Quick Answer:In hot weather, use the 5 second pavement test (back of your hand on the ground; if you cannot hold it for 5 seconds, it is too hot for paws). Walk early morning or late evening and always carry water. Heatstroke is a veterinary emergency: if your dog pants heavily, drools, or staggers, cool them and see a vet immediately. |
I love summer. The long evenings, the beach trips, the fact that the dogs can finally roll in every puddle they find without me worrying about the cold. But summer also brings some real risks for our dogs, and a few of them are genuinely life threatening.
This is the blog I wish someone had handed me in my first summer with Benson. So here it is: everything I have learned about keeping dogs safe when the temperature climbs.
The 5 Second Pavement Test
This is the single most important thing in this blog. If you remember nothing else, remember this.
How to do it:
Press the back of your hand flat against the pavement (tarmac, concrete, paving slabs). Hold it there.
If you cannot keep your hand there for a full 5 seconds because it is too hot, the pavement is too hot for your dog's paws.
That is it. Five seconds. Back of your hand.
At 25°C air temperature, tarmac and artificial grass can reach 52°C. At 30°C, it can hit 57°C or higher. That is hot enough to cause burns and blisters on your dog's paw pads within seconds.
What to do if it fails the test:
- Walk on grass instead
- Walk early morning (before 8am is best) or late evening (after 7pm)
- Consider paw protection (more on that below)
- Or simply skip the walk. A missed walk is better than burned paws
Gus, our Frenchie, refuses to walk in the heat anyway. He takes three steps out the front door, sits down, and looks at me as if I have personally offended him. Honestly, he is the smartest one among all of us. 🐾
Heatstroke: This Is a Vet Emergency
I am going to be very direct here. Heatstroke kills dogs. It is a veterinary emergency. If you suspect heatstroke, do not wait. Get your dog to a vet immediately.
Signs of heatstroke in dogs:
✔️ Excessive, heavy panting that does not settle
✔️ Drooling (thick, sticky saliva)
✔️ Bright red or purple gums
✔️ Vomiting or diarrhoea
✔️ Wobbling, staggering, or loss of coordination
✔️ Confusion or glazed eyes
✔️ Collapse
✔️ Seizures
What to do if you suspect heatstroke:
- Move your dog to a cool, shaded area immediately.
- Offer small amounts of cool (not ice cold) water. Do not force them to drink.
- Pour cool (not cold) water over their body. Focus on the neck, armpits, and groin where blood vessels are close to the surface. Do NOT use ice or freezing water as this can cause shock.
- Place cool, wet towels on them but change the towels frequently. A wet towel left in place traps heat.
- If your dog is in or near a car, turn the air conditioning on to help cool them down quickly.
- Get to a vet as quickly as possible. Even if your dog seems to recover, internal damage may have occurred. They need professional assessment.
Flat faced breeds: extra risk
This one is personal. We have Frenchies and Bulldogs, so I know this well.
Brachycephalic breeds (flat faced dogs like French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Boston Terriers) are at significantly higher risk of heatstroke. Their shortened airways make it harder for them to cool down through panting, which is a dog's primary cooling mechanism.
If you have a flat faced breed, you need to be even more cautious in hot weather. Shorter walks, more rest, always in the shade, and honestly, if it is really hot, just stay inside.
Summer (one of our dogs, yes that is her actual name) is already dealing with her allergies being worse in the heat, so adding heatstroke risk on top is something I am always mindful of. The heat seems to make everything flare up more for dogs with sensitivities.
Hydration: More Than Just a Bowl of Water
Dogs need more water in hot weather. That seems obvious, but the practicalities matter.
At home:
✔️ Multiple water bowls in different rooms and outside
✔️ Refresh water regularly (warm, stale water is less appealing)
✔️ Consider a water fountain if your dog prefers running water
✔️ Add ice cubes to the bowl on very hot days (most dogs love fishing them out)
On walks:
✔️ Always carry a portable water bottle and bowl
✔️ Offer water every 15 to 20 minutes on warm days
✔️ Know where water sources are on your route (but avoid stagnant water)
Fun hydration ideas:
- Frozen treats: freeze dog safe broth in ice cube trays or Kong toys
- Watermelon pieces (seedless, no rind): most dogs love these and they are mostly water
- A paddling pool in the garden (BamBam's favourite, obviously)
Cooling Tips That Actually Work
Not all cooling advice you see online is helpful. Here is what actually works:
Do this:
✔️ Provide shade. If you are in the garden, set up a parasol or pop up tent.
✔️ Cooling mats work well for many dogs. They activate with pressure and do not need freezing.
✔️ Wet a towel with cool water and lay it out for your dog to lie on (but change it regularly).
✔️ A fan in the room helps, especially on cool tiles or laminate flooring.
✔️ Walk near water if your dog likes to paddle. BamBam will find any body of water within a mile radius and get in it.
Skip this:
- Shaving a double coated dog. Their coat actually provides insulation from heat as well as cold. Shaving can increase sunburn risk.
- Ice baths. Too cold, too fast. This can cause shock and make things worse.
- Leaving your dog in the car. Ever. Even with the windows cracked. Even for "just a minute." Cars heat up terrifyingly fast.
Summer Paw Care
Hot pavements are the obvious risk, but summer is hard on paws in general. Sand, salt water, rough terrain on dry ground, and longer walks all take their toll.
Signs your dog's paws need attention:
- Licking or chewing at their paws more than usual
- Visible cracks or dryness on the paw pads
- Limping or reluctance to walk on certain surfaces
- Red or raw looking pads
A good paw balm can help support and soothe dry, cracked paw pads. Our Nose & Paw Care collection includes balms formulated by qualified herbalists and nutritionists to help maintain healthy paw pads, especially during the summer months when they are working harder.
BamBam's paws take a beating from the beach and the sea, so we use paw balm regularly through the summer. It has become part of the post walk routine: wipe paws, check between toes, apply balm if they look dry.
Your Summer Dog Care Checklist
Print this, screenshot it, stick it on the fridge. Whatever works.
Before every summer walk:
✔️ Do the 5 second pavement test
✔️ Pack water and a portable bowl
✔️ Check the time (aim for before 8am or after 7pm)
✔️ Plan a route with shade and grass
✔️ For flat faced breeds: keep it short or miss a walk
At home:
✔️ Multiple fresh water bowls, changed regularly
✔️ Shade available in the garden
✔️ Cooling mat or damp towel on the floor
✔️ Frozen treats prepared in the freezer
✔️ Never, ever leave your dog in the car
Weekly:
✔️ Check paw pads for cracks, dryness, or damage
✔️ Apply paw balm if needed
✔️ Monitor for allergy flare ups (heat can make these worse)
✔️ Watch for changes in appetite or energy (could be heat related)
Know the emergency signs:
✔️ Excessive panting, drooling, staggering, bright red gums, collapse
✔️ This is a vet emergency. Do not wait.
One Last Thing
Summer should be fun. Beach days, garden laziness, long light evenings. I do not want anyone reading this to be anxious about taking their dog outside.
But a bit of awareness goes a long way. The 5 second hand test takes no time at all. Carrying water is easy. And knowing the signs of heatstroke could save your dog's life.
If you want to explore our full range of natural dog care products, including our Nose & Paw Care collection and Natural Grooming range, everything is trusted by over 400,000 dogs and formulated by qualified herbalists and nutritionists.
Enjoy the sunshine. Be sensible. And if your dog is anything like Gus, respect the sit down protest. He knows what he is doing. 🐾
FAQs
#1: How hot is too hot to walk a dog?
Use the 5 second pavement test: press the back of your hand to the ground. If you cannot hold it for 5 seconds, the surface is too hot for your dog's paws. As a general guide, be cautious above 20°C and avoid pavement walks above 25°C. Walk on grass or wait for cooler parts of the day.
#2: What are the first signs of heatstroke in dogs?
The earliest signs are excessive, heavy panting that does not settle and thick, sticky drooling. This can progress to bright red or purple gums, vomiting, staggering, confusion, and collapse. Heatstroke is a veterinary emergency. If you see these signs, cool your dog down with cool (not ice cold) water and get to a vet immediately.
#3: Are flat faced dogs more at risk in hot weather?
Yes. Brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus have shortened airways that make it harder for them to cool down by panting. They are at significantly higher risk of heatstroke and need extra care in warm weather, including shorter walks, more shade, and staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day.
#4: How can I protect my dog's paws in summer?
Do the 5 second pavement test before every walk. Walk on grass when possible, and time your walks for early morning or late evening. Check your dog's paw pads regularly for cracks or dryness, and use a paw balm to help soothe and maintain healthy pads throughout the summer.
#5: How much water does a dog need in hot weather?
Dogs generally need more water in warm weather, though the exact amount depends on their size, breed, and activity level. Always have fresh water available at home in multiple locations, and carry a portable bowl on walks. Offer water every 15 to 20 minutes during warm weather walks and watch for signs of dehydration such as dry gums or lethargy.
