.

Mental stimulation can be just as tiring as a long walk.

Should You Groom Your Dog More Often in Summer?

Many owners think shaving their dog will keep them cooler, but that's not always the case.

Some breeds have double coats that actually help regulate body temperature and protect their skin from the sun. Shaving these breeds can sometimes do more harm than good.

At The Bark Studio, we'll always recommend the most suitable groom for your dog's breed and coat type.

Regular brushing, de-shedding treatments and professional grooming remove loose coat, improve airflow through the fur and help keep your dog much more comfortable during warmer months.

Enjoy Summer Safely

Summer should be full of fun memories with your dog.

By choosing cooler walking times, keeping your dog hydrated, providing plenty of mental stimulation and staying aware of the signs of overheating, you can enjoy the sunshine safely together.

If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Have a fantastic summer—and remember, if it's too hot for you, it's probably too hot for your dog too! 🐾