July 09, 2025 | Dog

Summer Weather Care Guide For Dogs: How Can I Take Care Of My Dog In The Warm Weather

In this article, we’ll look at how to keep your dog safe, comfortable and healthy during the warmer months. We’ll cover key areas such as how to keep your dog hydrated, ways to create a cool and shaded space for them and how much activity is suitable in hot weather. You’ll also learn how to spot signs of heat stroke, when it’s safe to leave your dog alone and how to manage their grooming routine in summer. We’ll also discuss whether your dog’s coat or collar needs adjusting to suit the season. If you’re unsure about your dog’s needs in warm weather, it’s always best to speak to your vet.

Key Takeaways

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article regarding taking care of your dog in warm weather:

Always provide fresh, cool water that is easily accessible indoors and outdoors
Ensure your dog has access to shaded, well-ventilated areas both inside and outside
Avoid walking or exercising your dog during the hottest parts of the day, usually between 11am and 3pm
Watch for signs of heatstroke such as heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, unsteadiness, or collapsing
Regular grooming, especially for dogs with thick or long coats, helps them stay comfortable in warm weather

Keeping your dog hydrated

Making sure your dog stays hydrated is one of the most important things you can do during warm weather. Always provide fresh, cool water and make sure it's easily accessible both indoors and in the garden. Topping up their bowl regularly and adding a few ice cubes can help keep the water cool and more appealing to drink. You can also try offering hydrating treats, such as frozen dog-safe snacks or ice cubes made from low-salt stock. Adding a little water to their food, especially if they usually eat dry food, can also help increase their fluid intake.

Create dedicated areas for your dog to stay cool and shaded

During hot weather, it’s important to provide your dog with safe, shaded spaces where they can rest and cool down. Make sure there are shaded areas available both inside and outside your home. Indoors, keep curtains closed during the hottest part of the day and create a breezy spot using fans or open windows.

Outdoors, natural shade from trees or shrubs can provide relief, while a large stone or tiled area in a shaded corner can stay cool and provide a comfortable place to lie down. You might also want to set up a shaded structure like a gazebo, pergola with climbing plants, or an umbrella to create a more dedicated spot in the garden.

Cooling mats, damp towels, or a shallow paddling pool can also help your dog regulate their body temperature.

Ensure they're active at the right times of the day

Keeping your dog active is still important in summer, but it’s essential to choose the right times of day. Avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day, typically between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is strongest and the ground can become uncomfortably hot for their paws.

Instead, aim for early morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable. This helps reduce the risk of heatstroke and makes the walk more enjoyable for your dog. If it’s too warm even at these times, consider indoor exercise via play or gentle mental stimulation instead.

Check your dog for signs of heatstroke regularly

Research supported by Dogs Trust found that nearly 60% of heatstroke cases in dogs occurred during just 40 days of that year’s heatwaves. The most common causes were exercise (over half of all cases), followed by being in a hot environment, and then being left in hot vehicles [1].

To keep your dog safe, check them regularly for signs of heatstroke. These may include:

Heavy panting
Drooling
Bright red gums
Vomiting
Unsteadiness
Collapsing

If you spot any of these symptoms, move your dog to a cool place, offer them small amounts of water, and contact your vet as soon as possible. Prevention is key, so always be cautious about heat and activity during warmer days.

Never leave your dog in a hot car with no access to fresh air, and only exercise them during cooler parts of the day.

Don't leave them unattended

Heatstroke can develop quickly in dogs and can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. According to a survey by the British Veterinary Association following the summer of 2022, one in ten vets reported seeing a dog with heatstroke after being left in a hot car. [2].

Leaving your dog alone in a car, even for a short time, can be extremely dangerous. Cars can heat up very quickly, even on milder days, and this can lead to fatal heatstroke. Opening the windows slightly does not make it safe. If you need to travel with your dog, try to do so during the cooler parts of the day and make sure they have access to fresh water and shade during your journey.

If you need to leave the car and cannot take your dog with you, do not bring them in the first place.

Regularly grooming

Grooming plays an important role in helping your dog stay cool during warmer weather. Regular brushing helps remove excess fur and prevents matting, which can trap heat and make your dog uncomfortable. This is especially important for breeds with long or thick coats, as they may struggle more in the heat.

You don’t necessarily need to clip your dog’s coat short, as some breeds benefit from having their natural coat intact for protection from the sun. However, keeping their coat well-maintained through regular grooming can make a big difference in helping them regulate their body temperature. If you’re unsure what’s best for your dog’s breed, speak to your vet or a professional groomer for advice.

Consider accessories such as cooling coats and collars

To help your dog cope with the heat, you may want to use accessories designed to keep them cool. Cooling coats, vests or collars can be particularly helpful for dogs that are prone to overheating or have thick, heavy coats [3].

They can be especially useful during walks or when your dog is spending time outside. Just remember, they should always be used alongside other cooling measures, such as providing shade and fresh water and never as a replacement for safe behaviour during hot weather.

Final Thoughts from Vicki

Taking good care of your dog during warm weather is essential to keep them safe, comfortable and healthy. By ensuring they have plenty of fresh water, shaded areas to rest, and exercise at cooler times of the day, you can help prevent heat-related problems. Regularly checking for signs of heatstroke and never leaving your dog unattended in hot environments, especially cars, are vital precautions.

Grooming your dog and considering cooling accessories can also support their comfort during the summer months. If you have any concerns about your dog’s well-being in the heat, it is always best to seek advice from your vet.

Sources

[1] New research from the RVC suggests human heat-health alerts could help prevent heatstroke in dogs - Royal Veterinary College

[2] Vets see five times more heatstroke cases during extremely hot weather – dog owners urged to prepare against summer heat tragedy | British Veterinary Association

[3] (a) Close-up of cooling vest (PCM-CV) with cooling pads. (b) An MWD... - Research Gate